The UAE Media Council has introduced a comprehensive framework aimed at regulating, empowering, and promoting growth within the media sector. This initiative builds on the transformative journey initiated with the Council’s establishment in February 2023, alongside the subsequent enactment of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation.
The announcement, WAM reported, was made during a press conference today at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai. Key figures present included Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, secretary-general of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council.
Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi underscored the Council’s unwavering commitment to introducing a new media system that reflects the UAE leadership’s vision for a modern and integrated media landscape. This system is designed to catalyze a transformative shift in the UAE’s media sector, ensuring its ongoing 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.”
He highlighted the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation as a pivotal milestone marking a new era of competitiveness and leadership for the UAE media sector. Being the first media law issued in over 40 years, it lays a robust 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.”
Empowering the media sector
Moreover, Al Shehhi pointed out that the new media system transcends mere framework establishment, 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, stressing the importance of creative individuals as the bedrock 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 remarked that the UAE Media Council is leading 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 keep pace with global media trends and drive a more impactful and sustainable media industry.
Regulating social media advertising
Al Suwaidi explained that this roadmap extends beyond traditional legal frameworks, encompassing not only the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation but also a series of policies and regulatory decisions that reflect a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities posed by new media, aiming to enhance media practices in alignment 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 tangible support to content creators through a three-year exemption from permit fees, she stated.
Developing digital news licensing
Furthermore, Al Suwaidi indicated that the Council is implementing a comprehensive age rating system for media content, designed to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, which is particularly crucial given the surge in digital content consumption.
She also noted that a new policy for licensing digital news platforms is in development, aiming 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, which represent 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, including fee exemptions for several media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives, while encouraging 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 evolution 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.
