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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.
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Crackdown on Illegal paying guests: Dubai’s new shared housing law takes effect with fines up to Dh1m
Dubai’s new legislation governing shared accommodation officially came into effect on August 26. Applying across the entire emirate, including free zones and special development zones, the comprehensive framework is designed to eliminate dangerous, overcrowded, and unauthorised partition rentals while establishing formal licensing standards for communal living.
What qualifies as shared housing?
Under the law, shared housing is defined as any residential property where individuals or families occupy private designated living spaces while sharing common facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and dining areas.
Who is permitted to rent out shared units?
The new framework strictly bans unauthorised subletting by tenants. A primary tenant can no longer rent out individual bedrooms, partitioned spaces, or bed spaces directly to roommates or third parties.
Only the following entities can legally offer shared housing:
- Registered Property Owners: Leasing spaces directly to occupants under formal contracts.
- Licensed Management Companies: Authorised operators contracted by the owner to run and lease the property.
- Licensed Operators Subletting Master Leases: Approved commercial entities leasing an entire property from the owner to sublet authorised units to tenants.
Penalties for violations
Authorities have introduced strict financial and operational consequences for non-compliance:
- Initial Fines: Dh500 up to Dh500,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
- Repeat Violations: Fines double for repeat offences committed within one year, capped at Dh1,000,000.
- Operational Sanctions: Authorities may suspend operations for up to 6 months, revoke commercial licenses, cancel permits, disconnect utilities, seize equipment, or order the direct evacuation of non-compliant properties.
Grace period & tenant protection
- Compliance deadline: Existing shared housing operators and property owners have until August 26, 2027, to obtain permits and bring their properties into full compliance.
- Protection from sudden eviction: If an operator’s permit is suspended or cancelled, authorities can grant occupants an interim stay period to secure alternative accommodation rather than facing immediate eviction.
Approved property/resident categories
The regulation permits shared accommodation across six distinct property types:
- Residential apartments
- Detached/standalone houses
- Residential complexes
- Mixed-use buildings
- Attached / adjoining houses
- Multi-storey buildings
Permitted occupant groups include families, single men, single women, university students, government personnel, and private sector corporate employees. Corporate and student housing provided directly by employers or educational institutions does not require individual tenancy contracts.
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