Social media influencers in the UAE can now face fines of up to Dh1 million if they operate without the correct licences, under the country’s newly enforced Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023.
The law, which came into effect on May 29, 2025, introduces stricter controls over commercial content creation and sets clear penalties for those who don’t comply.
Two Licences Now Mandatory
Under the new rules, influencers and content creators must hold two separate licences:
- A business licence (trade or freelance) – to earn income from brand deals, ads, or product promotions
- A media licence – issued by the UAE Media Council
Anyone producing paid content without both permits is now in breach of the law.
Penalties: What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Fines start from Dh5,000 and can reach up to Dh1 million, depending on the severity and number of violations.
Repeat violations within one year may lead to double the fine, with a cap of Dh2 million.
The UAE Media Council also has the authority to:
- Edit or delete non-compliant content
- Suspend accounts
- Refer serious breaches to legal authorities
For example, if an influencer promotes a product without a trade licence, they could be fined Dh10,000 in Abu Dhabi alone, just for that violation.
Why Are the Rules Changing?
The move is part of a national effort to:
- Combat misleading promotions
- Regulate the growing influencer economy
- Ensure content respects UAE values, laws, and public order
The government says these changes are meant to protect consumers and professionalise the sector.
What Influencers Need To Do
Get a trade licence from a Free Zone (like Dubai Media City, SHAMS, or IFZA) or the local Department of Economic Development (DED)
Then, apply for a media licence through the UAE Media Council’s official site uaemc.gov.ae
The influencer media permit costs Dh1,000 annually.