UAE Media Law Fines: What Offences and Penalties Were Revealed

Key Offences and Corresponding UAE Media Law Fines

Here are seven major types of violations under the law, and how much each can cost you:

1. Insulting religious beliefs or Divine entities Up to Dh1,000,000
   Possible licence revocation, doubled
   
   
2. Violating public morals / promoting destructive ideas Up to Dh100,000 Repeated offences increase fines, potential closure or suspension of license
   
   
3. Publishing content inciting crimes (murder, rape, drug abuse) Up to Dh150,000 Repetition or severity may push higher or include license sanctions
4. Disrespecting state symbols, institutions, or national policy Between Dh50,000 – Dh500,000 Repeat or broader dissemination could lead to higher fines, legal or regulatory action
   
   
5. Operating media without a valid license / printing/publishing without a license First offence: Dh10,000; repeat offences: Dh40,000 Could include suspension of the media outlet or revocation of license, temporary shutdown
   
   
6. Spreading false information or misinformation Dh5,000 for first offence; Dh10,000 for repeat offences More severe misinformation (impacting security, public order) may incur higher fines
   
   
7. Organizing/media-related events without permits (e.g. book fairs, public screenings) Up to Dh40,000 for first offences; more if repeated Events shut down, event licenses revoked, fines doubled for repeat breach
   
   

Additional Standards & Repercussions Under the Law

• The UAE Media Council issued 20 binding content standards that media producers must adhere to. Violations of these standards can result in the fines listed above.
• For repeat offences within a year, fines may double, and in serious cases reach Dh2 million.
• In addition to fines, sanctions may include temporary administrative closure (up to six months), permanent closure of media institutions, suspension or revocation of media licenses.
  
  

Who Is Affected by UAE Media Law Fines?

• Traditional media outlets (newspapers, TV, radio)
• Digital content creators and influencers
• Social media users & platforms posting public content
• Publishers and event organisers (fairs, screenings)
• Foreign correspondents and media working in the UAE
  
  

Why These Rules & Fines Were Introduced

• To ensure media aligns with UAE’s religious, cultural, and value systems
• To protect national unity, public morals, state symbols
• To combat misinformation and harmful content
• To bring transparency and consistency to licensing and media regulation

For official details, visit Ministry of Justice – UAE

What Media Professionals & Creators Should Do

• Ensure you have a valid license from UAE Media Council before publishing or broadcasting content.
• Review your content strategy against the 20 standards. Avoid anything that may violate public morals or sacred beliefs.
•  Seek legal or compliance guidance before releasing content that could touch sensitive topics (politics, religion, national values).
• Renew licences on time; avoid letting them lapse.
• Keep disclaimers or authorisations ready when organising events or using guest contributors.
  
  

Wider Impact of UAE Media Law Fines on the Region

The introduction of the UAE media law fines is not just about local compliance, it sets a benchmark for the wider Middle East region. By introducing strict accountability measures, the UAE positions itself as a leader in regulating modern media landscapes where misinformation spreads rapidly. Regional creators and global brands operating in the Emirates now see the country as a highly structured environment where only ethical, accurate, and respectful content thrives. This proactive approach strengthens public trust, safeguards cultural identity, and ensures the UAE remains a safe and credible hub for journalism, digital creativity, and international media partnerships.

Follow UAE Explores for more Government News & Updates.