Dubai Unveils New Media Laws to Transform Film and Gaming Industries

Dubai will be ushering in new media laws which the emirate’s authorities said with an effect of strengthening film and gaming businesses. The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum passed Federal Law No. (29) of 2024 providing the Dubai Media Council more authority, necessary to enact policies for executing five-year development plans for the media industry.

The new legislation also incorporates Decree No. (66) of 2024 whereby the Council shall be the regulatory body for media activities throughout the Emirate of Dubaiurum including the Dubai International Financial Centre free zone. Also, Decree No. (67) of 2024 relocates of the Dubai Film and TV Commission as a subsidiary of the Council which increases its importance within the media landscape.

The DMA was launched by the Dubai Media Council chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and will coordinate its efforts with aims to innovate and attract international talent. The Dubai Films and Games Commission, which is recently set up will take the leading role in promoting films and games industry deemed as paramount to the emirate’s creative economy.

The Chairperson of Council, Mona Al Marri said that the legislation has a major importance in establishing Dubai as an international media city. Supporting these initiatives, the Dubai Media Permits Office will coordinate media activities to make sure that the media operates under one, and more liberal permit.

Ascent aims at promoting research, attracting investment to the emirate and encouraging local talent, these programmes place Dubai at the forefront of creative industries. By using regulatory and deliberate development strategies it is hoped the city will meet and surpass emerging global trends and become the leading global media hub.