A comprehensive regulatory framework for media content violations: UAE Cabinet Decision No. 42 of 2025

In a significant move to clarify the penalties for breaches of UAE media laws, and ensure responsible media practices, the UAE Cabinet has issued Decision No. 42 of 2025. This Decision outlines an extensive list of administrative violations and penalties for breaches of Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 on Media Regulation and its implementing regulation. Of particular importance is Table No. 2, which for the first time sets out a scale of detailed penalties for violations related to media content standards.

Scope and Application

The Decision will come into force on 29 May 2025, and applies to individuals, media institutions, and platforms operating within the UAE, including free zones. 

Media Content Standards and Penalties (Table No. 2)

Table No. 2 classifies 20 types of media content violations into three major categories and ranks them by severity—from First Degree (least severe) to Fourth Degree (most severe). Penalties range from AED 5,000 to AED 1,000,000. Below is a summary of these classifications:

• Disrespect for the Divine Entity, Islam, and other religions: AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000
• Disrespect for the UAE's regime, symbols, and institutions: AED 50,000 to AED 500,000
• Content harmful to foreign relations: AED 30,000 to AED 250,000
• Promotion of sectarianism, violence, or terrorism: AED 100,000 to AED 500,000
• Publishing immoral, misleading, or fake content: AED 10,000 to AED 100,000
• Violation of privacy or children's rights: AED 5,000 to AED 100,000
• Failure to adhere to age classifications or national identity in content: AED 5,000 to AED 100,00

Implementation and Oversight

A dedicated committee called the Committee for Violations of Media Content Standards will be established with 3 to 7 media experts. This body will assess violations of media content standards based on media, economic, political, and social impact and determine appropriate fines in accordance with the scale in Table No. 2, commensurate with the gravity of the breach and societal impact of the content. 

The Decision also empowers the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority (i.e. the local government entity that is concerned with the licensing or authorisation of media activities, or the Council for the Emirates where there is no local competent entity) to impose administrative fines as outlined in Table No. 1 for violations related to the exercise of media activities, for example failing to have the proper licence to conduct the listed media-related activities. 

The Decision also sets out a grievance mechanism against administrative penalties. A grievance challenging a penalty may be filed within 15 days, and a decision must be issued within 15 days from the date of filing. 

Media Licensing: UAE Cabinet Decision No. 41 and Table No. 1 of Decision No. 42

Cabinet Decision No. 41 of 2025 and Table No. 1 of Decision No. 42 also introduce updated provisions regarding the costs and types of media licenses, as well as penalties for failing to comply with those licensing requirements. For example, the updated schedule at Table No. 1 sets distinct fees for activities such as podcasting, electronic publishing, and audiovisual content production, with administrative fines for unauthorised media activity starting at AED 5,000, and increased penalties for repeat offences. These updates provide more clarity and structure to the licensing regime for various media professionals and entities.

Conclusion

Media activity licensing and media content standards have long been a feature of UAE law. Cabinet Decision Nos. 41 and 42 of 2025 provide welcome granularity and clarity for media businesses as to how violations of licensing requirements and media content standards are to be enforced and penalised in practice. This represents a landmark in media regulation in the UAE, introducing clear and enforceable standards and regulatory enforcement mechanisms for licensing and content dissemination. The Decisions underscore the UAE’s strategic direction in promoting a responsible, ethical, and secure media environment that upholds national values. Media professionals and institutions are urged to align with these standards to avoid penalties.

For additional information or to discuss these regualtions reach out to Alexandra Lester or Hesham El Samra.