UAE Media Law: 20 Standards to Follow or Risk Fines Up to Dh1 M

The UAE Media Council has ushered in sweeping reforms under Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023, effective May 29, 2025, aimed at harmonizing media practices with national values and technological evolution. The law outlines 20 mandatory content standards, introduced to promote responsible media and curb misinformation across print, broadcast, and digital platforms—including social media influencers.

Core Standards Include:

1. Respect for Islamic beliefs and other religions

2. Upholding national governance, symbols, and unity

3. Avoiding content that damages foreign relations or social cohesion

4. Prohibiting hate speech, incitement of violence, and moral offences

5. Banning false news, privacy infringements, and economic misinformation

6. Ensuring advertisement aligns with cultural and age-rating norms

💰 Penalties Structured by Severity:

• Up to Dh1 million for serious first-time breaches (e.g., insulting religious values, state symbols)

• Dh50k–Dh500k for offences against governance, national security, or foreign policy

• Dh5k–Dh150k for misinformation or crime-related content

• Dh10k–Dh40k for licensing infractions (unlicensed publishing, expired credentials)

• Repeat offences may incur fines up to Dh2 million, alongside warnings, license revocation, or temporary/permanent closure 

Balance Between Control & Support:

Officials, including Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, stress the law does not restrict creativity but ensures media outlets reflect UAE values. Licensing processes have been streamlined, with certain fees waived and platforms unified to promote ease of operation.

New initiatives include:

• An AI-powered content monitoring platform for false ads and misinformation

• A community-reporting mechanism empowering the public to flag violations

• Age-rating systems to protect minors

• Licensing requirements now extended to digital influencers