UAE Media Council Extends Advertiser Permit Deadline to January 31 2026

The UAE Media Council has officially extended the deadline for creators, influencers, and digital advertisers to obtain the Advertiser Permit until 31 January 2026.

The announcement, made on the Council’s verified X account on 24 October 2025, confirms a new grace period for individuals and businesses to align their online advertising activities with the updated Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023 on Media Regulation and Council Decision No. (3) of 2025.

A Step Toward a Regulated Digital Media Economy

The Advertiser Permit is now a core requirement for anyone producing advertising or promotional content in the UAE (paid, unpaid, or through barter) across social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

The permit framework, detailed in the Council’s 2025 Advertiser Guide, is designed to bring consistency, accountability, and cultural compliance to the fast-growing digital content industry.

Who Must Obtain the Permit

The requirement applies to all citizens, residents, and visitors who publish advertising or promotional content through any digital or social-media platform from within the UAE.

This includes:

• Influencers and creators who receive payment, gifts, or other value in exchange for promoting products, services, or events.

• Freelancers, agencies, and marketing professionals who manage or produce promotional content for clients.

• Visiting creators who conduct paid collaborations while in the UAE (eligible for a Visitor Advertiser Permit, valid three months and renewable).

Exemptions apply to individuals who use their own personal accounts solely to promote their own licensed business, as well as minors producing educational, cultural, or awareness content under a guardian’s licence.

Conditions to Apply

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old (15–18 may qualify under guardian supervision).

• Hold a valid trade or freelancer licence listing advertising or electronic-media activity.

• Have a clean conduct record and no outstanding dues to the Council.

• Complete any awareness or training programmes specified by the Council.

Applications are processed through the official e-services portal: eservices.uaemc.gov.ae.

The Council issues decisions within three working days of receiving all documents.

Two-Tier Licensing Requirement

Applicants must secure two separate authorisations before producing commercial content:

1. Trade Licence – from the mainland DED or a free zone (such as SHAMS, Meydan, IFZA, or SPC Free Zone).

2. Advertiser Permit (Media Licence) – from the UAE Media Council once the trade licence is active.

Supporting documents include Emirates ID, certificate of good conduct, trade licence, and details of the registered social-media accounts.

The Advertiser Permit is free for the first three years for UAE citizens and residents.

Renewal from the fourth year costs AED 1,000, while Visitor Permits are issued at AED 500.

Compliance Obligations

Permit holders must:

• Display their Advertiser Permit number on all accounts used for promotions.

• Post ads only through the registered and approved account.

• Avoid misleading, offensive, or non-compliant content.

• Obtain sector-specific approvals for regulated areas such as real estate, finance, healthcare, and education.

• Submit an annual report of published ads when requested.

• Register for taxation and obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN) if required under UAE law.

Advertising and talent agencies also must maintain records of their clients, content copies, and contracts for a minimum of three years.

Penalties for Violations

Non-compliance can result in fines starting from AED 20,000 and reaching AED 1 million for serious or repeated violations.

The Council may also order content removal, suspend or revoke permits, and refer cases for legal action under UAE media and commercial laws.

Permits may be cancelled if the holder provides false information, violates content standards, or is convicted of a felony or dishonor crime.

What the Extension Means

The new deadline gives creators and advertisers additional time to complete registration and avoid penalties once enforcement begins in 2026.

More than 1,800 Advertiser Permits have already been issued across 75 countries, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a regional and global media hub.

By extending the grace period, the Council promotes an orderly transition toward full compliance and a transparent, professional digital-media environment.