July 31, 2025 | Abu Dhabi, UAE: In this great initiative towards formalising digital content creation, the UAE has introduced the Advertise Permit for Content Creators. It’s a new requirement for individuals promoting different content on social platforms. Under the updated UAE media law, anyone who produces paid or unpaid promotional material must now register and comply with the country’s evolving media regulations.

This move stands out as part of a broader effort to bring order, professionalism, and transparency to the fast-paced developing digital space. And for anyone earning from social media, whether through brand deals, collaborations, or any other aspect, the social media license in UAE is no longer optional.

Why This Permit Matters for Creators?

The Advertise Permit for Content Creators isn’t just paperwork; it’s a signal of how seriously the UAE is taking digital media. The goal is crystal clear: to increase content quality, protect public trust, and support all the creators with a clear regulatory framework.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, called this a “transformational milestone.” He described it as an initiative ahead in building a media ecosystem that balances creativity with credibility.

The UAE media law from now sets specific standards for advertising of anything across all digital platforms, ensuring that creators, advertisers, and audiences follow the same law.

This step also positions the UAE as a global hub for ethical content creation, attracting talented individuals from all across the world.

How the Social Media License in UAE Will Work

The social media license in UAE, also referred to as the Advertise Permit for Content Creators, will become mandatory in three months. People can apply through the UAE Media Council, and only those with a valid permit will be allowed to post promotional content.

The permit will be free for the first three years.
It applies to both paid and unpaid promotional content.
The permit number must be displayed clearly on all social platforms.
All advertising must be linked to registered accounts only.
Visitor Advertiser Permits will also be launched for foreign creators.

The UAE media law states that visitors must work with licensed agencies, and their permits will be valid for three months, with one possible renewal.

Who’s Exempt and Who Isn’t?

Not everyone needs to apply for the Advertise Permit for Content Creators. The UAE media law makes some exceptions:

Creators promoting their own business or personal brand.
Minors under 18 involved in educational, sports, or cultural projects, provided content complies with UAE age-related guidelines.

But if you’re posting ads for someone else’s product, working with brands, or doing paid partnerships, even occasionally, the social media license in UAE is now a must.

In fact, companies have been advised to only work with licensed individuals to ensure accountability and maintain the quality of digital advertising content.

A New Era for UAE’s Digital Creators

This new phase marks a turning point for the UAE’s digital economy. The Advertise Permit for Content Creators empowers professionals to work with clarity, legality, and purpose. It supports the country’s vision of becoming a content creation powerhouse, one that doesn’t compromise on ethics or public trust.

Media law is about more than regulation, It’s about empowering content creators, encouraging responsible growth, and creating a fair playing field in the influencer economy, said Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policy at the UAE Media Council.

With the social media license in UAE becoming standard practice, the influencer world is set for a shake-up. But with that comes opportunity for trust, for transparency, and for talent to shine within a secure and structured framework.

As the countdown to implementation begins, content creators have three months to register, realign, and get approved. The Advertise Permit for Content Creators, introduced, isn’t meant to restrict; it’s meant to uplift the profession. With this social media license in UAE, being an influencer as an occupation just got a lot more official and a lot more exciting.

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