The UAE Media Council has unveiled a new regulatory framework for the country’s media sector, which was announced on Thursday. This comprehensive system applies to various areas, including traditional publications, content creators, and social media influencers. It introduces a set of 20 content standards that all media organizations must adhere to, emphasizing respect for all religions, the UAE’s sovereignty, national institutions, and privacy rights.

Content that could harm the UAE’s foreign relations, economy, or public trust, such as fake news, will not be tolerated, according to the council. Companies or individuals who violate these regulations may face fines of up to Dh1 million, which can be increased to Dh2 million for repeat offenses. Furthermore, the council has the authority to enforce temporary closures of businesses for up to six months or even permanent closures in severe cases.

“This isn’t about tightening control, but empowering the sector,” said Mohammed Al Shehhi, the secretary general of the UAE Media Council. He emphasized that the new system aims to offer flexible services and licenses for all segments of the media industry, supporting innovation without imposing financial burdens. Al Shehhi also noted that the council is committed to protecting intellectual property while maintaining free speech.

In recent years, the UAE has implemented regulations for social media influencers, including a licensing requirement. Anyone earning money from social media posts in the UAE must apply for a license from the National Media Council. The cost is set at Dh15,000 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai but may vary based on the emirate of operation. Al Shehhi stated that this new system lays a solid foundation for a media landscape that can adapt to the advances in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, and on-demand broadcasting.

To ensure compliance with the new regulations, Maitha Al Suwaidi, the chief executive of strategy and media policy at the UAE Media Council, announced plans for a unified AI and analytics platform. This platform is designed to regulate and assess media content before publication. “The new AI-powered platform will report fake advertisements and false information,” she explained.

The platform aims to streamline the process of analyzing, inspecting, and validating media content, including books, films, and artworks, ensuring that they align with UAE laws, values, and standards prior to public release. Previously, inspections and licensing were carried out manually. Al Suwaidi expressed that the goal is to empower media talent and cultivate a competitive local media ecosystem, ultimately enhancing the UAE’s status as a global media hub.