Internet media regulations

Internet Access Management (IAM) policy

Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) implements the Internet Access Management Regulatory Policy (PDF, 500 KB) in the UAE, in coordination with Media Regulatory Office (MRO) and Etisalat and Du, the licensed internet service providers in the UAE.

The regulation policy consists of certain frameworks and categories in regards to the internet, which must be taken into consideration by internet service providers to ensure the security of the internet and protect end-users from harmful websites containing materials that are contrary to religious and ethical values of the UAE.

TDRA monitors online content available to users in the UAE and will notify website operators based in the UAE of any potential breaches of the IAM policy. TDRA, in its enforcement of IAM, also monitors online advertising, including the advertising of medical and other specialised products and services.

Etisalat and Du are required to block online content if so is requested by TDRA. Categories under which content is restricted by virtue of the IAM policy are:

• bypassing blocked content
• pornography, nudity and vice
• impersonation, fraud and phishing
• insult, slander and defamation
• invasion of privacy
• offences against the UAE and the public order
• supporting criminal acts and skills
• drugs
• medical and pharmaceutical practices in violation of the laws
• infringement of intellectual property rights
• discrimination, racism and contempt of religion
• viruses and malicious programs
• promotion of or trading in prohibited commodities and services
• illegal communication services
• gambling
• terrorism
• prohibited top level domains
• illegal activities
• any content prohibited upon order from judicial authorities, or in accordance with the law. 

Reporting prohibited content

As per TDRA’s internet guidelines, internet users can report online about prohibited content to the licensed internet service providers, Etisalat and Du.

General framework of the UAE Media Strategy

In January 2021, the UAE Cabinet approved the general framework of UAE Media Strategy which is overseen by the UAE Government Media Office. The approval was done with an aim to strengthen the UAE’s position and reputation at the regional and global levels.

The strategy will:

• intensify the role of government communication within the federal authorities
• reinforce the concept of partnership, cooperation and integration between national media authorities
• establish partnerships with global media entities
• manage the country’s reputation and its achievements within local and international media coverage
• create a digital media environment capable of keeping pace with rapid changes and interacting with the world.

The strategy will also focus on several areas of national priority while:

• relying on the efficient and influential presence of the government in all media outlets
• promoting national culture and identity through all communication channels
• utilising modern technologies and digital media to interact with the public.

Read related news coverage on WAM.

Regulator of media in the UAE

At the federal level

• National Media Office

The National Media Office (NMO) is a new media unit that will be responsible for developing the UAE’s media sector at the national level and enhance the UAE’s status as a key media hub regionally and internationally. NMO will support cooperation between the UAE’s various media offices, and ensure that Emiratis at higher positions in the media industry are equipped with media leadership skills.

NMO will train and upskill Emirati talent in media, develop and organise the roles of official spokespeople, represent the UAE at media conferences and events and conduct research within the media sector.

NMO is affiliated with Minister of Presidential Court and it will be based in Abu Dhabi with offices set up in the UAE and abroad. The Emirates News Agency (WAM) will report to the Head of NMO.

Read news coverage on WAM.

• Media Regulatory Office

Media Regulatory Office (MRO) manages and regulates media activities and media-related free zones in the UAE. MRO operates under Ministry of Culture and Youth (which was renamed from Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development after the merger of National Media Council with Federal Youth Authority). Thus, it takes over the responsibilities of National Media Council.

The responsibilities of MRO include:

• preparing research and foresight studies related to the media sector in the UAE
• formulating legislations, regulations, standards and foundations for organising and licensing media and media activities including media and electronic publishing, and accrediting media professionals and correspondents of foreign media, including free zones
• proposing media conduct and ethics that ensure the public's right to obtain information from its source, and combatting false news and unprofessional media practices.

Get eServices in the media sector for individuals and government entities.

At the local level

Local media bodies contribute to the development of the media scene in the UAE. They include:

• Media Zone Authority - Abu Dhabi 
• Department of Culture - Sharjah
• Fujairah Culture and Media Authority

Social media influencers licensing

Social media influencers have to be licensed if they accept paid ads to be published on their accounts. 

Regulatory framework for media activities

All media institutions creating audio, visual, print and digital content in the UAE’s mainland and free zones must comply with the standards for media content contained in the Federal Law No. 15 of 1980 Concerning Press and Publications and other laws and regulations in force.

Federal Law No.15 for 1980 Concerning Press and Publications

Federal Law No.15 for 1980 Concerning Press and Publications regulates printing and publishing licensing and activities in the UAE and it applies to traditional media content such as newspapers, magazines and television broadcasting, as well as digital media content. 

