News: What the UAE Advertiser Permit Means for Brands and Agencies
The UAE Media Council’s Advertiser Permit came into force on 1 February 2026, bringing promotional content on social media, websites, blogs and digital publications under a single licensing framework.
Who needs it
The permit applies to influencers and content creators, individual advertisers, companies publishing promotional content, and marketing, PR and talent agencies, as well as visiting creators producing content in the UAE. It covers paid and unpaid promotion, regardless of follower count.
Key details
The permit is free for the first three years. For residents and citizens it is valid for one year and renewable annually; visiting creators receive a three-month permit, renewable once, and must apply through a licensed UAE agency. Permit holders need to display their permit number on their profiles and follow the Council’s content standards.
Penalties
Operating without a permit can lead to fines of AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, while content violations carry fines from AED 5,000 up to AED 1,000,000.
What brands should do
Check that every creator and agency you work with holds a valid permit, build permit checks into influencer contracts, and make sure your own brand accounts are compliant before running promotional content.
Hello Media runs compliant social and influencer campaigns for brands in the UAE. Ask us how.
Source: Middle East Briefing. This article is for general information and is not legal advice.
