UAE Tightens Regulations for Social Media Influencers

The enhancement of certain rules in the UAE has since July 1, 2024, tightened laws regarding cooperation with social media influencers in Abu Dhabi. Firms can now be prosecuted by law up to AED 10000 ($2720) for extending their business by employing key influencers without licenses.

ADDED has requested all licensed economic establishments to follow these new guidelines The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. The goal of this course is to support the appropriate economic climate for businesses’ development and survival. The laws whereby ADDED operates prescribes that anyone who wants to legally market services on the internet has to secure a license. Any form of advertising also requires a business to obtain a permit hence there is no hiding behind the advertising companies.

Legal responsibilities differ from legal requirements and it is stated that failure to adhere to them will lead to fines of AED 3,000 ($817) to AED 10,000 ($2,720) up to business being shut down. They safeguard the UAEs business and commerce from economic malpractice, fraud and provide equal competition.

Licensing in Dubai

Influencers also have to legalise their accounts via the Dubai Department of Economic Development, and National Media Council. About the license, it used to cost AED 5,000 then down to AED 2,500 for the first year and then AED 1,000 for subsequent years, but now it is free for the first three years. Such regulations apply to all influencers who want their content to be categorized to monetization.

Licencing is not required for those who develop content without the purposes of receiving monitory benefits. Also, there is Content Creators Support Fund based in Dubai through which it gives AED 150 million to those who positively spread the word about the UAE.

Following these new regulations help both the companies and influencers to steer clear of penalties and promote a legal and more systematic environment of advertising in UAE.