UAE Launches an Advertiser Permit for Social Media Users

In a landmark move, the UAE Media Council announced the launch of a mandatory Advertiser Permit for anyone posting promotional content on social media—whether paid or unpaid. 

This new regulation takes effect three months from its announcement on July 30, 2025, giving content creators a grace period to register and comply.

The new regulation applies to individuals, including influencers, freelancers, or anyone promoting products or services via their social media accounts in the UAE.

The permit covers both paid and unpaid content, such as sponsorships, product mentions, or shout-outs.

Two groups of people are exempt from this are users promoting their own products or business via personal accounts and minors (under 18) sharing educational, cultural, athletic, or awareness content aligned with age-specific classification rules.

Non-resident creators must secure a Visitor Advertiser Permit through a licensed advertising or talent agency. The permit for visitors will be valid for three months, renewable once for an additional term. Visitor permits will be activated within three months of launch.

The permit will be issued free of charge for the first three years. Content creators must display their permit number clearly on their social media accounts.  These accounts cannot be used by anyone else for advertising purposes.

Businesses and institutions are encouraged to engage only with licensed permits to ensure professional standards and compliance.

Failure to comply may trigger fines, potential license revocations, or account suspension under existing UAE media laws.