Introduction: Context and Purpose of Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025
Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025 strengthens Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023, modernizing UAE media regulation by replacing outdated laws. It’s a “game-enhancer,” providing specific administrative violations and quantifiable penalties for effective enforcement.
Effective May 29, 2025, its goals include promoting responsible communication, preserving UAE social values, upholding ethical standards, and safeguarding national identity and security. It prohibits hate speech, misinformation, and privacy violations, balancing digital innovation with cultural preservation. The aim is a responsible media environment aligned with national legislation.
Scope of Application: Who is Affected?
The Resolution broadly applies to “individuals and media institutions”, covering both natural persons and legal entities. Crucially, it extends to “entities operating in free zones”, ensuring consistent application across the UAE and preventing regulatory loopholes.
A key impact is on “influencers and digital content creators”. It mandates specific licenses for those engaged in “media activity,” especially those earning revenue from content creation, paid partnerships, and promotions. This broadens “media activity” to include commercial content creation, subjecting new-age creators to the same standards as traditional media. The law also continues to regulate traditional digital, print, and broadcast media, creating a unified framework.
Key Violation and Penalties
Please refer to the full list of violations and their corresponding penalties here.
Grievance and Appeal Mechanism
The Council or the Competent Authority must notify the violator of any administrative penalty within 15 (fifteen) days of issuing the decision, using approved communication channels. This notification will state the violation, the timeframe for rectification, and any additional information specified by the authority. Individuals who receive an administrative penalty may file a reasoned appeal with supporting documents within 15 (fifteen) days of being notified, following the procedures set by the Council or Competent Authority. Appeals will be decided within 15 (fifteen) days of submission, and if no decision is issued within this period, the appeal will be deemed rejected.
Conclusion
Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025 significantly formalizes UAE media regulation, providing specific, quantifiable penalties for violations of Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023. Its comprehensive scope covers individuals, media institutions, and digital content creators, including those in free zones, unifying regulatory oversight.
The Resolution’s emphasis on strict content standards, particularly prioritizing religious and cultural sensitivities, underscores the UAE’s commitment to a responsible media environment aligned with national values. The establishment of a Federal Content Committee and empowered Emirate-level regulators, alongside a grievance mechanism, enhances accountability.
Some aspects of the new law may require further clarification, with additional guidance expected over time. In the meantime, stakeholders should take active steps to understand the law and prepare their processes to comply, rather than waiting for issues to arise.
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