There are several UAE social media influencer laws that apply to creators and influencers and their use of social media platforms. UAE social media influencer law allows bloggers and vloggers with permanent residency in Dubai and the UAE to apply for influencer licenses.
Those who accept paid ads on their social media accounts must be licensed by National Media Council (NMC). The cost of the licence is 15,000 dirhams for a year, which can be renewed multiple times. According to the rules, the NMC will issue or renew the licence within 30 days of receiving the application.
UAE Social Media Influencer Law
The UAE has a number of laws and regulations that apply to social media influencers. Social media influencers in the UAE must adhere to these laws and regulations that aim to protect the public from harmful or illegal content and ensure that social media is used in an ethical and responsible manner.
According to the UAE social media influencer law, creators and influencers must disclose any sponsored content or partnerships with brands in order to maintain transparency and prevent misleading advertising.
NMC Influencer License
The law also requires influencers to obtain a license from the National Media Council in order to legally operate in the UAE. This license requires the influencer to adhere to ethical standards and guidelines, including not promoting illegal or harmful products or services.
In addition, the UAE social media influencer law prohibits influencers from making false or misleading claims about products or services, and from using their platform to spread hate speech or incite violence. Those who violate the law may face fines and/or imprisonment.
The UAE social media influencer law aims to protect consumers from misleading advertising and ensure that influencers operate ethically and responsibly on social media.
What are the rules for UAE social media influencers?
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the social media influencer law is regulated by the National Media Council (NMC). The NMC has implemented guidelines for social media influencers to ensure that their content is in line with the UAE’s values and cultural standards.
According to the NMC guidelines, social media influencers must:
Disclose any sponsored content: Social media influencers must clearly disclose if their content is sponsored or paid for by a brand or company. This must be done through the use of hashtags, such as #ad or #sponsored, to ensure transparency for their followers.
Abide by the country’s laws and regulations: Social media influencers must ensure that their content does not violate any laws or regulations in the UAE, including those related to defamation, defamation of religion, and incitement to violence.
Respect the privacy of others: Social media influencers must not share any personal information or images of individuals without their consent.
Avoid promoting harmful products or services: Social media influencers must not promote products or services that are harmful to individuals, such as tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
Ensure the accuracy of their content: Social media influencers must ensure that their content is accurate and not misleading to their followers.
Data Protection: Social media influencers must protect personal data of their followers and adhere to data protection laws.
Intellectual Property: Social media influencers must respect intellectual property laws and ensure that they do not use copyrighted material without permission.
Anti-Discrimination: Social media influencers must not discriminate against or harass individuals based on their race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.
National Security: Social media influencers must not engage in activities that could be considered a threat to national security.
Cybercrime: Social media influencers must not engage in cybercrime activities, such as spreading false information or defaming individuals or organizations.
Violation of these guidelines can result in fines and/or legal action being taken against the social media influencer. It is important for social media influencers in the UAE to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and adhere to them in order to avoid any legal issues.
Influencer License Dubai Cost
The cost of an influencer license in Dubai is approximately AED 11,900. In Sharjah, it costs approximately AED 5,750. An Influencer license is valid for 12 months, after which the creator and influencer must renew it.
Other UAE laws for using Social Media
There are several other laws for using social media that apply to creators and influencers and their use of social media platforms. These include:
Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 – Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes: Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes and other applicable laws for the protection of privacy and reputation, defamation apply while using social media. Citizens and residents in the UAE need to be aware of the provisions of the law that spell out actions that could be a criminal offence.
Cabinet Resolution No. 73/3/ & 1 of 2014 – Regulation of Using Social Media by the Employees of Federal Entities: The regulation aims at directing and guiding the employees of government entities on using social media safely and responsibly when they discuss various current issues.
In addition, it explains how employees could express their personal opinion in a civil manner that is not detrimental to their reputation or that of the entity they work for or that of the UAE. It provides guidelines to respect professional ethics and behaviours set out in the UAE’s laws and ensure not to violate them.
Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2015 – Combating Discrimination and Hatred: Combating Discrimination and Hatred criminalises any act that triggers religious hatred and/or insults religion through any form of expression, which covers speech and the written word, books, pamphlets or online media. The law prohibits any act that would be considered as insulting God, his prophets or apostles or holy books or houses of worship or graveyards.
