Starting February 1, 2026, the UAE Media Council has officially made the Advertiser Permit a legal requirement for all influencers and content creators operating within the country. This regulation falls under Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023 and aims to increase transparency and professionalism across all digital platforms, including social media, blogs, and websites.
نود إبلاغكم أنه من اليوم، 1 فبراير 2026، بدأ تطبيق تصريح مُعلِن على جميع المعلنين في دولة الإمارات وصنّاع المحتوى الزائرين.
خطوة تنظيمية تعزّز الثقة، وتضمن بيئة إعلانية أكثر احترافية وشفافية.#الهيئة_الوطنية_للإعلامWe would like to inform you that, as of today, 1st february… pic.twitter.com/XkXOYUbFAP
— الهيئة الوطنية للإعلام (@UAENMA) February 1, 2026
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Who it covers: The law applies to every individual creating promotional content in the UAE, including citizens, residents, and visitors.
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Types of promotions: A permit is required for all forms of advertising, whether the creator is paid in cash or receives unpaid benefits like gifts, free meals, or barter deals.
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Cost for residents: To support the local creative community, the permit is free for the first three years for UAE citizens and residents.
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Strict penalties: Failure to comply with these rules can result in heavy administrative fines, which can reach as high as Dh1 million for serious violations.
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Main goal: The government is implementing this to ensure that all digital advertisements are honest, trustworthy, and clearly identified as sponsored content.
