Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – UAE Media Law & Fees Regulation

Understanding Dual Compliance Under UAE Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023 and Cabinet Resolution No. 41 of 2025

Introduction

The UAE’s media landscape is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. With the introduction of Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 on Media Regulation and Cabinet Resolution No. 41 of 2025 on Media Service Fees, every individual and organization operating in the sector — from publishers and broadcasters to influencers and content creators — is now subject to a dual compliance regime.

This framework reflects the UAE’s commitment to shaping a modern, accountable, and innovation-driven media ecosystem, ensuring that content aligns with national values while supporting digital transformation and investment.

While the Media Law defines what can be done and how it must be licensed, the Cabinet Resolution establishes how much it costs to operate legally. Together, they form the foundation of a transparent and sustainable media industry that balances freedom of expression with responsibility and professionalism.

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Media Compliance Checklist (2025 Edition)

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Free Zones Offering Media Licences in the UAE (2025 List)

These free zones are authorised to issue media-specific licences aligned with Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023, subject to coordination with the UAE Media Council.

Dubai

• Dubai Media City (DMC)

• Dubai Studio City (DSC)

• Dubai Production City (DPC)

Abu Dhabi

• twofour54 Abu Dhabi

Sharjah

• Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Ras Al Khaimah

• RAKEZ Media Zone

Fujairah

• Fujairah Creative City

Ajman

• Ajman Media City Free Zone

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Final Thoughts

The UAE’s new dual compliance regime is not just a regulatory update — it’s an evolution of how media, creativity, and accountability intersect.

For companies, influencers, and entrepreneurs, it represents an opportunity to operate with transparency, credibility, and professionalism in one of the world’s most forward-thinking media markets.

By ensuring both legal compliance and ethical responsibility, media professionals can contribute to building a vibrant ecosystem that empowers content creation while upholding the UAE’s values of innovation, integrity, and inclusion.

1. What is Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023?

Answer: Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 sets out a comprehensive regulatory framework governing “media activities” in the United Arab Emirates.  It replaces older press-publishing laws and expands coverage to digital, electronic, audiovisual, and print media. Key features include:

• A broad definition of “media activities” (broadcasting, publishing, printing, digital dissemination).  

• Requirement for licences/permits for media institutions, outlets and certain content activities. 

• Content standards (respect for national values, no harm to social cohesion, no incitement of destructive ideas). 

• Jurisdiction over foreign media content delivered into the UAE. 

• The ability for further regulation of fees, licensing, violations and enforcement via Cabinet resolutions. 

2. What is Cabinet Resolution No. 41 of 2025?

Answer: Cabinet Resolution No. 41 of 2025 concerns the fees for media services in the UAE under the Media Law framework.  It sets out the schedule and method for charging fees for media licences, permits, and related services issued by the UAE Media Council or other competent authorities. The resolution applies the definitions from the Media Law and aims to regulate the cost side of media compliance. 

3. Why must media operators ensure dual compliance with both instruments?

Answer:

• The Media Law (No. 55/2023) provides the substantive and procedural framework (licensing, content rules, obligations).

• The Fees Resolution (No. 41/2025) operationalises one dimension of that framework—specifically, the cost side of licensing and service authorisation.
  Together, compliance means: you must meet the legal obligations of the Law and properly pay and manage the required fees under the Resolution. Failure to comply with either can trigger administrative action or penalties.

4. Who is subject to these regulations?

Answer: The Media Law applies broadly to:

• Individuals and legal entities engaging in media activities in the UAE (including free-zones). 

• Media institutions and outlets (domestic and foreign) that produce, publish, broadcast, or distribute content accessible within the UAE. 

• Creators, influencers, digital marketers and content platforms when their activities qualify as media activities. 
  For the Fees Resolution, any licence/permit issued by the media council or competent authority will have fee obligations under the new schedule.

5. What constitutes a “media activity” under the law?

Answer: Under Article 8 of the Media Law (and relevant executive/regulation provisions) media activities include, but are not limited to:

• Broadcasting via radio, TV, IP-TV, streaming. 

• Publishing newspapers, magazines, books, digital publications. 

• Production/distribution of films, artistic works, video games. 

• Digital and electronic media services, photography, imaging, photography for public distribution. 

6. What are key licensing/registration requirements?

Answer: According to the Executive Regulation (Council Resolution No. 68 of 2024) implementing the Media Law:

• Applicants must apply to the UAE Media Council or relevant competent authority through electronic means. 

• Applicants must have full legal capacity, good reputation, no prior felony/moral turpitude unless rehabilitated. 

• Required documentation: valid ID for applicant, certificate of trade name (if applicable), articles of association (for legal entity), appointment letters, information statements.  

• For foreign media offices: legal representative in UAE, PoA notarised and attested, etc.  

• Licences and permits may be annual and are renewable; non-renewal means inability to practise media activity.  

7. What are the fee obligations under Cabinet Resolution No. 41/2025?

Answer: The Resolution sets a fee schedule for various media services and permits. Examples include:

• Influencer media permit: AED 1,000 per year (including renewal).  

• Numerous other licences/permits (e.g., audio-visual production, digital publishing, event media coverage) each have a specific fee per the schedule published by the media council.  

• The resolution makes clear its scope and that definitions under the Media Law apply.  

8. What happens if media activities proceed without compliance?

Answer: Non-compliance can trigger administrative penalties under related resolutions (e.g. Cabinet Resolution No. 42 of 2025). Also, operating without a required licence/fee can constitute a violation of the Law itself.  Penalties may include fines, suspension of licences, cessation orders, and in some cases criminal liability depending on severity.  

9. What are the content-standards obligations?

Answer: Under Article 17 of the Media Law (and further regulation) media content must:

• Respect UAE national values, culture, religion and governing structure.  

• Avoid glorifying destructive ideologies or undermining social cohesion.  

• Foreign media content is subject to content-standards when distributed in the UAE.  

• The media council issues further guidance/schedules setting specific content violations.  

10. Where can media practitioners find official documents and resources?

Answer: Official sources include:

• The UAE legislation portal for Federal Decree-Law No. 55/2023 and Cabinet resolutions.  

• The UAE Media Council website’s “Media Legislation” section.  

• Fee schedules and violations/penalties sections on the media council website.  

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✅ Key Takeaways for Media Businesses and Creators

• Obtain the correct licence/permit for your defined media activity under the Media Law.

• Pay and comply with the fee structure in Resolution No. 41/2025.

• Adhere to content standards and licensing renewal obligations.

• Understand that both the Law and the Fee Resolution must be satisfied for full compliance.

• Stay informed of further resolutions (e.g., penalties Regulation) that operationalise enforcement.