If you're promoting anything on social media, even just posting about a brand, product, service, job, or event and you're getting paid or sponsored for it, you now need a permit from the UAE Media Council.
06 August, 2025
Advertiser Permit in the UAE
If you’re living in the UAE or even visiting for a short time, and you're promoting a product, service, job, event, or brand on social media – whether you're being paid, sponsored, gifted, or even doing it voluntarily, you are now required to get an official Advertiser Permit. This permit, known in Arabic as "تصريح معلن", has been introduced by the UAE Media Council, and it's not optional. It’s a legal requirement, and enforcement has already begun.
This permit was launched under the authority given by Federal Law No. 11 of 2016 concerning the regulation of media activities in the UAE. The law allows the UAE Media Council (UAEMC) to supervise, regulate, and license all media and advertising-related activities in the country and yes that now includes content created by individuals on digital platforms. The system was officially announced in July 2025. From this date, anyone who promotes or advertises content online must be registered with the Council and hold a valid permit before posting promotional material.
Now, let’s talk about who actually needs this permit. This rule is not just for big influencers or full-time content creators. It applies to any individual whether you're a UAE citizen, a resident, or even just visiting the country – who promotes something that isn't your own.
For example, if you post a reel about someone else’s business, promote an event for a client, do a giveaway for a brand, or shout out a job opening on behalf of another company – you need the permit. The key here is that you're promoting a third party, not your own registered business. If you're a visitor and planning to do any promotional work, even if it’s just one campaign, still you need to apply for a temporary three (3) month Advertiser Permit, which can be renewed once, giving you a maximum of 6 months. Also, visitors must be registered under a UAE-licensed advertising agency to be eligible for the permit.
But there are exceptions. The UAE Media Council has made it clear that if you are promoting your own business, service, or product, this means if something is legally licensed in your name then you do not need this permit. Also, if you're under 18 years old and your content is limited to cultural, educational, sports-related, or awareness topics, then you're exempt too. But the moment you start promoting someone else’s brand or service, even casually, and you are 18 or above – this rule applies to you.
The permit itself is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. However, to support local creators and encourage formalisation, the UAE Media Council has made the permit free for the first three years for citizens and residents. This means if you’re living here and starting out in the digital space, you have time to build legally without worrying about permit costs. On the other hand, visitors do not get the free permit. Their three (3) month license must be paid for from the beginning, and as mentioned earlier, it can only be renewed once.
Once you have the permit, there are specific rules you need to follow. You must display your permit number clearly in all promotional content. You are only allowed to advertise from your registered personal social media account, meaning no fake or ghost accounts. You must follow content standards and legal boundaries which means, no misleading claims, no unverified offers, and no advertisements for sectors that require special approvals, like healthcare, education, or real estate, unless you’ve got prior clearance from those authorities. Also, if your income from this promotional work crosses the required financial threshold, you must register for tax with the UAE's Federal Tax Authority.
The UAE has made it very clear that this permit is part of its efforts to regulate digital media, protect consumers from unverified or unsafe content, and professionalise the growing influencer and content creation space. This is not just about social media fame, this is about creating a transparent, safe, and legal digital advertising space for everyone. And it’s being taken seriously. The system has been introduced under the official structure of the UAE Media Council and is enforceable under federal law.
You can apply only through the official UAE Media Council website – www.uaemc.gov.ae. The application process, eligibility criteria, visitor permit details, and full FAQ’s are listed clearly in Arabic and English. If you are not sure whether you qualify or not, the portal gives examples and conditions so you can check before applying.
This new permit system is important not just for compliance, but also for those who want to build a serious, long-term career in digital media while staying protected. The UAE is not banning online promotion – it’s just formalising it. And if you're doing promotional work without the permit, you could be penalised or face action under the media law. So whether you're a freelancer, a micro-influencer, or just doing brand collabs from time to time, it’s better to register now and do it properly.
