An official new media law in the UAE was adopted, May 29, 2025, proposing one of the most stringent regulatory frameworks of all media operations in the area, both print and electronic. The law has severe fines of up to Dh1 million in cases of infractions; such as offending religious ideologies to unlicensed operation.
The law emphasizes the UAE interest about encouraging ethical, respectful and responsible media practices, at the same time, maintaining transparency and responsibility in all journalism, broadcasting, social media, and influencer practices.
Key Offences and Penalties Under the UAE Media Law
Religious and Moral Offences.
- Offending the Divine Essence, Islamic beliefs or other religions: Up to Dh1,000,000 fine.
- Breaking the social ethics or spreading harmful thoughts: Up to Dh100,000 fine
- Publication of material that promotes crime(s) (murder, rape, drug abuse): Dh up to150,000 penalty.
State and National Interests.
- An insult to the system of ruling, the symbols of the nation, or the institutions of the state: Dh50,000- Dh500,000 fine.
- Offense against domestic or international policies of the state: Dh50,000- Dh500,000 fine.
- Publication of materials that hurt foreign relations or social integrity: Dh250,000 fine maximum.
Licensing Violations
- Carrying out of media operations without licence:
- First offence: Dh10,000
- Repeated offence: Dh40,000
- Lapse of 30 days to renew a licence: Dh150 per day (maximum of Dh3,000)
- The transfer of a licence, the addition/replacement of a partner or change without permission: Dh20,000 or less.
- Further publication with an expired licence:
- First offence: Dh10,000
- Repeat offence: Dh20,000 (2 times with a repeat)
False Information & Misinformation.
Disseminating false information
- First offence: Dh5,000
- Repeated offence: Dh10,000
Violation of Events and Publications.
- Arranging or hindering a book fair without an authorisation: Dh40,000 fine (doubled on a repeated occasion)
- Reproduction, distribution or publication of media content without a licence: Dh20,000 fine (twice with repetition)
Foreign Correspondents
- Failure to work as foreign correspondent with a licence: 3 written warnings.
- Repeated offence: Dh10,000 fine
Why This Law Matters
By establishing a clear legal framework, the law does not only impose strict limits in the contents of the media, but it also safeguards media staff and players. This guarantees responsibility over all media platforms – newspapers, online news portals, podcasts, YouTube channels, and influencer accounts on online platforms such as Instagram and Tik Tok.
Final Word
The UAE is sending a message that media is expected to be responsible and ethical, with a fine of up to Dh1 million. To the journalists, influencers, and media organisations, it is no longer a choice whether to comply or not but it is the law.
