UAE Government Issues Decree to Regulate Media, Emphasizes Compliance and Standards

The UAE Government has issued a federal decree to regulate media, covering individuals, organizations, media outlets, and free zones dedicated to media. It allows both individuals and legal entities to possess media institutions and outlets with specific regulations and conditions. The law defines media activities, including production, circulation, printing, publishing, and audio, video, and digital broadcasting. It outlines compliance requirements, emphasizing respect for divine beliefs, national sovereignty, symbols, and institutions, as well as adherence to national standards for media content. The UAE Media Council will issue permits for cinema, books, video games, and oversee intellectual property protection. Media entities have twelve months to adjust to the provisions.