INTRODUCTION
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government passed the Federal Decree Law No. 55 of 2023 concerning Media Regulation which applies to all individuals, media establishments, media outlets and freezones practicing media activities in the country. In addition to the above, Cabinet Resolution No. (68) of 2024 provides a detailed licensing procedure for establishing a media business in the country.
The law and the cabinet resolutions have been passed with an aim to regulate all media activities in the country and to enhance the growth of the media sector in the country.
MEDIA ACTIVITIES
Article 8 of the Federal law defines media activities including radio and television broadcasting, films and showings of artistic works, newspapers or publications, book fairs, electronic and digital media activities, photography activities, etc. Other media activities among other things include activities relating to sound recordings, video games, advertisements, and producing or importing and screening of films.
Article 17 of the Federal law has also established certain content standards wherein media activity shall not glorify any group with destructive political, ethnic, economic, ideological, or social tendencies that are adverse to the country. Further standards include respecting the religious beliefs of the country and its governing structure. Any media activity must not offend the prevailing societal values of the country and must not harm the social cohesion of the country. The Media Council has issued a separate list of Media content standards that are to be followed by a media business in the country.
OWNERSHIP, LICENSE AND PERMITS FOR MEDIA BUSINESS
The Cabinet Resolution No (68) of 2024 provides for detailed provisions relating to the licensing of the media business. The application for a license has to be submitted before the UAE Media Council by the individual in whose name the license is to be issued. The licensee must be of legal age and have a good reputation and conduct and should not have been imprisoned for a felony or misdemeanor.
The license is issued only for a period of one year and the renewal for the same shall be applied for a month in advance of the expiry. In the absence of a renewed license, the media business is not allowed to operate its business.
The license may be cancelled on various occasions which include, the request of the licensee, death of the licensee, failure to renew the license or issuance of an administrative or judicial decision to cancel the license.
In addition to licensing, there is a provision for specific permits that are issued for a specific time and activity, e.g., a permit to shoot a movie or for photography or approval for the script of a movie or series.
CONCLUSION
The Federal Law of 2023, the adjoining Executive Regulation of 2024, and the Media Content Standards collectively regulate the media activities in the country. The UAE Media Council is the body responsible for enabling the functioning of these laws by providing services like the issuance of licenses and permits.
For more information, you may contact:
Thomas Paoletti
Francesca Romana Valeri
Fauzia Khan
