Internet media regulations
Internet Access Management (IAM) policy
Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) implements the Internet Access Management Regulatory Policy (PDF, 500 KB) in coordination with Media Regulatory Office (MRO) and Etisalat and Du, the licensed internet service providers in the UAE.
The regulation policy consists of certain frameworks and categories in regards to the internet, which must be taken into consideration by internet service providers to ensure the security of the internet and protect end-users from harmful websites containing materials that are contrary to religious and ethical values of the UAE.
TDRA monitors online content available to users in the UAE and will notify website operators based in the UAE of any potential breaches of the IAM policy. TDRA, in its enforcement of IAM, also monitors online advertising, including the advertising of medical and other specialised products and services.
Etisalat and Du are required to block online content if so is requested by TDRA. Categories under which content is restricted by virtue of the IAM policy are:
- bypassing blocked content
- pornography, nudity and vice
- impersonation, fraud and phishing
- insult, slander and defamation
- invasion of privacy
- offences against the UAE and the public order
- supporting criminal acts and skills
- drugs
- medical and pharmaceutical practices in violation of the laws
- infringement of intellectual property rights
- discrimination, racism and contempt of religion
- viruses and malicious programs
- promotion of or trading in prohibited commodities and services
- illegal communication services
- gambling
- terrorism
- prohibited top level domains
- illegal activities
- any content prohibited upon order from judicial authorities, or in accordance with the law.
Reporting prohibited content
As per TDRA’s internet guidelines, internet users can report online about prohibited content to the licensed internet service providers, Etisalat and Du.
General framework of the UAE Media Strategy
In January 2021, the UAE Cabinet approved the general framework of UAE Media Strategy which is overseen by the UAE Government Media Office. It is aimed to strengthen the UAE’s position and reputation at the regional and global levels with the general framework.
The strategy will:
- intensify the role of government communication within the federal authorities
- reinforce the concept of partnership, cooperation and integration between national media authorities
- establish partnerships with global media entities
- manage the country’s reputation and its achievements within local and international media coverage
- create a digital media environment capable of keeping pace with rapid changes and interacting with the world.
The strategy will also focus on several areas of national priority while:
- relying on the efficient and influential presence of the government in all media outlets
- promoting national culture and identity through all communication channels
- utilising modern technologies and digital media to interact with the public.
Read related news coverage on WAM.
Regulator of media in the UAE
At the federal level
The National Media Office (NMO) is a new media unit that will be responsible for developing the UAE’s media sector at the national level and enhance the UAE’s status as a key media hub regionally and internationally. NMO will support cooperation between the UAE’s various media offices, and ensure that Emiratis at higher positions in the media industry are equipped with media leadership skills.
NMO will train and upskill Emirati talent in media, develop and organise the roles of official spokespeople, represent the UAE at media conferences and events and conduct research within the media sector.
NMO is affiliated with Minister of Presidential Court and it will be based in Abu Dhabi with offices set up in the UAE and abroad. The Emirates News Agency (WAM) will report to the Head of NMO.
Read news coverage on WAM.
Media Regulatory Office (MRO) manages and regulates media activities and media-related free zones in the UAE. MRO operates under Ministry of Culture and Youth (which was renamed from Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development after the merger of National Media Council with Federal Youth Authority). Thus, it takes over the responsibilities of National Media Council.
The responsibilities of MRO include:
- preparing research and foresight studies related to the media sector in the UAE
- formulating legislations, regulations, standards and foundations for organising and licensing media and media activities including media and electronic publishing, and accrediting media professionals and correspondents of foreign media, including free zones
- proposing media conduct and ethics that ensure the public's right to obtain information from its source, and combatting false news and unprofessional media practices.
Get eServices in the media sector for individuals and government entities.
At the local level
Local media bodies contribute to the development of the media scene in the UAE. They include:
Regulatory framework for media activities
Regulatory framework for media activities
All media institutions creating audio, visual, print and digital content in the UAE must comply with the standards for media content contained in the Federal Law No. 15 of 1980 Concerning Publications and Publishing, and other laws and regulations in force.
