UAE Media / Entertainment LawCabinet Resolution No. (68) of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law No. (55) of 2023 Regulating Media

Article (1) Definitions The definitions provided in Federal Decree by Law No. (55) of 2023 shall apply to this Resolution; otherwise, the following terms and expressions shall have the meanings ascribed to them unless the context indicates otherwise. Decree by Law : Federal Decree by Law No. (55) of 2023 Regulating the Media. Foreign Media Offices : Institutions or bodies operating within the country under official licenses granted by the Competent Authority. These institutions and bodies represent the foreign media within the UAE, in accordance with applicable laws and legislation. Age Rating System : A System issued by the UAE Media Council, in coordination with the Competent Authority, to assess the suitability of media content for different age groups and conformity thereof with the established media content principles and standards. Media Activities : The activities stipulated in Article (8) of the Decree by Law and Article (27) of this Resolution.

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Article (2) Controls and Conditions for Media Activities License In addition to the controls and conditions stipulated in Article (5) of the Decree by Law, licensing the License shall be subject to the following conditions: 1. The application shall be submitted to the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable, by the individual in whose name the license will be issued or by the legal representative thereof, through the electronic means approved by the Council or the Competent Authority. The application shall be submitted in the prescribed form and shall include the supporting documents verifying the accuracy of the data provided. 2. The License applicant shall have full legal capacity. 3. The license applicant shall be of good reputation and conduct and shall not have been previously sentenced to imprisonment for a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or breach of trust unless rehabilitated. 4. The following documents shall be attached to the application: a. A valid ID card issued from the UAE for the license applicant and their partners (if any). b. A certificate of trade name reservation from the relevant authorities, including the name, legal form and activity. c. The Memorandum or Articles of Association of the media institution, as applicable. d. Appointment Letter of the Director General. e. Completion of the Information Statement form, in case of practicing an activity that so requires. f. If the license applicant is a foreign media office, the name and address of the legal representative thereof within the UAE shall be provided. Additionally, the legal representative’s Power of Attorney shall be submitted, notarized by a notary public, and attested by the UAE embassy. 5. Any other conditions determined by the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority.

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Article (4) Rejecting License Issuance The UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable, may reject the license application if any of the following conditions occur, provided that the rejection decision shall be justified: 1. Failure to meet any of the license controls and conditions stipulated in the Decree by Law and this Resolution. 2. Rejection of any of the relevant authorities whose approval of the license is required by the law. 3. The license was previously suspended or cancelled, or an establishment related to media activity belonging to the applicant was previously closed down, or the applicant was previously prohibited from practicing the media activity, and the reasons for such suspension, cancellation, or prohibition were not resolved. 4. Any other cases determined by the Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable.

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Article (5) Approving the License Application In case of meeting the conditions and requirements stipulated in the Decree by Law and this Resolution, the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable, shall issue the license, which shall include the following data: 1. Licensee data including partners or shareholders (if any): a. Name in Arabic and English. b. ID Card data. c. Phone number and email address. d. Name and legal form, if the licensee is a legal person, as specified in the license. 2. Trade name, media and/or commercial license number, licensing authority, Emirate, and type of media activity. 3. License validity and expiry date. 4. Address and contact details of the licensee and partners (if any) for the purposes of notification and communication regarding matters related to the license; and 5. Any other cases determined by the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable.

Article (6) Notifying the License Applicant 1. The license applicant shall be notified of the decision of the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable, within three (3) working days from the date of its issuance, at the address specified in the application. Such notification may be sent to the applicant’s email address. 2. The licensee shall notify the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority of any amendment or change to the address and details specified in the license application. In the event that the licensee fails to provide such notification, any communication sent to the address specified in the license application shall be deemed valid and shall entail its full legal effects and all prescribed procedures.

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Article (7) License Term and Renewal 1. The UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable, shall issue a license to practice media activities for a period of one calendar year, provided that an application for renewal shall be submitted thirty (30) days before its expiration date. Renewal shall be conducted in accordance with the same terms and conditions specified for the initial issuance of the license. 2. The licensee shall not continue to practice the licensed media activity after the license expiration date until its renewal date. 3. Failure to submit a license renewal application within ninety (90) days from the date of expiry shall result in the automatic cancellation of the license and the imposition of the fine specified in the Regulations of Administrative Violations and Penalties issued for the implementation of the Decree by Law.

Article (9) License Cancellation The License shall be cancelled in any of the following cases: 1. The licensee or the legal representative thereof submits a request for the cancellation of the license to the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable, in accordance with the following conditions: a. Payment of all fines due on the licensee, if any. b. Submission of a statement or proof of no objection to the cancellation from the relevant authorities.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 6 2. A final judicial ruling or administrative decision to cancel the license is issued, in accordance with the Regulations of Administrative Violations and Penalties issued for the implementation of the provisions of the Decree by Law. 3. The death of the licensee without nominating a replacement in accordance with Article (10) hereof. 4. Failure to submit a license renewal application within ninety (90) days from the expiration date thereof. 5. Any other cases determined by the Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable.

