UAE Issues Record 3,000 Digital Advertiser Licenses

The UAE Media Council has issued 3,000 ‘Advertiser’ licenses to people from 80 different nationalities. This achievement shows how far the country’s digital media regulation has come. The numbers tell an impressive story – just last month, only 1,800 permits went to applicants from 75 countries. These changes couldn’t have come at a better time. The UAE’s social media usage is a big deal as it means that 99% of the population is active on these platforms, and users spend about seven hours each day online.

The new Advertiser Permit covers all content creators who share promotional material on social media, whatever they get paid or not. Everyone needs this permit – both UAE nationals and foreign residents. It lasts for one year and needs yearly renewal. UAE nationals and residents don’t have to pay anything for the first three years. On top of that, it enables content creators to protect their rights and boosts the trustworthiness of online advertising in the digital world.

UAE Media Council issues 3,000 digital advertiser licenses

_{Image Source: Campaign Middle East}

The UAE Media Council has hit a historic milestone in digital advertiser licenses. More than 3,000 permits now belong to applicants from over 80 nationalities. This achievement shows the world’s growing interest in UAE’s digital media ecosystem. Just a month ago, the Council had given 1,800 permits to individuals and companies from 75 countries.

Record number reflects global interest from 80+ nationalities

These growing permit applications showcase UAE’s position as a hub for digital content creators. This surge lines up with UAE’s advertising sector goals to support content production investment and improve the digital advertising world. The UAE’s influencer advertising market will likely reach AED 356.18 million by 2030. These numbers prove the economic value of this regulatory framework.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, shared his thoughts: “The issuance of more than 3,000 ‘Advertiser’ permits from 80+ countries demonstrates that our framework meets the aspirations of advertisers on social media, whether individuals or companies”. This initiative wants to strengthen content creators, protect their rights, and improve online advertising credibility.

Announcement made at Emirati Media Forum in Dubai

The Museum of the Future in Dubai hosted a session called “The Future of Media Legislation” where this record-breaking number came to light. The forum’s 10th edition, happening on October 28, 2025, brings together UAE media organization leaders, editors-in-chief, writers, opinion leaders, and Emirati content creators to discuss media’s evolution.

The Dubai Press Club hosts the Emirati Media Forum as a platform for industry dialog and collaboration. The forum promotes excellence and innovation while strengthening UAE’s leadership in shaping regional and international media’s future. Since 2013, this forum has become the life-blood event for media professionals in the region.

The permit system offers flexibility based on where you live. UAE citizens and residents get yearly renewable permits. Visiting advertisers receive three-month permits that can extend to six months. This approach helps both local creators and international talent connect with UAE audiences.

UAE introduces advertiser permit to regulate digital promotions

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The UAE Media Council launched the Advertiser Permit in mid-2025 as part of a complete regulatory framework to organize and develop the digital advertising economy. This initiative addresses the rapid acceleration of the digital revolution by establishing clear guidelines for advertising content on social media platforms. The broader Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023 on Media Regulation includes this permit to create a structured environment for digital promotion activities.

Permit aims to protect content creators and ensure transparency

The Advertiser Permit handles everything about safeguarding both content creators and consumers. The public needs protection from misleading content or advertisements that might infringe upon UAE values. The permit helps establish clear mechanisms to regulate advertising activity and reinforces principles of transparency and professionalism. Her Excellency Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policy Sector at the UAE Media Council, explained that the permit is “a regulatory step designed to empower content creators and improve the quality of advertisements shared across digital platforms”.

Applies to both paid and unpaid promotional content

The new regulation covers all promotional content, whatever the compensation. You need the permit if you are:

• Someone who gets involved in advertising activities on social media platforms, with or without financial compensation
• A citizen, resident, or visitor publishing advertising content on social media for products, services, events, or activities within the UAE
• A content creator working independently or with agencies

The rules don’t apply if you promote your own products or services through personal accounts. Minors under 18 involved in educational, cultural, sports, or awareness activities don’t need permits if they meet age guidelines.

