Violations of media law UAE are now met with some of the most stringent penalties in the region, as the country’s updated media law took effect on May 29, 2025. The law enforces robust penalties for violations of media law in the UAE, with fines reaching up to Dh1 million for offences ranging from religious defamation to unlicensed media activity. This marks a significant regulatory shift under the UAE social media law 2025, aimed at maintaining national unity and upholding moral and cultural standards.
Violations of media law in the UAE are classified into various categories, including religious offences, misinformation, and threats to national interest. The legislation outlines tiered penalties for violations of media law in UAE based on the gravity and frequency of the infraction. These measures also address the surge of online content, aligning with the stricter enforcement protocols introduced under the UAE social media law 2025.
Violations of media law in UAE: Detailed list of corresponding fines
Violations of media law in UAE include a wide range of infractions, each carrying significant monetary penalties. Some of the harshest penalties are related to religious and moral violations, including insulting religious beliefs and promoting morally destructive ideas:
- Insulting Islamic or other heavenly beliefs: Up to Dh1,000,000
- Violating public morals: Up to Dh100,000
- Inciting crimes (e.g., drug use, rape): Up to Dh150,000
Other violations of media law in UAE target state security and unity.Offences like disrespecting the ruling system or harming foreign relations can lead to fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh500,000. Additionally, such actions may carry legal consequences.
These provisions align with the intent to deter actions that may jeopardize the UAE’s domestic stability or global standing, and they fall within the broader guidelines of the UAE’s Social Media Law 2025.
Fines for licensing related violations are also clearly defined. Media activities conducted without proper authorization can incur:
- First offence: Dh10,000
- Repeated offence: Dh40,000
- Publishing with expired licence: Up to Dh20,000
This extends to social media influencers and content creators, with fines for social media violations in UAE now firmly enforced. Unauthorized or unlicensed media output can quickly escalate to legal action, and repeat offenses can result in double fines.
Violations of media law in the UAE: False information and foreign correspondence
Moreover, violations of media law in the UAE also include the dissemination of misinformation. In addition, the unauthorized publication of media content is strictly prohibited. Specifically, disseminating false or misleading content can result in a fine of Dh5,000 for the first offense.
For repeated violations, the fine increases to Dh10,000, highlighting the UAE’s strict approach to combating disinformation. These measures align with broader penalties for violations of media law in UAE. They are designed to preserve public trust in official information sources.
The new law strictly penalizes unlicensed media operations.
Activities such as hosting events without proper approval—like book fairs—or operating printing presses without a license can lead to fines between Dh20,000 and Dh40,000. These fines may double if the offence is repeated. This rule also applies to influencers or individuals who violate the updated UAE social media law of 2025. Creating content without obtaining the necessary clearance is now subject to legal penalties.
For foreign media workers, Violations of media law in the UAE include working as a correspondent without a licence. Offenders may receive up to three written warnings, followed by a fine of Dh10,000 for continued non-compliance. These rules are part of the UAE’s goal to maintain ethical standards across all forms of journalism and digital media. The updated enforcement of fines for social media violations in the UAE ensures stricter compliance. The authorities now hold even individuals and freelancers accountable for national laws and licensing requirements.
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