Influencer License Dubai: New Regulations and Two-Tiered Licensing System

In 2025, Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 changed how influencer marketing worked in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Starting on May 29, 2025, this new law will entirely change the work of social media influencers and content creators, especially those who do business. 

Navigating the New Influencer License Dubai: What Content Creators Need to Know in 2025

Brands, agencies, and creators in the Gulf region must now understand and adapt to these changes to stay legal and successful in business.

What are the new rules for the UAE influence license?

 The main goal of the UAE government is to make the quickly growing digital media industry more professional and ensure that content complies with national values, moral standards, and the law. 

This rule change aims to build trust with the public, keep people safe, and improve the quality of content on both digital and traditional platforms.

The law is not meant to limit creativity; it is intended to give the sector more power, encourage new ideas, and protect intellectual property rights without limiting free speech.

The Two-Tiered Licensing System in UAE: What’s Changed?

One of the most significant changes is that all influencers and content creators who make money from their work will now have to get two licenses:

Influencer License Dubai Cost

The following section will explore the steps and cost of a content creator's license in the UAE according to the latest updates in 2025.

Step 1: Commercial Business License

Before applying for a media license, creators must secure a commercial business license. You can obtain either a freelance license or a trade license.

Freelance License

If you work alone, this license is perfect for you. You can get it from Free Zone authorities, like Meydan, Dubai Media City, and RAKEZ. Costs usually fall between AED 5,000 and AED 15,000. Some benefits are lower setup costs, easier compliance, and tax-free income up to AED 1 million.

Trade License

Suitable for people who want to hire people or grow their business. You can get this license from Free Zones or the Department of Economic Development. It costs more and requires more compliance, but it gives you more freedom in your business.

Important: Since 2024, Abu Dhabi has required all influencers to have a trade license. If they don't, they could be fined up to AED 10,000. This difference between regions shows how important it is for creators to know local and federal laws.

Step 2: Media License

After getting the commercial license, creators must apply for a media license from the UAE Media Council. This license lets you make and share content for AED 1,000 a year. 

The Council issues various permits, such as advertising, podcasting, and short-term licenses for creators who will be in town only temporarily. 

Every year, both the commercial and media licenses must be renewed.

Social Media Influencers' Licenses: Expanding the Definition of “Commercial Content”

The new regulations cast a wide net, applying to anyone generating income from content creation in the UAE, including

• social media influencers and creators (independent or agency-managed)
• Bloggers, YouTubers, and podcasters
• Businesses managing influence
• Businesses
• Anyone earning from
  1. Brand collaborations and sponsored posts
  2. Affiliate marketing commissions
  3. Product sales via digital channels
  4. YouTube AdSense and similar revenue streams

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The UAE monitors the digital economy by broadly defining "monetized content." This means all content creators who profit from their work are treated as formal media companies or businesses.

Support for Transition: Fee Exemptions and Incentives

The UAE Media Council is giving eligible applicants a three-year break from paying media permit fees to facilitate the change. 

This money incentive is meant to help creators adjust to the new rules without straining their finances, especially those just starting to make money from their platforms.

The government knows that the influencer ecosystem has economic value and wants to integrate it into the formal economy without any problems.

Content Standards: Not Just for Business Compliance

The law sets 20 content standards that all creators must follow in addition to getting a license.

These standards are meant to make sure that all content is explicit, correct, and respectful, with a strong focus on moral and social issues

Key Prohibitions Include:

·        Disrespecting Islamic beliefs or other religions

·        Insulting state symbols or leadership

·        Undermining national unity

·        Publishing false information or fake news

·        Promoting destructive ideas or inciting criminal behavior

·        Promoting products/services without transparency

·        Defamatory, misleading, or offensive content

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These rules go beyond making businesses more open and directly include national identity, cultural values, and social stability in the regulations. The UAE government stresses that all digital content must fit the country's larger goal of creating a respectful and cohesive society.

Penalties For Not Following UAE Media Regulations

If you don't follow the new rules, the penalties are very harsh:

• Fines up to AED 1 million (doubled to AED 2 million for repeat offenses)
• Content removal
• Potential business closure

This "carrot and stick" approach maximizes compliance by rewarding those who obey the rules while severely punishing noncompliance.

Looking Ahead: A Future-Proof Regulatory Framework for Social Media Influencers Dubai License

The new rules for influencers in the UAE don't just follow what's popular right now; they are meant to last. The government wants to create a single AI and analytics platform for analyzing content and reporting false ads and fake news.

This proactive approach makes the UAE a leader in digital media governance, ready to adapt to new technologies like AI, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other growing fields.

What Should Influencers and Brands Do Next?

· Check your operations: Ensure you have the right media and business licenses.

· Review Content Practices: Ensure all content meets the 20 required standards.

· Stay current: Watch for more news, primarily if you work in multiple emirates.

· Use Support: You can get a three-year media permit fee exemption if you qualify.

^{Partner with Boomerang: Your Trusted Dubai-Based Influencer Marketing Agency}

If you suppose Boomerang is your influencer marketing partner, you will. In that case, work with a Dubai-based agency familiar with the rules and regulations of the UAE and the Gulf region. 

Our team is entirely up to date on the most recent Emirati advertising rules, which means your brand will stay legal and safe from fines or other legal problems.

We are proud of our open, data-driven method, which includes looking at the effects of each influencer campaign and matching the right influencers with your brand's goals.

When you hire Boomerang, you're not just hiring an agency; you're getting a partner who cares about your success, safety, and growth in the GCC market. Stay safe, comply, and get real results for your brand by working with Boomerang today.

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