The law sets outs guidelines on materials which are prohibited from publication and penalties imposed on the publishing company and associated staff if found in violation of the Publications Law. This law covers provisions for:

• publishing houses and publications
• circulation of publications
• newspapers, periodic publications and new agencies
• importing and exporting publications, newspapers and newsletters
• films and other related work
• content prohibited from publication
• penalties
• others.

NMC Chairman’s Decision No. 20 of 2010 Concerning Media Content Standards

According to Decision No. 20 of 2010, all the audio, visual, print and digital media institutions in the UAE should adhere to media content standards contained in the Federal Law No.15 for 1980 Concerning Press and Publications and other media regulations in force. The Chairman’s decision emphasises national standards for prohibited media content as set out in the Press and Publications Law.

The decision requires all media institutions to keep a record or archives of all media material which were produced, printed, distributed or broadcast in the last three consecutive months. They must also provide the council with monthly reports showing compliance to these standards.

Learn also about these resolutions for organizing media content and fees for media services

• The Cabinet Resolution No. (19) of 2017 on fees for media services.
• The Cabinet Resolution No. (23) of 2017 on media content.

Electronic media system

In 2018, UAE National Media Council implemented a new system to govern all electronic and digital media activities on the mainland and in free zones. The new system covers all means of expression including writing, painting, music, photography or others that are transferable between individuals in any form whether printed, audio, visual, electronic, digital or any other technological means. All existing media enterprises are given a deadline of 30 May 2018 to correct their situations and ensure their activities fully comply with the new guidelines.

According to the new system, the following media activities require prior approval:

• trading, showcasing, selling and printing video and audio materials on websites and social media
• electronic publishing and on-call printing
• electronic advertisements
• publishing news
• any electronic activity that the council deems appropriate to be added.

Laws for using social media

Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes

Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes and other applicable laws for the protection of privacy and reputation, defamation apply while using social media. Citizens and residents in the UAE need to be aware of the provisions of the law that spell out actions that could be a criminal offence.

Regulation of Using Social Media by the Employees of Federal Entities as Approved by the Cabinet Resolution No. 73/3/ & 1 of 2014

The regulation (PDF, 159 KB)  aims at directing and guiding the employees of government entities on using social media safely and responsibly when they discuss various current issues. In addition, it explains how employees could express their personal opinion in a civil manner that is not detrimental to their reputation or that of the entity they work for or that of the UAE. It provides guidelines to respect professional ethics and behaviours set out in the UAE’s laws and ensure not to violate them.

Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2015 on Combating Discrimination and Hatred

Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2015 (PDF) on Combating Discrimination and Hatred (PDF) criminalises any act that triggers religious hatred and/or insults religion through any form of expression, which covers speech and the written word, books, pamphlets or online media. The law prohibits any act that would be considered as insulting God, his prophets or apostles or holy books or houses of worship or graveyards.

Prohibited media content in the UAE

The UAE sets national standards for media content and requires all local mass media institutions operating in the UAE to abide by them. These include:

• to respect the regime of the United Arab Emirates, its symbols and the political system

• not to offend the divine and Islamic beliefs, and show respect to other religions

• to respect the culture and heritage of the UAE

• not to offend national unity nor social cohesion and/or incite up sectarian, regional and tribal conflict

• to respect directions and policies of the UAE at the domestic and international levels

• not to harm the economic system of the country, nor spread rumours, misleading and biased news

• to respect the government policies to promote national identity and the integration of citizens in the media labour market

• to respect the principles and codes of ethics of media work

• not to publish or broadcast information harmful to children, women and other social groups, or that would incite others toward hatred and violence

• to respect the copyright rules and regulations

• not to disclose official confidential contacts, military matters or conventions or treaties concluded by the government without proper authorisations

• not to report distorted proceedings and deliberations of courts or other regulatory bodies

• not to disclose information on a criminal investigation, which has not been concluded and/or ordered to be confidential

• not to publish news, photographs, comments which invade privacy of individuals and families or destroy reputation

• forging, fabricating documents or presenting incorrect news with bad intent

• material which harms the national currency or causes a confusion over the economic situation in a country

• newsletters or advertisements, which include expressions, photographs, or drawings that are in violation of public morals or may confuse the public

• defaming public officials

• investigations which deal with more than one party, without giving an account of the views of all parties directly concerned.

Advertising content policies

Official guide for advertisers

In October 2018, National Media Council (NMC) issued an official advertising guide, which aims to clarify standards for the advertisement industry in the UAE and to protect the public from marketing promotions that do not conform to applicable standards.  

The document specifies the terms of licensing for advertising activities for individuals, companies and institutions.