UAE Enforces New Media Law: Fines Up to Dh1 Million for Violations

A comprehensive new media law has officially come into force across the UAE as of May 29, imposing strict penalties—including fines of up to Dh1 million—for a wide range of violations related to media activities. The law is part of the country’s broader effort to foster ethical, respectful, and responsible communication across digital and traditional media platforms.

The legislation outlines tiered penalties for offences depending on their severity and frequency, aiming to uphold religious respect, national integrity, and public morality while ensuring that media professionals operate within clear regulatory guidelines.

Key Offences and Penalties Under the New Media Law

Religious and Moral Offences

1. Insulting the Divine Essence, Islamic beliefs, or other religions: Up to Dh1,000,000

2. Violating public morals or promoting destructive ideologies: Up to Dh100,000

3. Circulating content that incites serious crimes (murder, rape, drugs): Up to Dh150,000

State and National Interest Offences

1. Disrespecting the ruling system, state institutions, or national symbols: Dh50,000–Dh500,000

2. Undermining national unity or foreign relations: Up to Dh250,000

3. Criticising UAE’s domestic or international policies: Dh50,000–Dh500,000

These measures aim to protect the UAE’s sovereign interests while promoting societal cohesion and respect for national values.

Licensing and Operational Violations

1. Operating without a media licence:

   • First offence: Dh10,000

   • Repeated offence: Dh40,000

2. Failing to renew a licence on time: Dh150/day, capped at Dh3,000

3. Unauthorised licence transfer or amendments: Up to Dh20,000

4. Continuing to operate with an expired licence:

   • First offence: Dh10,000

   • Repeated offence: Dh20,000 (doubles with repetition)

Content and Publishing Offences

1. Spreading false information:

   • First offence: Dh5,000

   • Repeated offence: Dh10,000

2. Operating book fairs without permits: Dh40,000, doubling with repetition

3. Publishing or printing content without approval: Dh20,000, doubling with repetition

Foreign Media Representatives

1. Foreign correspondents without a UAE licence:

   • Up to 3 written warnings, followed by a Dh10,000 fine for repeated offences

Protecting Media Professionals and Influencers

The law also includes protections for licensed media professionals, influencers, and agencies, ensuring accountability and transparency in how content is created and distributed. It promotes an environment where credible journalism and responsible influence can flourish, while penalizing misinformation and unauthorized media activity.