UAE Media Law: Are you an influencer in the UAE? why two licenses are now required

If you’re living in the UAE and calling yourself an influencer or planning to be one then hold up a second. There’s something you really need to know before your next post hits Instagram. The rules have changed and yep, you guessed it, now you need not one, but two licenses to operate legally.

Sounds like a lot? Let’s break it down. It’s not as scary as it sounds, but ignoring it could get you into trouble and nobody wants fines messing up their brand deals.

So, What’s Changed?

Few years back, the UAE started cracking down on social media content to make sure things stay legit. It was all about keeping quality high and protecting consumers from fake news, scams or shady promotions.

Now, under the updated UAE Media Law, influencers need two main licenses if they want to earn money online or promote products and services. The two license are:

• National Media Council (NMC) License
• Trade License (yes, like a real business one)

You need both. Skipping one? That’s a no-go.

Why Two Licenses Though?

Good question. Here’s the deal. The NMC license lets you legally share paid content, ads or sponsorships. It kinda acts like a stamp that says “this influencer is approved to advertise in the UAE”.

Then there’s the trade license. Since being an influencer is considered a business (even if you’re just posting reels from your bedroom), you need to be registered as a business entity. Think of it like turning your Insta hustle into a legit small business.

So, in short one license for content, one for the money-making side. Obtaining an Influencer License in Dubai.

Who Needs These?

Basically, if you’re getting paid to promote anything i.e. be it skincare, real estate, cafes or online course you’ll need both licenses.

Doesn’t matter if you’ve got 100 followers or 100,000. If there’s a transaction happening behind the scenes, you’re included.

Even if you’re a part-time influencer or only do this on weekends, the law still applies. And, for agencies managing influencers, similar rules go for you too. You must make sure everyone you work with is properly licensed.

How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s the not-so-fun part. Getting licensed isn’t free. The NMC license costs around AED 15,000 per year. Then there’s the trade license, and its price can vary based on where and how you register your business (Free Zone, Mainland etc.), but it usually starts from about AED 5,000 or more.

Still, think about the fines you might face without them. Authorities can slap you with heavy penalties, suspend your account or even ban you from working altogether. That’s a much bigger cost, right?

How to Get These Licenses?

Now, if you’re wondering how to go about it, here’s a quick overview:

• For the NMC license, apply via the National Media Council’s website. It’s pretty straightforward but you’ll need to provide documents like Emirates ID, passport copy and portfolio.
• For the trade license, you can apply through a Free Zone or through the Department of Economic Development (DED), depending on your business model.

Some Free Zones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi even offer influencer packages to make life easier. You’ll still need to renew them every year though.

What Happens If You Don’t?

Well, this is where things get a bit risky. In UAE, posting content or promotions without the proper licenses is considered illegal. The fines? They can range from AED 5,000 to AED 50,000 i.e. it depends on how serious the violation is.

Some people think they can “stay under the radar”, especially if they’re only doing a few ads a month. But guess what? The authorities are watching more closely than ever. With tech monitoring and public reporting, it’s super easy to get caught.

Understanding Your Legal Role as a UAE Influencer

The influencer scene in the UAE is booming but so is regulation. Getting these two licenses is now a must whether you’re an established content creator or someone just starting out.

Sure, it may seem like a bit of a hassle, but it also makes the industry cleaner, more professional and more respected. Hence, once you’re fully licensed, brands will take you more seriously. That’s a win-win, right?

So if you’re serious about influencing, better get your paperwork in check. It’s not just about likes and follows anymore it’s about staying legal and building a real career.

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