Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE Government has issued a federal decree law regulating the media sector in the country to cover permits and practices as well as monitoring and censorship. The decree law applies all individuals, media establishments, media outlets and free media zones practicing media activities within the country. It also allows natural and legal persons to own media establishments and media outlets in accordance with specific controls and conditions. Under the law, any activity related to the production, transfer, distribution, printing, publishing, broadcasting and transmission of media content, whether read, audio, visual or digital, and making it available to the public through the media, whether free or for charge are defined as media activities. These activities include television and radio broadcasting, cinematic films, artistic works, newspapers, publications, electronic and digital media activities, book fairs, foreign publications, foreign media offices, printing, circulation and dissemination of media content, and ground, air and sea and photography activities. The law also regulates the powers of the Emirates Media Council and government entities concerned with media regulation in all matters related to the issuance, supervision and control of licenses and permits to practice media activities for individuals and establishments engaging in media activities. The council will monitor and censor media contents of individuals, media establishments and institutions, including free zones, to ensure their compliance with the provisions of the decree law and its executive regulations. Permits related to showing cinematic films and other artistic works will be issued by the council, which also determines age rating system for the media content of publications and artistic works, such as books, video games and cinematic films. The council also issues permits to a natural person who provides advertising or media content, whether for or without charge in social media and other modern technical means. The licensed or authorized natural persons, establishments and media establishments shall be subject to control and supervision by the competent authority.

Rules for media practitioners

The law obliges everyone who practices an activity or profession in media sector to abide by the standards of media content in the country, including respect of privacy, religions and beliefs as well as the policy and institutions of the country. The law prohibits the publishing or circulation of anything that harms national unity and incites violence, hatred and discord. Publishing of fake news or misleading news is also prohibited. The law also protects intellectual property related to the media industry sector, and requires individuals, facilities and media institutions to abide by the intellectual property and trademark legislation in force in the UAE. Individuals, media companies and institutions engaging in media will be granted a period to regularize their status within one year from the date of the law coming into force. The grace period may be extended by a decision of the Cabinet. WAM/ICA/Expat Media
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