UAE reveals 20 binding standards for media content with fines of up to Dhs2 million

The UAE Media Council has announced 20 comprehensive and binding standards for all media institutions and professionals regarding content circulated across various media platforms. These standards aim to ensure that content aligns with the country's values and supreme interests, in accordance with Media Law No. 55 of 2023 and its executive regulations.

The Council stressed that all media content must demonstrate full respect for the Divine Being, Islamic beliefs, and other Abrahamic religions, and must not offend any of them in any way. It also emphasized the importance of respecting the country's system of government, national symbols, and institutions, while safeguarding the nation’s supreme interests and social cohesion.

Respecting the UAE’s official domestic and foreign policies is a fundamental principle that the media must uphold. Consequently, the Council prohibits the publication or broadcast of any material that could harm the country’s foreign relations or negatively affect its international reputation.

The Council also highlighted the need to preserve cultural and civilizational heritage, respect national identity, and avoid content that threatens the unity or cohesion of society. It explicitly warned against promoting sectarian, tribal, or regional divisions, and against inciting hatred, violence, or terrorism, as well as spreading discord and animosity.

Furthermore, media content must reflect the moral values of society and serve the public interest without violating societal norms. The publication of content that disrespects the legal, economic, judicial, or security systems is strictly prohibited.

In line with efforts to protect personal privacy, the Council emphasized the importance of respecting individuals' privacy and avoiding any violation of personal matters. It banned the publication or dissemination of material that incites criminal behavior, including murder, rape, or the use of drugs or psychotropic substances. Content that violates public decency, offends youth, or promotes subversive ideologies is also forbidden.

Publishing false news, forged documents, or falsely attributing information to individuals or entities is strictly prohibited. The Council also bans content that could harm the national currency, negatively impact the economy, or spread rumors and misinformation. Media outlets must not glorify or promote groups with political, social, ideological, or ethnic agendas hostile to the state.

Careful selection of guests and participants in media programs is required to ensure adherence to professional standards and avoid compromising public policy.

Regarding advertisements, the Council stated that content must respect the UAE’s culture, identity, and values. Advertisements must also comply with age classifications set by the Council and safeguard children's rights, protecting them from harmful content in accordance with national laws.

In cases of violations, the Council will take appropriate action, beginning with an official warning. Fines may be imposed, reaching up to Dhs 1 million. Repeat violations within one year may result in doubled fines, up to Dhs 2 million.

Additional penalties may include temporary administrative closure (not exceeding six months), permanent closure, or revocation of licenses or permits—depending on the severity and impact of the violation on society and the state.

Media Content Standards

1 - Respecting the Divine Entity, Islamic beliefs, monotheistic religions, and other beliefs, and not offending any of them.

2 - Respecting the State's governance system, its symbols and institutions, and the highest interests of the State and society.

3 - Respecting the State's orientation and policy at the internal and international levels.

4 - Avoiding to address to anything that might harm the State's foreign relations.

5 - Respecting the cultural and civilisational heritage and national identity of the UAE.

6 - Not to publish or circulate anything that harms national unity and social cohesion.

7 - Not to raise sectarian, regional, or tribal strife, not to incite violence, hatred, and terrorist acts, and not to incite hatred and spread a spirit of discord in society.

8 - Not to offend the prevailing values in society and observing the requirements of the public interest.

9 - Not to offend the legal, economic, judicial and security system in the UAE.

10 - Respecting the rules of privacy and everything related to the private lives of individuals.

11 - Not to publish or circulate anything that might incite the commission of crimes or encourage murder, rape, or the use of drugs or psychotropic substances.

12  - Not to publish, broadcast, or circulate phrases, pictures, drawings, or opinions that violate public morals, offend young people, or call for embracing or promoting subversive ideas.

13  - Not to publish, broadcast, or circulate false news, forged papers, or those incorrectly attributed to entities or persons.

14 - Not to publish, broadcast or circulate anything that might harm the national currency or the economic situation in the State.

15  -  Not to spread rumours and misleading news.

16  - Not to glorify groups with destructive political, ethnic, economic, ideological, or social tendencies that are adverse to the UAE or that serve their own interests.

17  - Select appropriate individuals when hosting or accepting contributions thereof in the media.

18  - The content of the advertisement shall respect the culture, identity, and values of the UAE.

19  - Take into account the Age Rating System of artistic works approved by the UAE Media Council.

20  - Respect children rights in accordance with the legislation applicable within the UAE.

As per the decree, all media individuals and institutions operating in the UAE are required to comply with the national standards for media content. Violating the provisions of this decree-law may lead to administrative fines, closure of the media institution or cancellation of the media licence/permit.