Supports professionalization of influencer marketing

This regulatory framework changes influencer marketing from a casual activity into a recognized profession. The UAE sees influencer marketing as “not a hobby, but an industry”. The initiative marks “the end of the influencer as a ‘casual side hustle’ and the beginning of influence as a profession”. Permit holders must follow media content standards, show their permit number on social media accounts, and publish advertisements only through Council-registered accounts.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, emphasized: “We are committed to supporting the content economy as a vital component of the future economy and a key driver of growth in the digital era”.

Council expands media legislation to support digital economy

_{Image Source: Dubai Media Office}

The UAE Media Council led the country’s biggest media law reform between 2023 and 2025. This created a complete regulatory system to manage the digital world. These changes marked a fundamental move away from old media rules toward a future-ready approach.

New laws and policies introduced between 2023–2025

Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 brought the Media Regulation Law, supported by three Cabinet resolutions, six media policies, and several guidance manuals. This updated system replaced older regulations focused on print and cinema. The new rules now cover broadcast, digital, social media, apps, influencers, artistic content, and foreign correspondents.

Local emirates granted broader economic powers

The new laws give local emirates more economic control. Each emirate can now develop its own specialized media sectors based on their priorities. This approach helps promote innovation while national standards remain intact.

Focus on attracting global media companies

Al Shehhi believes these modern rules will bring leading global media companies to the UAE. The country offers relaxed regulations through specialized Media Free Zones like Dubai Media City and twofour54 in Abu Dhabi. This strategy has made the UAE home to the region’s top Arabic and English media organizations.

Authorities tighten rules for health, finance, and real estate ads

UAE authorities have added strict requirements for content creators who promote sensitive sectors beyond standard advertising regulations. These new controls protect consumers from harmful or misleading information in specialized areas.

Special qualifications required for sensitive sectors

The finance sector faces tight oversight. “Finfluencers” must register with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) before they promote financial activities. You need to be an SCA-accredited financial analyst or hold a CFA certificate. The healthcare sector has similar rules – the Ministry of Health must authorize all advertising under Federal Law No. 15 of 1980 and Cabinet Resolution No. 7 of 2007.

Collaborations with federal and local entities underway

The UAE Media Council works with sector-specific regulatory bodies to ensure detailed oversight. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Culture coordinate to enforce rules against violating advertisements. This approach extends to real estate, education, and food sectors where you must obtain specialized permits.

Content creators must meet knowledge standards

Sensitive sectors demand strict content standards. Healthcare advertisers cannot use language that guarantees results or claims products are free from side effects. Financial content creators must share their partnerships, avoid misleading statements, and make clear distinctions between facts and opinions. These rules show UAE’s steadfast dedication to professional standards in digital advertising.

The UAE Media Council has issued 3,000 digital advertiser licenses, marking a turning point in the nation’s digital world. Content creators from more than 80 countries have received these permits. This global response proves UAE’s growing reputation as a digital content hub. The regulatory framework strengthens content creators, sets professional standards, and boosts advertising credibility on social media platforms.

This initiative lines up with UAE’s broader strategic goals as the country stands at the vanguard of the digital revolution. The Advertiser Permit system has turned influencer marketing from an informal activity into a recognized profession with defined guidelines. The complete legislative overhaul between 2023-2025 also gave individual emirates flexibility while national standards remained intact.

Strict requirements for sensitive sectors showcase UAE’s steadfast dedication to protecting consumers and upholding professional standards. Financial content creators must now hold specific qualifications. Health advertisers face rigorous oversight for their claims and language choices. These measures ensure digital advertising stays transparent, ethical, and valuable for everyone involved.

UAE’s regulatory approach balances the economic potential of digital content with public interest protection. This evolving system builds the foundation for a thriving digital advertising ecosystem where creators, businesses, and consumers can participate confidently. UAE has established itself as a groundbreaking force in digital media regulation and created a model that other nations might adopt soon.