Article (10) Death of License Holder 1. The heirs shall notify the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority, as applicable, of the death of the licensee within ninety (90) days from the date of his death. 2. Pursuant to the probate ruling issued by the competent court, the media license shall be transferred to the legal heirs. The heirs shall legalize their affairs within ninety (90) days from the date of the ruling. 3. The license issued by the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority shall be cancelled if the heirs fail to nominate a replacement for the licensee within ninety (90) days as of the ruling the date. 4. In case of a partner’s death, the license shall be transferred to the legal heirs in accordance with the inheritance distribution ruling issued by the competent court. All partners shall amend the Memorandum of Association and adjust their status within ninety (90) days as of the inheritance probate ruling date.

Article (11) Deciding on the Permit Application 1. The UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority shall review the permit application within fifteen (15) working days of its submission and notify the applicant of the decision within three (3) working days of its issuance. If no decision is issued within fifteen (15)

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 7 working days, the application shall be deemed implicitly rejected. 2. The decision on the application may be deferred if the approval of the relevant authorities is required. The applicant shall be notified of this deferral within the period specified for reviewing the application, as outlined in Clause (1) of this Article.

Article (15) Conditions for Licensing Radio and Television Broadcasting The applicant shall meet the following conditions to obtain a license from the Competent Authority to practice radio and television broadcasting activities: 1. The application shall be submitted through the approved electronic means using the designated form, with all the required documents. 2. The proposed name of the channel or station, the headquarters thereof, and the language of the broadcast shall be specified. 3. The data of the applicant, associated companies (if any), employees, and prior experience thereof as specified in the form shall be provided. 4. Program plans shall be submitted for both the initial license issuance and renewal application. 5. The approval of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority for the technical specifications and technologies used in broadcasting shall be obtained. 6. Any other conditions determined by the Competent Authority.

Article (16) Obligations of the Licensee to Practice Radio and Television Broadcasting Activity The licensee of radio and television broadcasting activity shall: 1. Abide by the media content standards stipulated in this Decree by Law and this Resolution. 2. Comply with the frequency allocated by the General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector and Digital Government, and with the specified geographical coverage and technical standards for frequency use. 3. Maintain a record of all programs broadcasted by the licensee during twelve (12) consecutive months, including dates and times of the broadcast, and provide the UAE

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 9 Media Council and the Competent Authority with any programs requested by them for review within the time specified in the application. 4. Display the station logo during television broadcasts and broadcasting the station name and frequency used during radio broadcast hours. 5. Respect the literary, artistic, and intellectual property rights of individuals and institutions. 6. Follow the instructions issued by the relevant authorities in emergency or crisis situations.

Article (17) Controls, Conditions, and Procedures for Permitting Motion Pictures Showings and Other Artistic Works 1. The applicant shall meet the following controls and conditions to obtain a permit to practice the activity of showing motion pictures and other artistic works: a. The application shall be submitted to the UAE Media Council through the approved electronic means, in accordance with the form prepared for that purpose, with the required documents supporting the accuracy of the data provided. b. The issued license to practice the media activity shall be attached; and c. Any other conditions specified by the Council. 2. The provisions stipulated for granting permits, as contained in Articles (11, 12, 13, and 14) of this Resolution, and in the resolutions issued in implementation thereof, shall apply to this activity.

Article (18) Obligations of the permittee to practice the Activity of Showing Motion Pictures and Other Artistic Works The permittee to practice the activity of showing motion pictures and other artistic works shall be committed to the following: 1. The Age Rating System shall be adhered to when showing motion pictures and other artistic works. 2. Avoid including motion pictures in the screening schedule or offering tickets for sale

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 10 unless a screening permit has been obtained from the UAE Media Council. 3. Avoid circulating any motion picture before screening in movie theaters unless a circulating permit has been obtained from the UAE Media Council. 4. Avoid circulating films and other artistic works in any public or private place accessible to the public unless a permit has been obtained from the UAE Media Council.

