UAE Media Council grants more than 1,800 permits to social media creators

New Delhi: The UAE Media Council has issued more than 1,800 Advertiser Permits, introduced to regulate and support advertising activity across social media platforms nationwide, according to the report. The announcement was made during the 14th International Government Communication Forum, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life.”

The permits are designed to encourage investment in the advertising industry, strengthen the competitiveness of the UAE’s digital advertising sector, attract and empower creative talent, and safeguard the public from content that does not comply with approved standards and societal values, according to the report.

Alongside the permits, the Council launched the Advertiser Permit Guide 2025, a framework regulating advertising content on social media. The guide outlines the procedures and requirements for individuals and companies to obtain a permit, identifies authorised issuing entities in each emirate, and lists eligible commercial activities, including advertising on websites and social platforms, e-commerce, and marketing management.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, said: “Within this context, advertising regulation strengthens a fundamental pillar of the media industry and effective communication practices, enhancing quality of life for individuals and society.”

He highlighted that the issuance of more than 1,800 permits to applicants from 75 countries demonstrates the Council’s responsiveness to the needs of advertisers while ensuring content safety and adherence to professional standards.

“The Advertiser Permit Guide the UAE Media Council launched today provides a clear and transparent framework for creators and companies working in the advertising industry. It encourages them to register to ensure an approved regulatory framework for their digital advertising output. This will help them take advantage of the unique opportunities the UAE offers regionally and globally, given its expertise, capabilities, and investments in this vital field,” Al Shehhi added, according to the report.

The guide also clarifies advertising requirements, including account naming for permit holders, and specifies the duration of permits. Citizens and residents can obtain permits valid for one year, renewable annually, while visitor advertisers may be granted permits for three months, renewable up to six months, to support direct investment in the UAE’s advertising sector.