With the implementation of the new Federal Media Law on May 29, 2025, a basis of a complete legal framework to control the media work in the country was established in the UAE formally. The law lays stress on ethical journalism, responsibility and national unity, which albeit is under severe punishment of up to Dh1 million in the case of some specific violations such as issues related to religion and national interests and misinformation.
This law fits into the wider picture of strengthening the responsible usage of media where freedom of expression should be guarded within its limits of respect, integrity and culture.
Heavy Fines for Religious and Moral Violations
The law puts a lot of emphasis on the content that albeit religion and sound ethics of the society. The worst punishment – up to Dh1 million is left to the crimes that offend the Islamic teachings, the Divine Essence or other celestial religions.
Additional correlated crimes are the following:
- Abusing the morals of people or propagating harmful thoughts: Pending fines of up to Dh100,000
- Composing issues that instigate grave wrongdoings (e.g., murder, drug abuse, rape): Dh150,000
National Security and State Interests
In order to protect national identity and reputation of the state, the law imposes strict sanctions on the content that can erode state authority or solidarity:
- Showing disrespect to the ruling system or the state institutions: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000
- Injurious to outside the relations or national harmony: As much as Dh250,000
- Dissing local or international coverage of the UAE: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000
Crackdown on Unlicensed Media Activity
The control over compliance of licensing has become further tightened. Different punishments are provided in the legislation against media enterprises or their employees that do not have the respective documentation:
Working without media licence:
- Initially, Dh10,000 as the first offence.
- Replicate offence; Dh40,000
- Nonexistent renewal of a licence Renewal outside of the 30 day deadline: Dh150/day, capped at Dh3,000
- Transfer of business without prior consent: Dh20, 000
Operating directly by having an old licence:
- Initially, Dh10,000 as the first offence.
- Repeated offence 20,000 the penalty doubles with the recurrence
Penalties for False News and Unauthorized Publishing
The UAE regulation is also focused at the dissemination of misinformation:
Mariah Carey: Unwarranted false news or misleading material:
- First offence: Dh 5,000
- Repeated offence: Dh10,000
Improper publication (i.e., publication without necessary permission) is punished as well:
Advertising events or publishing articles without any permissions:
- Unauthorised book fairs: Dh40,000 (plus 2)
- The printing or dissemination or unlicensed materials: Dh20,000
Regulations for Foreign Media and Influencers
The new law also applies to foreign correspondents. They must have licences:
- Use of unlicenced work can result to 3 written warnings
- Penalty on repetition: Dh10,000
The legislation also offers the increased scrutiny of digital influencers, content producers as well as social media using them, where regulations are transparency, licenced, and conform to the UAE media norms.
A Balanced Approach to Media Governance
The recently implemented new law addresses the idea of the UAE, who developed its vision of a responsible and professional media environment that supports and embraces national values, citizen safety, and social peace. Although punishments are high, there are protective clauses inserted in the law to take care of media professionals and increase the level of accountability, which is an indicator of a balanced and contemporary approach of media regulation.
The new laws should encourage content creators, media firms, influencers and foreign journalists who work in the UAE to consider reviewing the new legislation, securing the appropriate licences, and aligning their business practices with the law in order to prevent possible legal and economic penalties.