Advertising Content Policies – Official Guide for Advertisers: In October 2018, National Media Council (NMC) issued an official advertising guide, which aims to clarify standards for the advertisement industry in the UAE and to protect the public from marketing promotions that do not conform to applicable standards. The document specifies the terms of licensing for advertising activities for individuals, companies and institutions.
FAQs
Do you need a license to be an influencer in Dubai?
There is currently no specific license required to be an influencer in Dubai. However, if an influencer is paid to promote products or services as part of their content, they may need to obtain a trade license or register their business in accordance with the laws and regulations in Dubai.
It is also important for influencers to adhere to the laws and regulations related to advertising, such as disclosing sponsored content and following truth in advertising guidelines.
Do influencers need a license in Dubai?
Influencers in Dubai do not need a specific license to operate, as there are no specific laws or regulations governing the profession of influencer marketing in the city. However, it is important for those influencers who post paid post on their social media handles to comply with the guidelines and regulations of National Media Council (NMC), United Arab Emirates.
Influencers should also be mindful of any specific laws or regulations that may apply to their particular industry or sector.
How can I get social media influencer license in Dubai?
To obtain an influencer license in Dubai, you must follow the following steps:
- Register your business with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. You can do this online or through a DED business center.
- Obtain a trade license that is specific to influencer activities. There are several types of trade licenses available, including a professional license, commercial license, and industrial license.
- Once you have registered your business and obtained a trade license, you can apply for an influencer license. This can be done through the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA), which is responsible for issuing influencer licenses in Dubai.
To apply for an influencer license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your residence visa
- A copy of your trade license
- A business plan outlining your influencer activities
- Proof of your social media following and engagement
- Any relevant professional certificates or qualifications
Once you have submitted your application and all required documents, the DCCA will review your application and make a decision on whether to grant you an influencer license.
Note: It is important to follow all rules and regulations related to influencer activities in Dubai, as failure to do so may result in fines or other penalties.
Can influencers move to Dubai?
Yes, influencers can move to Dubai. However, they would need to obtain a valid visa and possibly sponsorship from an employer or sponsor in order to legally live and work in Dubai. It is also important for influencers to research and understand the laws and cultural norms of Dubai before making the decision to move there.
Can influencers get a UAE visa?
Yes, influencers can get a UAE visa if they meet the necessary requirements. The specific requirements and process for obtaining a UAE visa vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the country of origin. Some common types of visas available to influencers include tourist visas, business visas, and work visas.
It is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate of the UAE in the influencer’s home country for specific details on how to apply for a visa.
Does embassy check your social media?
It is possible that an embassy may check an individual’s social media accounts as part of the visa application process or for other reasons related to the individual’s application or request for assistance. However, this may not always be the case and can vary depending on the specific embassy and the circumstances of the individual’s case.
It is advisable for individuals to be mindful of the information they share on their social media accounts and to be aware that it may be accessed by others, including embassies.
How much is influencer license in Dubai?
If you are planning to monetize your influence through sponsored content or partnerships, you may need to obtain a trade license to operate a business in Dubai. The cost of obtaining an influencer license in Dubai varies depending on the type of business and location, but it can range from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000. It is advisable to consult with a lawyer or business setup specialist to determine the specific requirements and costs for your license.
Why do so many influencers live in Dubai?
There are several reasons why many influencers live in Dubai:
Tax benefits: Dubai has a zero percent income tax rate for individuals, which is a major attraction for influencers who want to maximize their earnings.
Lifestyle: Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, with an abundance of luxury hotels, high-end shopping malls, and fine dining restaurants. This makes it an ideal location for influencers to showcase their lavish lifestyle to their followers.
Access to events and opportunities: Dubai is a hub for events and opportunities, and many influencers can easily access these through their connections and collaborations.
Networking opportunities: Dubai is home to a large expat community, making it easy for influencers to network and collaborate with other influencers and businesses.
Visibility: Dubai is a popular destination for tourists, which means that influencers who live there have a greater visibility and can potentially attract more followers.
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