The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to introduce a comprehensive age rating system for media content designed to protect children and adolescents from inappropriate material. This announcement was made by the UAE Media Council on Thursday.

This initiative comes in response to the increasing consumption of digital content and is part of a larger framework aimed at regulating and advancing the media sector. While the Media Council has not disclosed a specific timeline for the implementation, officials have emphasized the system’s critical importance in today’s rapidly evolving digital environment.

Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council, explained that the new age classification builds on existing regulations that apply to films, video games, comics, and printed materials. The new system will now cover a wider range of digital and on-demand content. Al Suwaidi remarked, “This system is crucial given the rise in digital content consumption. It is designed to safeguard young audiences while creating a more robust and responsible media environment.”

The age rating system is a key component of the UAE’s recently enacted Media Regulation Law, which is the first comprehensive media legislation in over 40 years. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, described this law as a transformative milestone that establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media sector.

The regulatory framework was developed over two years in collaboration with various stakeholders, including federal and local agencies, media organizations, creators, and international experts. This framework is designed to be dynamic and adaptable to technological advancements, including those in artificial intelligence, gaming, and digital broadcasting.

Additionally, the new regulations will include a resolution that governs social media advertising by individuals, aimed at enhancing transparency and building public trust. There will also be three-year permit fee exemptions for social media content creators, which will provide tangible support to the creator economy.

Furthermore, a local content empowerment policy will prioritize Emirati talent and projects, fostering media that reflects the nation’s identity and culture. The Media Council plans to implement fee exemptions for selected media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives.

Al Suwaidi emphasized that empowering national content is a cornerstone of the new strategy, stating, “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 asserts that this initiative aligns with national goals to make the media sector a significant contributor to the economy. It aims to support GDP growth, attract investment, and stimulate innovation. By introducing streamlined procedures, strategic partnerships, and incentivized exemptions, the system seeks to unlock the full potential of the media landscape while ensuring content safety and cultural integrity.