UAE’s influencer’s now need a License for monetising their content

• Big shift for UAE content creators.
• On May 29, 2025, the “UAE drew a clear legal line” between hobbyists and professionals in the creator economy.
• All influencers or digital content creators monetising their content must now obtain a license, as per the UAE Media Council.
• FYI: The UAE’s influencer advertising market is projected to reach nearly $97 million by 2030.

The New Rules

Under the updated Federal Decree Law No. 55 of 2023 and Cabinet Resolution No. 20/2025, creators must hold two separate licenses:

Business License

• The license can be issued by a free zone (freelance or trade license) or your local Dubai Economic Department (DED) (mainland).
• This makes your creator activity a registered commercial entity and lets you sponsor a visa.
• You can get one from Dubai Media City, SHAMS, IFZA, Meydan, etc.
• DEDs in each emirate also offer similar permits.
• License costs usually range between AED 5,000 to AED 15,000.

Media License

• Apply through the UAE Media Council via their official website: uaemc.gov.ae.
• First, obtain a business (trade) license before applying for a media license.
• Previously, only a media license was required, but under new rules, a trade license is now mandatory first.
  According to Cabinet Resolution No. (41) of 2025 on Media Services Fees, the influencer media permit costs AED 1,000 per year, including renewals.
• Enables you to legally create and publish monetised content.

And also…Advertiser’s Permit 

• And from July 30 onward, you’ll need an Advertiser Permit too.
• Who needs it? An influencer, marketing agency, or even a corporate account monetising digital content.
• Good news: These permit fees are waived for the first three years.

Are there any exemptions? 

Yes.

• Individuals using personal accounts to promote their products or businesses.
• Influencers under 18 creating educational, cultural, sports, or awareness-related content.

Non-compliance is risky business

Penalties under the new law are steep and escalating:

• Fines of up to AED 1 million for spreading misinformation, defamation, or violating public order.
• Unlicensed influencer work can lead to fines between AED 3,000 to AED 10,000, even for first-time offences.
• Repeat offenders could face fines up to AED 2 million, account suspension, or forced business shutdown.

The UAE Media Council is also empowered to:

• Suspend accounts
• Revoke licenses
• Remove published content

Also read: UAE’s new medical & pharmaceutical laws: Non-compliance fines upto $272,000

Why this matters

Influencing is now a regulated profession: Brands and agencies now prefer working only with licensed creators for clear legal protection and credibility.

Support ecosystem is growing: Initiatives like Creators HQ in Dubai provide visa access, grants, and mentorship to thousands of licensed creators.

Safety concerns underscore urgency: Incidents like the Maria Kovalchuk case in Dubai highlight the need for structured protection for influencers.

Wrapping up…

This regulation marks a turning point in the region’s digital economy.

UAE is setting the regional standard.

And experts expect neighbouring countries like Qatar and Kuwait to adopt similar frameworks soon.