Article (20) Newspapers and Publications The applicant shall fulfill the following conditions to obtain a license from the Competent Authority to practice newspaper and publication activities: 1. The application shall be submitted through approved electronic means using the designated form, with all the required documents. 2. Each newspaper or publication shall have an editor-in-chief who meets the following criteria: a. Holds an academic qualification from a recognized university or a higher institute. b. Has practical experience of not less than a year. c. Is of good conduct and reputation. 3. The Licensee may serve as the editor-in-chief if they meet the conditions specified in Clause (2) of this Article.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 11 4. The name of the licensee, the name of the editor-in-chief, the issue number, the place and date of publication, and the name of the printing house shall be prominently displayed on the printed or electronic newspaper. 5. The use of names and descriptions that may cause confusion with the name or title of another natural or legal person shall be prohibited. 6. Ministries, federal and local government bodies and non-profit organization seeking to issue newspapers or publications for the purpose of financial gains shall obtain a license from the Competent Authority. 7. Compliance with the media content standards stipulated in this Decree by Law and this Resolution. 8. Any other conditions specified by the Competent Authority.

Article (21) Controls and Procedures for the Practice of Filming Activities The Competent Authority shall issue permits for land, aerial or marine filming activities in accordance with the following controls and procedures: 1. The application shall be submitted through the approved electronic means using the designated form, with all required documents and data before fifteen (15) working days before the date specified for the commencement of filming. 2. The data form shall be filled out correctly. 3. The submitted application shall specify the purpose of filming (motion picture/television report/program/TV series/advertisement/video clip or any other purpose). 4. The submitted application shall specify the start and end dates of the filming, as well as provide precise details of the locations to be photographed. 5. The application shall include an authorization letter or an official letter from the relevant executing or supervising entity, whether domestic or foreign, if applicable. 6. The application shall include an attached written script approval permit issued by the UAE Media Council for movies and plays, or by the competent authority for TV series. 7. The permittee shall adhere to the media content standards as outlined in the Decree by Law and this Resolution.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 12 8. Any other conditions specified by the Competent Authority.

Article (23) Foreign Publications In addition to the controls and conditions specified in Article (15) of the Decree by Law, the Council shall issue the licenses to individuals, establishments, and local and foreign media institutions seeking to reprint foreign publications issued from outside the UAE, in accordance with the following controls and conditions: 1. The application shall be submitted through approved electronic means using the designated form, with all the required documents. 2. Data of the printing house and the owner of the foreign publication shall be provided. 3. The number of copies to be printed shall be determined. 4. Any other controls or conditions specified by the UAE Media Council.

Article (24) Controls and Conditions for Licensing Foreign Media Offices In addition to the controls and conditions stipulated in Article (5) of Decree by Law, the following conditions are required for the issuance of a license to foreign media offices:

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 13 1. The application shall be submitted to the Competent Authority through the electronic means approved by the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority in accordance with the prescribed form with the supporting documents and papers verifying the accuracy of the data provided. 2. The submitted application shall specify the type of the media outlet to be represented by the office within the UAE. 3. Each office shall have a director to be appointed after the approval of the Competent Authority, in accordance with the following conditions: a. The director age shall not be less than twenty-five (25) years. The Competent Authority shall grant an exception for such condition. b. The director shall hold an appropriate academic qualification as determined by the Competent Authority. c. A letter of appointment from the foreign media outlet in the country of origin certified by a notary and endorsed by the embassy of such country shall be submitted. 4. The names and data of office personnel shall be specified. 5. The names of correspondents and journalists working in the office shall be specified, provided that they shall be appointed after the approval of the Competent Authority, in accordance with the conditions determined thereby. 6. Office directors, correspondents, and journalists working in the offices shall not be changed except after the approval of the competent authority and after approving the new director, correspondent, and journalist. 7. Any other conditions determined by the Competent Authority.

Article (25) Work Controls for Correspondents and Journalists Working in Foreign Media Offices Licensed within the UAE 1. A permit from the Competent Authority is required for correspondents and journalists to work for any foreign media office. This permit shall be valid for a period of one year and may be renewed for an equivalent period upon the request of the office.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 14 2. Correspondents and journalists authorized to work for foreign media offices shall observe the following controls: a. The news issued by them shall be objective and documented. b. It is prohibited to engage in any activities that may harm the national security of the UAE or negatively affect the relations thereof with other states, or with international, regional, or local bodies and organizations, or individuals. c. The media content standards stipulated in this Decree by Law and this Resolution shall be abided by; and d. Any other conditions determined by the Competent Authority. 3. The Competent Authority shall register the correspondents and journalists affiliated with foreign media offices in a register for this purpose.

Article (26) Unregistered Foreign Correspondents and Journalists 1. The UAE Media Council shall issue permits for foreign correspondents and journalists who are neither registered in the UAE nor affiliated with foreign media offices licensed therein, in accordance with the following: a. The foreign correspondent or journalist who is not registered in the UAE shall submit an application to the UAE Media Council through the approved electronic means, using the designated form prepared for such purpose, accompanied by all the supporting documents and evidence verifying the accuracy of the information provided. b. A letter from the media organization outside the UAE shall be attached, confirming that the foreign correspondent and journalist will represent the organization for the purpose of covering events and activities within the UAE. 2. The permit shall be valid for a specific period and shall terminate upon the conclusion of the event or activity. 3. Foreign correspondents and journalists who are not registered in the UAE shall adhere to the same controls stipulated in Clause (2) of Article (25) of this Resolution. 4. Any other controls specified by the Council.

