The UAE Media Council has launched Mu’lin, a new permit now required for individuals conducting advertising activities on social media platforms, whether for financial gain or otherwise.

The move is part of a broader strategy to modernise media regulations, enhance content quality, and establish the UAE as a leading hub for digital content creation and advertising.

According to the council, the Mu’lin permit aims to create a more transparent and professional digital media environment by defining clear guidelines for advertising practices, while protecting the rights of audiences, advertisers, and content creators alike.

“Mu’lin is a pivotal step in strengthening the regulatory framework for online advertising,” said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council. “It reinforces our vision of building a responsible and dynamic media model aligned with digital transformation and international best practices.”

Regulating the creator economy

The new permit is intended to empower content creators, boost investor confidence, and attract global talent by providing a flexible yet clear regulatory framework. It also supports the UAE’s broader ambitions to build a sustainable, innovation-driven media economy.

Al Shehhi highlighted that the initiative will contribute to increasing trust in digital content, particularly in advertising, which is a fast-growing segment of the UAE’s creative economy.

Supporting quality and compliance

Maitha Majid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Strategy and Media Policy Sector at the UAE Media Council, noted that the Mu’lin permit is also designed to improve the overall quality of advertisements on social platforms, enabling responsible content creation while setting standards for professionalism.

The announcement follows the council’s issuance of over 2,500 media licences in the first half of 2025, reflecting the strong growth of the media and content creation sector in the UAE.

A major road upgrade is set to transform daily commutes between Dubai and the northern emirates, with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announcing a Dh750 million expansion of Emirates Road, one of the UAE’s most vital federal highways.

The Emirates Road Enhancement Project, scheduled to begin in September, will widen a 25-km stretch between Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain from three to five lanes in each direction. The two-year project aims to reduce travel times by up to 45 per cent and alleviate congestion for motorists travelling between Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah.

According to the ministry, the expansion will increase the road’s vehicle capacity by 65 per cent, from 5,400 to 9,000 vehicles per hour in each direction, targeting one of the UAE’s most heavily congested corridors.

As part of the overhaul, six new directional bridges will be constructed at Interchange No. 7, covering a total length of 12.6km. These bridges alone are designed to handle up to 13,200 vehicles per hour. Additionally, the project will include 3.4km of new collector roads on both sides of Emirates Road, improving traffic flow and access to nearby areas.

Officials say the expansion will deliver a significant boost to the UAE’s transport infrastructure and support the country’s broader mobility goals.

“This upgrade will not only ease daily traffic bottlenecks but also improve road safety and connectivity across the northern emirates,” the ministry said in a statement.

Once complete, the enhanced Emirates Road is expected to offer smoother, faster, and safer travel for thousands of daily commuters.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has issued a federal decree promoting Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, to the military rank of Lieutenant General.

The promotion comes just over a year after Sheikh Hamdan was appointed to two senior Cabinet roles, Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister, on July 14, 2024. He was officially sworn in before the President on Union Pledge Day.

Since then, Sheikh Hamdan has played a crucial role in shaping the UAE’s defence strategy, strengthening international military cooperation, and advancing the nation’s long-term security and development agenda.

A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the London School of Economics, Sheikh Hamdan has brought a globally informed approach to local leadership. His public service career began with his appointment as Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council in 2006, and he was named Crown Prince of Dubai in 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

In his various leadership roles, Sheikh Hamdan has overseen transformative developments in Dubai across sectors including infrastructure, technology, tourism, and social policy. His tenure is marked by strong economic growth, innovation-driven governance, and a focus on inclusive progress.

Beyond his official capacity, Sheikh Hamdan is known for his deep cultural engagement. Under his pen name ‘Fazza’, he is a celebrated poet, equestrian, and falconer, widely admired for his contributions to the UAE’s heritage and conservation efforts.

Born on November 14, 1982, Sheikh Hamdan received his early education at Rashid Private School in Dubai before pursuing advanced studies in the UK and UAE. His blend of modern leadership and traditional values continues to resonate across the nation.