Banner
UAE Implements New Media Law with Fines Up to Dh1 Million: Full List of Penalties

UAE Implements New Media Law with Fines Up to Dh1 Million: Full List of Penalties

July 26, 2025 Dubai
The UAE has enacted a new media law effective May 29, establishing a strict legal framework for all forms of media activity across the country. The law imposes severe penalties — some reaching up to Dh1 million — for a wide range of violations, including moral offences, unlicensed operations, and the spread of misinformation. The legislation underscores the UAE's focus on maintaining ethical a...

al and responsible media practices. It also introduces tiered penalties depending on the gravity and recurrence of each violation. Key Offences and Penalties Under the New UAE Media Law: Religious and Moral Violations Insulting religious beliefs or the Divine Essence (including Islam and other heavenly religions): Fine: Up to Dh1,000,000 Violating public morals or promoting harmful ideologies: Fine: Up to Dh100,000 Publishing content that incites criminal acts (such as murder, rape, or drug use): Fine: Up to Dh150,000 Violations Against the State Disrespecting national symbols, ruling system, or government institutions: Fine: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000 Criticizing the UAE’s domestic or international policies: Fine: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000 Publishing material that could damage foreign relations or threaten national unity/social stability: Fine: Up to Dh250,000 Licensing-Related Violations Operating media services without a valid licence: First offence: Dh10,000 Repeat offence: Dh40,000 Failure to renew licence within 30 days of expiry: Fine: Dh150 per day (maximum Dh3,000) Transferring a licence or modifying business details without approval: Fine: Up to Dh20,000 Continuing operations with an expired licence: First offence: Dh10,000 Repeat offence: Dh20,000 (doubles with each repetition) False Information and Misinformation Spreading false news or misleading content: First offence: Dh5,000 Repeat offence: Dh10,000 Event and Publishing Violations Organising or disrupting a book fair without permission: Fine: Dh40,000 (doubles with repetition) Printing or distributing content without appropriate licensing: Fine: Dh20,000 (doubles with repetition) Foreign Correspondent Regulations Working as an unlicensed foreign media correspondent: Up to three written warnings Repeat offence: Dh10,000 fine In addition to penalties, the law aims to support and regulate media professionals and social media influencers, promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism in both digital and traditional media sectors.

6 reasons new US visa interview rule matters if you live in UAE
September 8, 2025
6 reasons new US visa interview rule matters if you live in UAE
Dubai 12 Comments

From stricter location rules to non-refundable fees, here’s why the new US visa interview policy aff...

Dubai court upholds acquittal of two men in kidnapping and assault case
September 8, 2025
Dubai court upholds acquittal of two men in kidnapping and assault case
Dubai 12 Comments

The Dubai Court of Appeal upheld the acquittal of two Emirati men accused of kidnapping and assault,...

UAE ready to surprise big teams at the Asia Cup 2025
September 5, 2025
UAE ready to surprise big teams at the Asia Cup 2025
Dubai 12 Comments

UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem says his team has the right mix of youth and experience to challenge gia...

Two groups of Indian colleagues win $1million each in Dubai
September 4, 2025
Two groups of Indian colleagues win $1million each in Dubai
Dubai 12 Comments

Two groups of Indian colleagues struck $1 million each in Dubai Duty Free’s Millennium Millionaire d...

What Google can — and cannot do — after US court ruling: What happens next
September 4, 2025
What Google can — and cannot do — after US court ruling: What happens next
Dubai 12 Comments

A US judge has ordered Google to end exclusive default search deals but stopped short of forcing a C...

6 best places to visit in Kalba and Khorfakkan during the UAE long weekend
September 4, 2025
6 best places to visit in Kalba and Khorfakkan during the UAE long weekend
Dubai 12 Comments

From mangroves and waterfalls to heritage villages and family parks, explore the natural beauty and...

Loan sharks go digital: Pakistanis crushed by loan apps, social media scams
September 3, 2025
Loan sharks go digital: Pakistanis crushed by loan apps, social media scams
Dubai 12 Comments

Pakistan is cracking down on predatory loan apps and social media scams that trap citizens with sky-...

Google avoids Chrome sale in landmark antitrust ruling, must share search data
September 3, 2025
Google avoids Chrome sale in landmark antitrust ruling, must share search data
Dubai 12 Comments

In a landmark US antitrust ruling, Google must share its search data with rivals but avoids harsher...

UAE: Reader Disputes Dh39,119 Credit Card Fraud; Bank Steps In After Gulf News’ Intervention
August 22, 2025
UAE: Reader Disputes Dh39,119 Credit Card Fraud; Bank Steps In After Gulf News’ Intervention
UAE 12 Comments

Dubai resident disputes Dh39,119 fraud on ENBD card. Customer alleges OTP misuse; bank responds afte...

New Crisis and Disaster Centre in Al Ain to Boost Emergency Response
August 5, 2025
New Crisis and Disaster Centre in Al Ain to Boost Emergency Response
Dubai 12 Comments

A new disaster centre in Al Ain will speed up emergency response and enhance local crisis management...

Dubai Tailor Wins Dh20 Million in First Ever Big Ticket Entry
August 4, 2025
Dubai Tailor Wins Dh20 Million in First Ever Big Ticket Entry
Dubai 12 Comments

Dubai-based Bangladeshi tailor wins Dh20M in his first Big Ticket try; more prizes set for September...

Dubai Landlords Remove Illegal Partitions, Shift Focus to Families Over Bachelors
August 4, 2025
Dubai Landlords Remove Illegal Partitions, Shift Focus to Families Over Bachelors
Dubai 12 Comments

Dubai landlords remove illegal partitions and prefer family tenants amid crackdown on unauthorized m...

Digital Dirham to Revolutionize UAE’s Payment System with Secure, Inclusive Features
August 2, 2025
Digital Dirham to Revolutionize UAE’s Payment System with Secure, Inclusive Features
UAE 12 Comments

The UAE’s Digital Dirham is set to modernize payments with secure, inclusive features, offering fast...

Dubai Launches AI-Powered Self-Photo Studio with No Photographer
August 2, 2025
Dubai Launches AI-Powered Self-Photo Studio with No Photographer
Dubai 12 Comments

Dubai’s new AI-powered photo studio lets users take portraits in private, with no photographer — lau...

Heavy Metal Icon Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76
August 2, 2025
Heavy Metal Icon Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76
12 Comments

Legendary heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, frontman of Black Sabbath and reality TV star, dies at 7...

UAE Issues Warning: BDS LTD.Seychelles Not Licensed for Financial Services
August 2, 2025
UAE Issues Warning: BDS LTD.Seychelles Not Licensed for Financial Services
UAE 12 Comments

UAE warns investors that BDS LTD.Seychelles is unlicensed for financial services; urges public to av...

UAE Introduces New Licensing Rules for Lawyers and Legal Consultants
July 26, 2025
UAE Introduces New Licensing Rules for Lawyers and Legal Consultants
12 Comments

The UAE has approved new laws regulating lawyers and legal consultants, including licensing rules, e...

UAE Deportation: Can Expats Return? Legal Process Explained
July 26, 2025
UAE Deportation: Can Expats Return? Legal Process Explained
Dubai 12 Comments

Deported from the UAE? Return is only possible with special approval. Here's how to apply and the do...

Gwyneth Paltrow Hired by Astronomer After Coldplay-Linked CEO Controversy
July 26, 2025
Gwyneth Paltrow Hired by Astronomer After Coldplay-Linked CEO Controversy
america 12 Comments

Following a Coldplay concert controversy and CEO resignation, Astronomer hires Gwyneth Paltrow to an...

Top