To sum it up: if you’re in the UAE and promoting anything for someone else, even if it is only for once – still you need the Advertiser Permit. It’s free for UAE nationals and residents for now, but mandatory either way. This is the official way forward and staying legal now will save you from major trouble later.
Advertiser Permit in the UAE
If you’re living in the UAE or even visiting for a short time, and you're promoting a product, service, job, event, or brand on social media – whether you're being paid, sponsored, gifted, or even doing it voluntarily, you are now required to get an official Advertiser Permit. This permit, known in Arabic as "تصريح معلن", has been introduced by the UAE Media Council, and it's not optional. It’s a legal requirement, and enforcement has already begun.
This permit was launched under the authority given by Federal Law No. 11 of 2016 concerning the regulation of media activities in the UAE. The law allows the UAE Media Council (UAEMC) to supervise, regulate, and license all media and advertising-related activities in the country and yes that now includes content created by individuals on digital platforms. The system was officially announced in July 2025. From this date, anyone who promotes or advertises content online must be registered with the Council and hold a valid permit before posting promotional material.
Now, let’s talk about who actually needs this permit. This rule is not just for big influencers or full-time content creators. It applies to any individual whether you're a UAE citizen, a resident, or even just visiting the country – who promotes something that isn't your own.
For example, if you post a reel about someone else’s business, promote an event for a client, do a giveaway for a brand, or shout out a job opening on behalf of another company – you need the permit. The key here is that you're promoting a third party, not your own registered business. If you're a visitor and planning to do any promotional work, even if it’s just one campaign, still you need to apply for a temporary three (3) month Advertiser Permit, which can be renewed once, giving you a maximum of 6 months. Also, visitors must be registered under a UAE-licensed advertising agency to be eligible for the permit.
But there are exceptions. The UAE Media Council has made it clear that if you are promoting your own business, service, or product, this means if something is legally licensed in your name then you do not need this permit. Also, if you're under 18 years old and your content is limited to cultural, educational, sports-related, or awareness topics, then you're exempt too. But the moment you start promoting someone else’s brand or service, even casually, and you are 18 or above – this rule applies to you.
The permit itself is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. However, to support local creators and encourage formalisation, the UAE Media Council has made the permit free for the first three years for citizens and residents. This means if you’re living here and starting out in the digital space, you have time to build legally without worrying about permit costs. On the other hand, visitors do not get the free permit. Their three (3) month license must be paid for from the beginning, and as mentioned earlier, it can only be renewed once.
Once you have the permit, there are specific rules you need to follow. You must display your permit number clearly in all promotional content. You are only allowed to advertise from your registered personal social media account, meaning no fake or ghost accounts. You must follow content standards and legal boundaries which means, no misleading claims, no unverified offers, and no advertisements for sectors that require special approvals, like healthcare, education, or real estate, unless you’ve got prior clearance from those authorities. Also, if your income from this promotional work crosses the required financial threshold, you must register for tax with the UAE's Federal Tax Authority.
The UAE has made it very clear that this permit is part of its efforts to regulate digital media, protect consumers from unverified or unsafe content, and professionalise the growing influencer and content creation space. This is not just about social media fame, this is about creating a transparent, safe, and legal digital advertising space for everyone. And it’s being taken seriously. The system has been introduced under the official structure of the UAE Media Council and is enforceable under federal law.
You can apply only through the official UAE Media Council website – www.uaemc.gov.ae. The application process, eligibility criteria, visitor permit details, and full FAQ’s are listed clearly in Arabic and English. If you are not sure whether you qualify or not, the portal gives examples and conditions so you can check before applying.
This new permit system is important not just for compliance, but also for those who want to build a serious, long-term career in digital media while staying protected. The UAE is not banning online promotion – it’s just formalising it. And if you're doing promotional work without the permit, you could be penalised or face action under the media law. So whether you're a freelancer, a micro-influencer, or just doing brand collabs from time to time, it’s better to register now and do it properly.
To sum it up: if you’re in the UAE and promoting anything for someone else, even if it is only for once – still you need the Advertiser Permit. It’s free for UAE nationals and residents for now, but mandatory either way. This is the official way forward and staying legal now will save you from major trouble later.
