UAE Sets New Rules for Influencers with Business License

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

From May 29, 2025, the UAE has introduced a new rule for all social media influencers and content creators. Anyone who earns money through social media must now get a business license before applying for a media license from the UAE Media Council. Earlier, influencers were only required to get a media license from the Council, but with this updated law, the business license has become a necessary first step. This marks a big change in how the UAE regulates digital content creators.

To support influencers and content creators during this transition, the UAE Media Council has decided to waive all licensing fees for three years. This means that creators won’t have to pay anything for permits during this period. This relief gives them time to adjust to the new system without any extra financial burden.

Maitha Al Suwaidi, who is the CEO of the Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council, explained that the goal of the new licensing rule is to build trust in online content, protect viewers, and improve the quality of what people see on social media. She said the law is designed to keep up with global media changes while still protecting the UAE’s traditions and values. According to her, this roadmap shows that the Council understands both the opportunities and challenges of today’s digital world.

The new Media Regulation Law has been created to improve and modernize the media scene in the UAE. It puts strong rules in place not just for social media, but also for traditional media like television and newspapers. Influencers have a big impact on what people think and how they behave, so it’s important that their content is legal, safe, and respectful. That’s why they are now required to follow these stricter rules.

This rule is part of a larger plan called the Digital Participation Policy. It encourages positive and lawful use of social media platforms in the country. If someone breaks the rules—by sharing content that is offensive, harmful, or against public values—the UAE Media Council has the right to remove or edit that post. In serious cases, fines can go up to Dh1 million, depending on how severe and how often the rules are broken.

Now, all influencers and content creators in the UAE must make sure they follow this new process. First, they need a business license. Only after that can they apply for the media license. Thanks to the three-year fee waiver, creators have time to adjust to the new system. These steps are being taken to make sure that social media stays a safe, respectful, and trustworthy place for everyone in the country.