The UAE has passed its first new media law in decades to guide AI, gaming and on-demand broadcasting which are new in this field. At a press conference in Dubai, it was revealed that the new Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation would guide the country’s media sector into a modern phase.
Created over two years, the new law is part of the wide-ranging legislative plans developed by the UAE Media Council in 2023. Officials claim it marks a change from traditional media rules and meets the standards set by other countries. Flexible thinking, continuous development and strong links with partners are the focus of the company.
According to Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, the focus of the framework is on content at the heart of the industry. Its goal is to help creatives, encourage new innovations and bring investors by ensuring the media industry is flexible and open to everyone.
Among the main advantages of the new system is that social media influencers and digital content creators won’t need to pay permit fees for three years, aimed at helping quality online content develop and increasing public faith in the system. An updated age rating system will now be in place to keep children safe from seeing mature content online, as people view more content online.
Maitha Al Suwaidi, as CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector, explained that these rules provide safeguards for the integrity and reliability of digital news. Besides, it includes a Cabinet resolution on fees for media services and clear guidelines for the penalties of violations to ensure the media remains transparent and easily understood.
Local artists and producers can benefit from fee exemptions, helping the law support the country’s cultural identity and make top quality content. Officials said these reforms would greatly improve the UAE’s media sector and help it become a world leader in innovation
