UAE Influencers Have to Sign Up for Mandatory License By End of This Month
New UAE licensing rule requires content creators to sign up for advertiser permits by month’s end, formalising influencer marketing across the country.
- Publish date: since 5 hours Reading time: two min read
Social media content creators and influencers across the UAE are required to register for a mandatory advertiser licence by January 31, 2026, authorities have confirmed, or risk losing the ability to publish promotional content on their platforms.
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The new licensing scheme, introduced by the UAE Media Council, aims to regulate paid and unpaid promotional content on social media, ensuring that individuals and businesses operating as influencers are officially recognised and accountable under the country’s media laws.
Under the regulations, an advertiser permit is required for anyone posting promotional material, whether they are paid for it or not. The licence must be displayed clearly on the influencer’s social media account, and only registered accounts may publish advertising content.
While the permits are mandatory for most creators, there are exemptions. Individuals promoting their own business or products via personal accounts are not required to obtain the licence, and content creators under 18 producing educational, cultural, sports, or awareness-related content may also be exempt under specific conditions.
The permit scheme was first announced in mid-2025, giving creators a grace period to align their status before this month’s deadline. During this initial phase, advertiser permits are free for the first three years for UAE citizens and residents, with options to renew after that period.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s growing efforts to professionalise the digital content sphere and protect consumers while promoting transparency in influencer marketing. Creators who fail to comply with the licensing requirement may face restrictions on posting promotional content until they are properly registered.
With just days left to meet the deadline, influencers and digital marketers are encouraged to apply through the Media Council’s official channels to ensure the continued lawful operation of their social media endeavors in the Emirates.