The United Arab Emirates issues a new federal decree on the regulation of print, electronic and digital media activities in the country

The provisions of the decree apply to individuals, organizations, media outlets and dedicated media free zones in the UAE. It allows both natural and legal persons to own institutions and media in accordance with specific regulations and conditions.

According to the law, media activities include the production, circulation, printing and publication of media content. It also includes audio, video and digital broadcasting, free of charge or at a cost.

This includes all matters relating to the issuance and supervision of licenses and permits for the execution of media activities by individuals, media establishments and institutions, covering radio and television broadcasting; cinematographic films and creative productions; newspapers and publications; digital and electronic media activities; book fairs; foreign publications; foreign media offices; print, circulate and publish multimedia content; and Aerial, land and maritime imaging operations.

Furthermore, the provisions of the federal decree organize the authorities of the UAE Media Council and local government entities charged with regulating media affairs.

According to the decree, all individuals and media institutions operating within the UAE must comply with national standards for media content, in particular respecting: Islamic beliefs; all religions and other beliefs; respect the sovereignty, symbols and institutions of the country, and the supreme interests of the UAE and its society; respect the country’s directions and policies at the local and international level; avoid any adverse impact on the UAE’s foreign relations; and respect culture and civilization, national identity and values ​​of society.

Furthermore, the media and individuals are obliged not to disseminate or circulate information that offends national unity or social cohesion; no incitement to violence, hatred or propagation of spirit of discord among members of society; responsible use of the UAE’s legal and economic system, ensuring that justice and security are not exploited or abused; respect privacy regulations and people’s private lives; not publish, disseminate or disseminate rumours, false and misleading news or the publication of any matter that may constitute incitement to commit a crime.

According to the decree, the UAE Media Council is responsible for issuing permits for the screening of film productions and other creative productions. In addition to defining the Media Content Rating System classifications for print and creative productions, including books, video games and film production.

The Council will also be responsible for deciding the age groups eligible to view multimedia and entertainment content.

The Council also grants permission to persons who provide advertising or media content on social networks and other modern technical means, free of charge or at a cost.

The decree requires that authorized or authorized persons and media outlets be subject to surveillance and supervision by the competent authority. It allows the Council to carry out surveillance and inspection of people, media and media institutions, including free zones.

According to the Decree-Law, the UAE Media Council, in coordination with the relevant authorities, will promote the protection of intellectual property among individuals, establishments and media institutions in the UAE.

The decree law gave people, organizations and media a period of time to adjust their situation in accordance with the provisions of the Decree-Law and its Implementing Regulations, within a period of twelve months from the entry into force of its provisions, extendable by a Cabinet decision.

* Applicable to individuals, organizations, media outlets and dedicated media free zones in the UAE.

* It allows both natural and legal persons to own institutions and media in accordance with specific regulations and conditions.

* Media individuals and institutions operating within the UAE must comply with national standards for media content.

* It organizes the authorities of the UAE Media Council and local government entities that are responsible for regulating media affairs.

The UAE Media Council is responsible for issuing permits for the screening of film productions and other creative productions.

The Council will grant permission to persons who provide advertising or media content on social networks and other modern technical means.