Latest news with #MaithaAlSuwaidi
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Posting without license? Influencers in UAE risk Dh1 million fine: Here's what you need to know
Influencers earning from content in the UAE must get business licenses or risk fines up to Dh1 million/ Image :Pexels A major update to media regulation in the UAE has officially come into force, requiring all social media influencers and content creators engaged in commercial activities to obtain a business license before applying for a media license from the UAE Media Council. This shift is part of the broader Media Regulation Law, implemented on May 29, 2025, by the UAE Media Council, marking a significant development in the country's evolving digital media landscape. The regulation is aimed at fostering ethical, high-quality online content, while safeguarding societal norms and ensuring public trust. Previously, influencers and creators were only required to obtain a media license. The new regulation now mandates a business license first, reflecting the UAE's commitment to more structured oversight of online commercial activity. Purpose and Vision Behind the Law The policy is part of the UAE's Digital Participation Policy, designed to promote constructive engagement on social media while ensuring compliance with local laws and values. It gives the Media Council broad authority to monitor, modify, or remove digital content that violates regulations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Speaking at a recent press conference in Dubai, Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council, emphasized the broader vision behind the law. 'This road map reflects our deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by new media. It is designed to foster a flexible, contemporary environment that aligns with global media trends while safeguarding the UAE's core values,' she said. She also noted that the primary goals of the new licensing system are to build public trust, protect audiences, and elevate the quality of online content. Fee Exemptions to Support Content Creators In a supportive move aimed at easing the transition, the UAE Media Council has waived all permit fees for a period of three years for influencers and content creators applying under the new system. According to Maitha Al Suwaidi: 'To support content creators, the Council is offering a three-year exemption from permit fees, providing a financial cushion for influencers to adapt to the new regulations.' This approach reflects an understanding of the financial and logistical challenges that many independent creators face, particularly those who are just beginning to commercialize their platforms. Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance The updated Media Regulation Law also introduces stringent penalties for violations. Offenders may face fines of up to Dh1 million, with the severity of the penalty based on the frequency and gravity of the offense. The UAE Media Council retains full authority to delete or modify any content that contravenes the guidelines set forth in the new law, including posts that may be deemed defamatory, offensive, or otherwise disruptive to social harmony. What Influencers and Creators Need to Know Here's a breakdown of what's now required under the new law: Licensing Steps: Obtain a business license — mandatory for any influencer or creator earning through content. Apply for a media license — from the UAE Media Council after the business license is secured. Key Features: Three-year exemption from media license fees to ease the financial burden. Regulatory oversight of content for quality and social compliance. Authority to remove or amend content violating the law. Penalties: Fines up to Dh1 million for violations. Escalating penalties based on the severity and recurrence of offenses. Broader Impact The UAE's updated media framework marks a defining moment in its approach to digital communication. It puts in place a modern and robust regulatory system that balances the freedom to create with responsibility and accountability, ultimately aiming to promote a safer, more credible, and culturally respectful digital environment. With the UAE emerging as a growing hub for digital talent, these regulatory developments are likely to shape influencer practices, guide content standards, and ensure that public engagement remains respectful and in line with national values.
Broadcast Pro
04-06-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
UAE announces new media law introducing major reforms to digital content sector
The new system aims to unlock potential, stimulate investment, and empower content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels. The UAE Media Council has launched a comprehensive new system designed to regulate, empower, and drive sustainable growth across the media sector. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the country's efforts to modernise its media landscape and builds upon the foundation established with the Council's formation in February 2023 and the subsequent enactment of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation. Announced at a press conference held at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, the launch was led by Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Strategy and Media Policies Sector. Both emphasised that the new framework is in line with the UAE leadership's vision for an innovative, future-ready media environment that not only keeps pace with global developments but also asserts the UAE's leadership on the regional and international stage. Al Shehhi described the new media system as transformative, combining updated legislation with streamlined services and inclusive policies designed to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable development. He pointed to the Media Regulation Law—hailed as the first comprehensive media legislation in over four decades—as a turning point for the UAE's media sector. The law addresses modern challenges and opportunities, including digital media, artificial intelligence, on-demand platforms, gaming, and other emerging fields. Developed over two years in collaboration with federal and local entities, media professionals, content creators, and international experts, the system is rooted in a partnership-based approach. Al Shehhi highlighted its flexibility and responsiveness to change, its capacity to empower local talent, and its potential to attract investment and foster innovation. He also underscored the centrality of content to the system, noting the importance of clear standards for responsible and balanced media that reflect Emirati values while encouraging creative impact. The ultimate objective, Al Shehhi said, is to transform the media sector into a powerful contributor to the national economy, capable of boosting GDP and enhancing the UAE's global competitiveness. