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New law to regulate media, online content in UAE
A new federal law will soon be introduced in the UAE this year to regulate the media, online content and publications, a minister told the Federal National Council (FNC) members.
Minister of Culture and Youth Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi said that her ministry is currently making amendments to Federal Law No.15 of 1980 regarding media and publications.
“In preparing the new draft law, we will consider that it keeps pace with technological progress and modern media alongside traditional media. This is through direct communication with the authorities concerned and people with expertise in the media field so that the law comes out in the best way possible and in proportion to the current time,” said Al Kaabi.
Al Kaabi said there are three aspects to look into for the stratergic monitoring department at the Media Regulatory Office.
Those are print, visual and electronic media content, which are issued within the country and need to be followed up and monitored.
The task is also to monitor and follow up on what content is being circulated by the media in the country, make a periodical report and then submit it to the authorities.
“The strategic monitoring department periodically submits reports on what is published by various communication channels, including online content, evaluates its negative and positive effects.”
She added, “Those [contents] found in violation of the rules are submitted to the relevant authorities to take appropriate action.”
The minister also pointed out that there is a close cooperation between Media Regulatory Office and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), when dealing with content circulated online and broadcast during times of crisis and emergency.
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified six situations in which employees may not receive compensation for workplace injuries or occupational diseases.
The rules are part of the country’s occupational health and safety framework, which aims to reduce workplace accidents while ensuring employers and employees follow safety standards.
When compensation can be denied
According to MoHRE, employees may lose their right to compensation if they:
- Intentionally injure themselves.
- Are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances at the time of the incident.
- Deliberately ignore clearly displayed workplace safety instructions.
- Cause the injury through intentional misconduct.
- Refuse, without a valid reason, to undergo a medical examination or follow prescribed treatment.
- Are found by authorities to have intentionally violated workplace safety regulations.
Employer responsibilities
Under UAE labour laws, employers must provide a safe workplace by:
- Supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge.
- Training employees on workplace safety.
- Conducting health checks where required.
- Keeping records of workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
- Reporting workplace accidents to the relevant medical and police authorities.
Employers are also required to investigate workplace incidents and maintain health records for employees exposed to occupational risks.
Compensation rules
Employers must cover medical treatment costs for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.
Compensation is calculated based on the employee’s latest basic salary and should be paid within 10 days of the medical report determining the level of disability.
If a workplace injury results in permanent disability or death, compensation is paid according to UAE labour regulations, with the final assessment made by a specialised medical committee.
Importantly, employers cannot terminate an injured employee’s contract until all legal entitlements have been settled.
What counts as a work injury?
A work injury includes accidents that happen while performing job duties, as well as certain accidents during direct travel to or from work. Occupational diseases linked to an employee’s job are also covered under UAE law.
Focus on prevention
MoHRE says the regulations are designed to balance employee protection with personal responsibility. While workers are protected when injuries occur during the course of employment, they are also expected to follow workplace safety rules.
The ministry continues to inspect private-sector companies to ensure compliance, helping create safer and healthier workplaces across the UAE.
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