Advertiser Permit for content creators in the UAE: all you need to know
In July 2025, the UAE Media Council officially launched the “Advertiser Permit”, a mandatory licence for any individual posting promotional content on social media targeting an audience inside the UAE, whether paid or unpaid.
Why the advertiser permit matters:
The permit is part of Federal Decree‑Law No. 55 of 2023 and an integrated regulatory system to professionalize the digital advertising and influence ecosystem. Its goals include:
Regulating and developing the advertising content economy
Boosting quality, transparency and accountability in influencer marketing
Protecting consumers from misleading or non‑compliant content
Echoing the UAE’s vision to attract creative talent and digital investment
Who must apply and who is exempt:
Required: All influencers, micro‑creators, or individuals promoting products, services, discount codes, affiliate links or shout‑outs to a UAE audience, regardless of compensation
Exemptions include:
Those promoting their own business or company via a personal account
Minors under 18 engaging only in educational, cultural, sports or awareness campaigns, provided content aligns with age‑appropriate legislation
Permit duration & fees:
UAE citizens and residents: valid for 1 year, renewable
Visiting content creators: issued a Visitor Advertiser Permit valid for 3 months, renewable once for an additional 3 months
The permit is free for the first three years for UAE citizens and residents to encourage compliance and support the content creation ecosystem
Compliance requirements:
Permit holders must:
Clearly display the permit number on all licensed social media accounts
Ensure content meets national media‑content standards, including prohibitions on false information, misleading promotions, or offensive content
Not allow third parties to post advertisements via their accounts
Obtain prior approvals from relevant authorities when required by specific legislation
How to apply:
Applications can be submitted via the UAE Media Council’s official portal.
Applicants must:
Be at least 18 years old (with limited exceptions)
Have good conduct with no prior media violations
Hold a valid e‑media trade license (for citizens and residents)
Visiting content creators must apply through a council‑approved advertising or talent agency
Penalties for non‑compliance:
Content creators without valid permits risk:
Fines, account suspensions
Legal enforcement under media law, with penalties reaching up to AED 1 million in severe cases for violations like misinformation or defamation
The Advertiser Permit formalizes influencer activity in the UAE, reinforcing transparency, consumer protection, and higher creative standards.
Planning to post promotional content targeting UAE audiences? Make sure you're licensed. If you're visiting to create sponsored content, the Visitor Advertiser Permit is necessary. Ready to comply? Start your application through the UAE Media Council's platform now, and join the official content economy responsibly.