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, flexible regulations, and incentivised exemptions, the system is designed to create an enabling environment for content creators and media businesses alike. Echoing this vision, Maitha Al Suwaidi said the UAE Media Council is spearheading a comprehensive transformation of the national media framework. She highlighted a legislative roadmap tailored to the evolving needs of the sector, ensuring a dynamic and globally aligned media ecosystem. According to Al Suwaidi, this roadmap extends beyond legal texts to include policies and decisions that respond to the realities of modern media while remaining anchored in national values. Among the notable elements of the new system is a resolution to regulate social media advertising by individuals. Aimed at building trust and elevating content quality, this measure includes a three-year exemption from permit fees for content creators. Another key component is the introduction of a unified age rating system for media content, developed to protect children and adolescents amid the rising consumption of digital content. In addition, Al Suwaidi revealed that the Council is working on a new licensing policy for digital news platforms. The goal is to establish clear standards that enhance journalistic credibility and accountability. Further regulatory advancements include the adoption of Cabinet resolutions on media service fees and administrative penalties, which aim to create a transparent, accessible, and integrated service system aligned with the UAE's digital government vision. She also stressed the importance of the local content empowerment policy, which supports Emirati creatives and prioritises national content. This includes fee exemptions for selected services to encourage local production and storytelling that reflects the country's identity and values. In closing, Al Suwaidi described the new legislative system as a defining moment in the evolution of the UAE's media landscape. By promoting transparency, professionalism, and quality, the framework offers media institutions and content creators a robust platform for production, innovation, and international competitiveness.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
UAE to launch media age rating system to protect children
UAE to roll out media age rating system to protect children from harmful content, the Media Council announced Thursday. PHOTO: PIXABAY Listen to article The United Arab Emirates will implement a comprehensive age rating system for media content, aimed at shielding children and adolescents from inappropriate material, the UAE Media Council announced on Thursday. The initiative, which comes amid a surge in digital content consumption, is part of a broader framework launched to regulate and develop the media sector. While the council has not yet specified a timeline for the rollout, officials emphasise its critical importance in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Speaking at the launch, Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council, said the new age classification system builds on existing regulations covering films, video games, comics, and printed material. The expansion will now encompass a broader spectrum of digital and on-demand content. 'This system is crucial given the rise in digital content consumption,' Al Suwaidi said. 'It is designed to safeguard young audiences while creating a more robust and responsible media environment.' The system forms a central part of the UAE's recently introduced Media Regulation Law, hailed as the first comprehensive media legislation in over four decades. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, described the law as a transformative milestone that lays a solid foundation for a future-proof media sector. Developed over two years through collaboration with federal and local agencies, media organisations, creators, and international experts, the new regulatory framework is designed to be dynamic and adaptable to technological changes, including developments in artificial intelligence, gaming, and digital broadcasting. A new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals, aimed at enhancing transparency, building public trust, and improving the quality of digital content. Three-year permit fee exemptions for social media content creators, offering tangible support to the creator economy. A local content empowerment policy that prioritises Emirati talent and projects, encouraging media that reflects national identity and culture. Fee exemptions for select media services, aimed at supporting local producers, writers, and creatives. Al Suwaidi stressed that empowering national content is a cornerstone of the new strategy. 'We aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures creativity, supports local production, and positions the UAE as a competitive media hub regionally and globally.' The UAE Media Council says the initiative aligns with national goals to make the media sector a vital contributor to the economy, supporting GDP growth, attracting investment, and stimulating innovation. By introducing streamlined procedures, strategic partnerships, and incentivised exemptions, the system aims to unlock the full potential of the media landscape while ensuring content safety and cultural integrity. 'This is not just a regulatory shift,' said Al Shehhi, 'it's a strategic transformation that positions media as a key pillar in the UAE's sustainable development.'