Federal Law No.15 for 1980 Concerning Publications and Publishing
Federal Law No.15 for 1980 Concerning Publications and Publishing licensing of and activities relating to printing and publishing in the UAE and it applies to printed media content such as newspapers, magazines, television broadcasting, audio media such as radio as well as digital media content.
The law sets outs guidelines on materials, which are prohibited from being published. It also mentions penalties imposed on the publishing company and associated staff if found in violation of the law.
This law covers provisions for:
- publishing houses, printing presses and publications
- circulation of publications
- newspapers, periodic publications and new agencies
- imported and exported publications, newspapers and newsletters
- films and other related work
- content prohibited from publication
- penalties.
Resolution of the Chairman of the Board of Directors (of National Media Council) No. 26 of 2017
In addition, Resolution of the Chairman of the Board of Directors (of National Media Council) No. 26 of 2017, in respect of the media content (PDF, 1 MB), also applies to the media content and media activities practised in the UAE.
Laws and guidelines for using social media
Laws and regulations
- Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes
Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes and other applicable laws for the protection of privacy and reputation, defamation apply while using social media. Citizens and residents in the UAE need to be aware of the provisions of the law that spell out actions that could be a criminal offence.
- Regulation of Using Social Media by the Employees of Federal Entities as Approved by the Cabinet Resolution No. 73/3/ & 1 of 2014
The regulation (PDF, 159 KB) aims at directing and guiding the employees of government entities on using social media safely and responsibly when they discuss various current issues. In addition, it explains how employees could express their personal opinion in a civil manner that is not detrimental to their reputation or that of the entity they work for or that of the UAE. It provides guidelines to respect professional ethics and behaviours set out in the UAE’s laws and ensure not to violate them.
- Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2015 on Combating Discrimination and Hatred
Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2015 (PDF) on Combating Discrimination and Hatred (PDF) criminalises any act that triggers religious hatred and/or insults religion through any form of expression, which covers speech and the written word, books, pamphlets or online media. The law prohibits any act that would be considered as insulting God, his prophets or apostles or holy books or houses of worship or graveyards.
Guidelines
Prohibited media content in the UAE
Types of content prohibited under Federal Law No.15 for 1980 Concerning Publications and Publishing include:
- criticism of the President of the UAE and the rulers of the emirates
- instigation or offence against Islam or the regime in the country or anything that could damage the higher interests of the UAE
- opinions which include a violation to public morals or offence to youth, or which call or promote the espousal of destructive principles
- any material which abet the commitment of crimes or incite hate or spread dissension between the society members
- news of official secret communications or military affairs without an authorisation from the competent authority. Also, it is not allowed to publish the texts of agreements or conventions concluded by the Government before their publishing in the Official Gazette unless by a special authorisation.
- any material with bad faith or any distortion to the proceedings of sessions, deliberations or public sessions of courts or regulatory bodies in the State
- any material which includes disgrace against the President of an Arab or Islamic country or any other friendly country
- any material which includes false accusation on Arabs or misrepresentation of their civilisation or tradition
- any news regarding an ongoing criminal investigation if the investigating judge has ordered for the investigation to be confidential or if the Public Prosecution has prohibited the propagation of any information
- news, photos or comments related to the private life of individuals, even if they were correct and, if such publishing constitutes insult to the person/s mentioned about
- any false news, artificial or forged documents or falsely attributed to third parties
- any material that may damage the national legal tender or cause confusion over the economic situation of the country
- phrases, pictures or drawings against public morals or which may mislead the audience
- material on medicines or pharmaceutical formulations unless by a special authorisation from the competent authority
- opposition to the acts of a public employee or a person of public representative capacity or assigned to a public service
- report/s on a subject involving several parties without including quotes from all parties concerned.
Updated on 10 Aug 2023
