UAE issues law on regulating media in the country

The decree covers permits for social media ads, age restriction on movies, media standards and compliance

The UAE Government has issued a federal decree on regulating media. It applies to individuals, organizations, media outlets, and free zones dedicated to media in the country. It allows both individuals and legal entities to possess media institutions and outlets in accordance with specific regulations and conditions.

As per the law, media activities include production, circulation, printing and publishing media content. It also encompasses audio, video and digital broadcasting, at a cost or free of charge.

The law also organises the authorities of UAE Media Council and the local government entities concerned with regulating media affairs.

As per the decree, all media individuals and institutions operating within the UAE are required to compliance with the national standards for media content, most notably:

– Divine respect, Islamic beliefs, all religions and other beliefs

– Respect the country’s sovereignty, symbols and institutions, and the supreme interests of the UAE and its society

– Respect the directions and policies of the country on the local and international levels

– Avoid any adverse impact on the UAE’s foreign relations

– Respect the culture and civilization, national identity and values of the society

In addition, the media outlets and individuals are required not to:

– Disseminate or circulate information that offend national unity or social cohesion