Advertiser Permit in the UAE
If you’re living in the UAE or even visiting for a short time, and you're promoting a product, service, job, event, or brand on social media – whether you're being paid, sponsored, gifted, or even doing it voluntarily, you are now required to get an official Advertiser Permit. This permit, known in Arabic as "تصريح معلن", has been introduced by the UAE Media Council, and it's not optional. It’s a legal requirement, and enforcement has already begun.
This permit was launched under the authority given by Federal Law No. 11 of 2016 concerning the regulation of media activities in the UAE. The law allows the UAE Media Council (UAEMC) to supervise, regulate, and license all media and advertising-related activities in the country and yes that now includes content created by individuals on digital platforms. The system was officially announced in July 2025. From this date, anyone who promotes or advertises content online must be registered with the Council and hold a valid permit before posting promotional material.
Now, let’s talk about who actually needs this permit. This rule is not just for big influencers or full-time content creators. It applies to any individual whether you're a UAE citizen, a resident, or even just visiting the country – who promotes something that isn't your own.
For example, if you post a reel about someone else’s business, promote an event for a client, do a giveaway for a brand, or shout out a job opening on behalf of another company – you need the permit. The key here is that you're promoting a third party, not your own registered business. If you're a visitor and planning to do any promotional work, even if it’s just one campaign, still you need to apply for a temporary three (3) month Advertiser Permit, which can be renewed once, giving you a maximum of 6 months. Also, visitors must be registered under a UAE-licensed advertising agency to be eligible for the permit.
But there are exceptions. The UAE Media Council has made it clear that if you are promoting your own business, service, or product, this means if something is legally licensed in your name then you do not need this permit. Also, if you're under 18 years old and your content is limited to cultural, educational, sports-related, or awareness topics, then you're exempt too. But the moment you start promoting someone else’s brand or service, even casually, and you are 18 or above – this rule applies to you.
The permit itself is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. However, to support local creators and encourage formalisation, the UAE Media Council has made the permit free for the first three years for citizens and residents. This means if you’re living here and starting out in the digital space, you have time to build legally without worrying about permit costs. On the other hand, visitors do not get the free permit. Their three (3) month license must be paid for from the beginning, and as mentioned earlier, it can only be renewed once.
Once you have the permit, there are specific rules you need to follow. You must display your permit number clearly in all promotional content. You are only allowed to advertise from your registered personal social media account, meaning no fake or ghost accounts. You must follow content standards and legal boundaries which means, no misleading claims, no unverified offers, and no advertisements for sectors that require special approvals, like healthcare, education, or real estate, unless you’ve got prior clearance from those authorities. Also, if your income from this promotional work crosses the required financial threshold, you must register for tax with the UAE's Federal Tax Authority.
The UAE has made it very clear that this permit is part of its efforts to regulate digital media, protect consumers from unverified or unsafe content, and professionalise the growing influencer and content creation space. This is not just about social media fame, this is about creating a transparent, safe, and legal digital advertising space for everyone. And it’s being taken seriously. The system has been introduced under the official structure of the UAE Media Council and is enforceable under federal law.
You can apply only through the official UAE Media Council website – www.uaemc.gov.ae. The application process, eligibility criteria, visitor permit details, and full FAQ’s are listed clearly in Arabic and English. If you are not sure whether you qualify or not, the portal gives examples and conditions so you can check before applying.
This new permit system is important not just for compliance, but also for those who want to build a serious, long-term career in digital media while staying protected. The UAE is not banning online promotion – it’s just formalising it. And if you're doing promotional work without the permit, you could be penalised or face action under the media law. So whether you're a freelancer, a micro-influencer, or just doing brand collabs from time to time, it’s better to register now and do it properly.
To sum it up: if you’re in the UAE and promoting anything for someone else, even if it is only for once – still you need the Advertiser Permit. It’s free for UAE nationals and residents for now, but mandatory either way. This is the official way forward and staying legal now will save you from major trouble later.
