TL; Dr:
UAE From May 29, 2025, the active media law impose a fine up to DH1 million to insult religious beliefs or violate material norms.
Licensing Now all the material is mandatory for creators, influential, journalists and publishers.
- The penalty also applies to misinformation, unlicensed media events and violations of moral or national values.
- Repeat criminals face double punishment, suspension or shutdown.
With the passage of two months since the UAE has implemented its broad federal decree-law number 55, new media rules are no longer just on paper. By the end of July 2025, the enforcement is in full swing. Media professionals, affected, and even topical material creators are now subject to tight check by UAE Media Council and concerned authorities. Those who live unknown or non-non-non-non-non-compliance can now face heavy fines or worse, license suspension and criminal liability.
Observation of law
Signed on May 29, 2025, the UAE’s media law controls all forms of the media, from news outlets and radio broadcasters to tickets, Instagram Influencers, YouTubers, Podcasters and Publishing House. Law gives strict punishment for a wide array of violation, especially:
- Insulting religious beliefs or promoting religious hatred (up to DH1 million fines or up to $ 272,300)
- Violation of public morality or social harmony (up to DH250,000 or by $ 68,075)
- National symbols
- Publishes
Licensing: Now non-oblique
Whether you are a social media affected, a podcast host, or an independent journalist, you should now be licensed to operate legally in UAE. Under the cabinet decision number 41 of 2025, these licenses are issued by the UAE Media Council and apply:
- Material manufacturer (including social media personality)
- Organizing organizer
- Journalist and media reporter
- Publisher and film distributor
Local news outlet Khaleej Times Major Penal Penal for Non-Compliance:
- DH10,000 ($ 2,723) fined for first violation
- Frequent crimes for DH40,000 ($ 10,892)
- DH20,000 to work with expired license ($ 5,446)
- Daily penalty for delay in renewal or improvement
Crime and punishment: What should you avoid
What can you find in legal trouble here: Any content: lessons, videos, audios that offend Islam or other recognized religions, fines can have DH250,000-DH1 million ($ 68,075- $ 272,300).
- Misinformation and rumors
You may cost DH5,000 ($ 1,362) and DH10,000 ($ 2,723) for crime before spreading unacceptable claims or misleading news. The content opposing the UAE’s public decency code, including sexually desired materials or abusive language, can draw DH100,000+ ($ 27,230) in fines.
- Reduce state interests
National unity, leadership, or disrespecting institutions, even subtle, can lead the DH50,000-DH500,000 ($ 13,615- $ 136,150) in fine.
- Hosted unauthorized media incidents
If you host the book launch, press event, or film screening without a pre -license, you face DH40,000 -DH200,000 in punishment.
Frequent crimes can stop you
- Penalty for repeat violation doubled (up to DH2 million)
- UAE Media Council can suspend your license for 6 months
- Your media channel, website, or page permanent shutdown is allowed if the violation continues
- Legal action including prison time is possible for serious violations
Why does it matter
By the end of July 2025, UAE officials are actively monitoring the materials in platforms. Many creators have already received warnings:
- Failed to display your official media license
- Without factual support to comment on factual religious or national subjects
- Giveaways without disclosure or hosting commercial participation
In a rapidly changing online environment, the new law provides clarity, structure and legal protection, but only for those who play with rules.The new media law of the UAE establishes a tough, integrated regulatory environment, ensuring that the materials in platforms align with national priorities. The country underlines its commitment to protect social values and promote professional conduct within the media scenario by imposing severe punishment, especially insulting religious sentiments and formal forming licensing under the Media Council.
Fasting
- 1. Who needs a media license in UAE?
Anyone who creates public-affected materials, including influential, journalist, publisher, podcast host and event organizers, will have to obtain a license through the UAE Media Council.
- 2. What is the fine for insulting religious beliefs?
The fine begins at DH5,000 and can reach DH1 million, depending on the severity and recurrence of the violation.
- 3. Can my Instagram account be suspended under this law?
Yes, if you are found repeatedly violating media rules, especially around licensing, misinformation, or prohibited materials, then officers can suspend or close your platform.
- 4. What does ‘misinformation’ mean?
Any news, video, or claim were shared without verified sources or official UAE facts. Even inadvertently spreading rumors can lead to fines.
- 5. Is this law applicable to expatings and freelancers?
Yes, the law applies to both individual freelancers and registered media companies working in the UAE.