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE to implement age rating system for media content under new system
The UAE will have an age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, as per an announcement on Thursday. The UAE Media Council said the 'comprehensive' system is 'crucial given the rise in digital content consumption '. The council did not specify when or how the system would be rolled out. This was revealed as the UAE Media Council launched a comprehensive system to regulate, empower, and stimulate growth in the media sector. Currently, the UAE has an age classification system for movies, video and electronic games, comics and printed books as well as other materials. The aim is to protect children from inappropriate content. Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector, UAE Media Council, stated that the council is implementing a comprehensive age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, particularly crucial given the rise in digital content consumption. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, highlighted the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation as a milestone for the UAE media sector. As the first media law issued in over 40 years, it establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other evolving fields. According to Al Shehhi, the new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed by combining updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and policies covering various sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainable growth. The system was developed over two years through close collaboration with federal and local entities, media organisations, content creators, and international experts. This approach ensures responsiveness to change, empowers talent, fosters innovation, and attracts investment. The regulatory framework includes benefits for content creators, noting that a key element of this system is a new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals. This measure aims to build public trust, protect audiences, and improve the quality of online media content. It also offers concrete support to content creators through a three-year exemption from permit fees. Al Suwaidi emphasised that the local content empowerment policy is central to this system, prioritising Emirati talent and creative projects within the national media strategy, with fee exemptions for several media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives, and encourage content that reflects national identity. The new system aims to empower the media sector to become a driving force for development and a vital economic engine contributing to the national GDP and enhancing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness. It focuses on unlocking potential, stimulating investment, and empowering content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels.
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE Media Council announces launch of comprehensive system to regulate, empower, stimulate growth in media sector
The UAE Media Council launched a comprehensive system to regulate, empower, and stimulate growth in the media sector. This initiative builds upon the transformative journey initiated with the Council's establishment in February 2023 and the subsequent issuance of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation. The announcement was made during a press conference, held today at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, in the presence of Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi emphasised the Council's ongoing commitment to launching a new media system that embodies the UAE leadership's vision for a modern and integrated media landscape. This system aims to drive a transformative shift in the development of the UAE's media sector, ensuring its continued regional and global leadership, as envisioned by the UAE's leadership. Al Shehhi stated, 'The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed, as it combines updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and policies covering various sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainable growth.' Al Shehhi highlighted the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation as a milestone for a new era of competitiveness and leadership for the UAE media sector. As the first media law issued in over 40 years, it establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other evolving fields. He added, 'This system was developed over two years, through close collaboration with federal and local entities, media organisations, content creators, and international experts, reflecting a belief in partnership-based legislation grounded in practical application. This approach ensures responsiveness to change, empowers talent, fosters innovation, and attracts investment.' Furthermore, Al Shehhi noted that the new media system goes beyond establishing frameworks, focusing on content as the core of the industry. 'We ensured that it incorporates clear standards for responsible, balanced content that respects values and identity while promoting creativity and impact," he said, emphasising the importance of creative individuals as the foundation of effective media. Al Shehhi concluded, 'The goal is to empower the media sector to become a driving force for development and a vital economic engine contributing to the national GDP and enhancing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness. The new system aims to unlock potential, stimulate investment, and empower content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels." Maitha Al Suwaidi stated that the UAE Media Council is spearheading a transformation of the national media landscape, achieved through a comprehensive legislative roadmap designed to modernise the sector's regulatory framework and create a flexible, contemporary environment. She noted that this environment will both keep pace with global media trends and foster a more impactful and sustainable media industry. Al Suwaidi explained that this roadmap goes beyond traditional legal frameworks, as it includes not only the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation but also a series of policies and regulatory decisions reflecting a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by new media, with the aim of enhancing media practices to ensure they align with the UAE's core values. A key element of this system is a new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals. This measure aims to build public trust, protect audiences, and improve the quality of online media content. It also offers concrete support to content creators through a three-year exemption from permit fees, she stated. Furthermore, Al Suwaidi stated that the Council is implementing a comprehensive age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, particularly crucial given the rise in digital content consumption. She also noted a new policy for licensing digital news platforms is also being developed, to establish clear professional and regulatory guidelines to enhance credibility, ensure adherence to journalistic standards, and promote responsible practices within a balanced legal framework. Regarding regulations, Al Suwaidi highlighted the adoption of the Cabinet's resolution on media service fees and the resolution on violations and administrative penalties, representing a significant step towards a unified, flexible, and transparent media services system. This user-friendly system aligns with the UAE government's vision for proactive and integrated digital services, streamlining processes for media organisations and content creators within a growth-oriented regulatory environment. She emphasised that the local content empowerment policy is central to this system, prioritising Emirati talent and creative projects within the national media strategy, with fee exemptions for several media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives, and encourage content that reflects national identity and elevates the quality of the media message. In conclusion, Al Suwaidi stated that this new legislative system represents a pivotal moment in the development of a modern Emirati media landscape founded on transparency, professionalism, and quality. It provides media organisations and content creators with a robust regulatory structure that enhances their production capabilities and unlocks opportunities for growth and global competitiveness.
