An Advertiser Permit is required for individuals who engage in advertising activities on social media platforms, whether for financial compensation or not. This permit falls within a comprehensive framework designed to develop a flexible regulatory environment that keeps pace with the rapid transformation of the media industry, enhances content quality, increases the sector’s appeal for investment, and attracts skilled professionals and talents in content creation.
Objectives of the Permit
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Regulate and develop the advertising content economy
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Enhance the competitiveness of the digital advertising sector in the UAE
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Protect the public from misleading content
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Enrich the media landscape with high-quality advertising content
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Encourage investment by individuals and businesses in the advertising content industry
Permit Duration
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For Citizens and Residents: 1 year, renewable
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For Visitors: 3 months, renewable
The permit will be issued free of charge for three years for UAE citizens and residents as a form of support for advertising content creators.
Permit Requirements
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The applicant must be at least 18 years old (with the possibility of age-based exceptions at the Council’s discretion)
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Must have good conduct and have not violated any media content in the past
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UAE citizens and residents must obtain a trade license to practice electronic media from the relevant authority
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A visitor permit may be issued for individuals registered under an advertising agency or talent management agency accredited by the Council
Exemptions
The following are exempt from obtaining an Advertiser Permit:
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Individuals advertising their own products or services or those of a company they own via their personal accounts
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Individuals under the age of 18 who engage in educational, sports, cultural, or awareness-related activities, in line with the age classification stipulated in the relevant legislation
Permit holders must:
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Comply with media content standards
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Ensure that the advertiser is not a fake company, a person using a pseudonym, or that the agreement was not conducted through a bank account with a fictitious or fraudulent identity
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Clearly display the permit number on their social media accounts
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Only publish advertisements through accounts registered with the Council and linked to the issued permit
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Not allow any other person or party to advertise through their registered account
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Obtain approval from relevant authorities before publishing any advertisement, if required by applicable laws
Visiting Advertiser
Under the new system, visiting content creators must apply for a "Visiting Advertiser Permit." Registration as a visiting advertiser must be completed through a licensed advertising agency or talent management agency authorized to operate in the UAE and approved by the Council. The validity of a Visiting Advertiser Permit is up to 3 months and may be extended for an additional similar period.