Advertiser Permit in the UAE
If you’re living in the UAE or even visiting for a short time, and you're promoting a product, service, job, event, or brand on social media – whether you're being paid, sponsored, gifted, or even doing it voluntarily, you are now required to get an official Advertiser Permit. This permit, known in Arabic as "تصريح معلن", has been introduced by the UAE Media Council, and it's not optional. It’s a legal requirement, and enforcement has already begun.
This permit was launched under the authority given by Federal Law No. 11 of 2016 concerning the regulation of media activities in the UAE. The law allows the UAE Media Council (UAEMC) to supervise, regulate, and license all media and advertising-related activities in the country and yes that now includes content created by individuals on digital platforms. The system was officially announced in July 2025. From this date, anyone who promotes or advertises content online must be registered with the Council and hold a valid permit before posting promotional material.
Now, let’s talk about who actually needs this permit. This rule is not just for big influencers or full-time content creators. It applies to any individual whether you're a UAE citizen, a resident, or even just visiting the country – who promotes something that isn't your own.
For example, if you post a reel about someone else’s business, promote an event for a client, do a giveaway for a brand, or shout out a job opening on behalf of another company – you need the permit. The key here is that you're promoting a third party, not your own registered business. If you're a visitor and planning to do any promotional work, even if it’s just one campaign, still you need to apply for a temporary three (3) month Advertiser Permit, which can be renewed once, giving you a maximum of 6 months. Also, visitors must be registered under a UAE-licensed advertising agency to be eligible for the permit.
But there are exceptions. The UAE Media Council has made it clear that if you are promoting your own business, service, or product, this means if something is legally licensed in your name then you do not need this permit. Also, if you're under 18 years old and your content is limited to cultural, educational, sports-related, or awareness topics, then you're exempt too. But the moment you start promoting someone else’s brand or service, even casually, and you are 18 or above – this rule applies to you.
The permit itself is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. However, to support local creators and encourage formalisation, the UAE Media Council has made the permit free for the first three years for citizens and residents. This means if you’re living here and starting out in the digital space, you have time to build legally without worrying about permit costs. On the other hand, visitors do not get the free permit. Their three (3) month license must be paid for from the beginning, and as mentioned earlier, it can only be renewed once.
Once you have the permit, there are specific rules you need to follow. You must display your permit number clearly in all promotional content. You are only allowed to advertise from your registered personal social media account, meaning no fake or ghost accounts. You must follow content standards and legal boundaries which means, no misleading claims, no unverified offers, and no advertisements for sectors that require special approvals, like healthcare, education, or real estate, unless you’ve got prior clearance from those authorities. Also, if your income from this promotional work crosses the required financial threshold, you must register for tax with the UAE's Federal Tax Authority.
The UAE has made it very clear that this permit is part of its efforts to regulate digital media, protect consumers from unverified or unsafe content, and professionalise the growing influencer and content creation space. This is not just about social media fame, this is about creating a transparent, safe, and legal digital advertising space for everyone. And it’s being taken seriously. The system has been introduced under the official structure of the UAE Media Council and is enforceable under federal law.
You can apply only through the official UAE Media Council website – www.uaemc.gov.ae. The application process, eligibility criteria, visitor permit details, and full FAQ’s are listed clearly in Arabic and English. If you are not sure whether you qualify or not, the portal gives examples and conditions so you can check before applying.
This new permit system is important not just for compliance, but also for those who want to build a serious, long-term career in digital media while staying protected. The UAE is not banning online promotion – it’s just formalising it. And if you're doing promotional work without the permit, you could be penalised or face action under the media law. So whether you're a freelancer, a micro-influencer, or just doing brand collabs from time to time, it’s better to register now and do it properly.
To sum it up: if you’re in the UAE and promoting anything for someone else, even if it is only for once – still you need the Advertiser Permit. It’s free for UAE nationals and residents for now, but mandatory either way. This is the official way forward and staying legal now will save you from major trouble later.