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Article (27) Other Media Activities 1. The UAE Media Council shall issue licenses for the following media activities: a. Distributing, publishing, and trading sound recordings and audio media. b. Selling sound recordings and audio media. c. Distributing, publishing, and trading in video recordings and visual media. d. Selling video recordings and visual media. e. Video games trading. f. Selling video games. g. Designing and producing advertisements of all kinds. h. Establishing a movie theater. i. Establishing a temporary movie theater. j. Importing and distributing motion pictures, documentaries, and cartoons. k. Producing motion pictures, documentaries, and cartoons. l. Translating and dubbing artistic works. m. Media and advertising consultations and studies. 2. The concerned authorities shall not issue licenses for any of the media activities stipulated in Clause (1) of this Article before obtaining the approval of the UAE Media Council.

Article (28) Media Content Standards In addition to the media content standards stipulated in Article (17) of the Decree by Law, any individual engaged in media-related activities or professions shall adhere to the following requirements: 1. Not to glorify groups with destructive political, ethnic, economic, ideological, or social tendencies that are adverse to the UAE or that serve their own interests. 2. Select appropriate persons when hosting them or accepting their call-ins in the media. 3. The content of the advertisement shall respect the culture, identity, and values of the UAE.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 16 4. Take into account the Age Rating System of artistic works approved by the UAE Media Council. 5. Respect children rights in accordance with the legislation applicable within the UAE.

Article (29) Printing, Circulation, and Publishing of Media Content The competent authority shall issue permits for the printing, circulation, and publication of media content in accordance with the following controls and procedures: 1. The application shall be submitted by the individual in whose name the permit is to be issued, or by his legal representative, using the approved methods and the designated form prepared for this purpose. The application shall be accompanied by the supporting documents and evidence verifying the accuracy of the information provided. 2. A copy of the media content intended for printing, circulation, or publication, along with any other documents or information specified by the competent authority, shall be attached. 3. The permit for the activities of printing, circulating, and publishing media content shall be subject to the same provisions as those stipulated in Articles (11, 12, 13, and 14) of this Resolution, as well as any resolution as issued in implementation thereof regarding this activity.

Article (30) Approval of Scripts for Series 1. A series script approval permit shall be obtained from the competent authority prior to commencing the filming or recording of any work within the UAE, according to the following procedures: a. The application shall be submitted by the individual in whose name the permit is to be issued, or by his legal representative, using the approved methods and the designated form prepared for this purpose. The application shall be accompanied by the supporting documents and evidence verifying the accuracy of the information provided.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 17 b. Attachment of an electronic copy of the script (Series Script). c. Any other documents specified by the Competent Authority. 2. The competent authority may reject the series script if it is determined that the content violates the applicable regulations, public morals, or the UAE customs and traditions.

Article (31) Printing, Circulation, and Publishing of Foreign Media Content The UAE Media Council shall issue the permits for the printing, circulation, and publication of foreign media content, according to the following controls: 1. The application shall be submitted by the individual in whose name the permit is to be issued, or by his legal representative, using the approved methods and the designated form prepared for this purpose. The application shall be accompanied by the supporting documents and evidence verifying the accuracy of the information provided. 2. The following shall be attached to the application: a. A media license for practicing the required media activity. b. A copy of the foreign media content intended for printing, circulation, or publication. c. Any other documents specified by the UAE Media Council. 3. The provisions governing the issuance of permits, as stipulated in Articles (11, 12, 13, and 14) of this Resolution, along with any related implementing resolutions, shall also apply to the issuance of permits for the printing, circulation, and publication of foreign media content.

Article (32) Violating Media Content Broadcasted through Unlicensed Foreign Media Outlets In the event that any foreign media outlet, not licensed by the UAE Media Council or the competent authority, broadcasts media content that is received within the UAE and that violates the media content standards set forth in the Decree by Law and this Resolution, the Council shall take the following measures as it deems appropriate, without adhering to any

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 18 specific order: 1. The UAE Media Council shall contact its foreign counterpart through multiple channels concerning any content broadcasted by a foreign media outlet that violates applicable standards. The Council shall request that appropriate measures be taken to prevent or block the signal from reaching the UAE. 2. The UAE Media Council reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings against the foreign media outlet in violation. 3. The UAE Media Council, in coordination with the competent authorities, may block foreign media outlets and prevent signals thereof from reaching the UAE.

Article (33) Conditions and Controls of Advertising and Publicity It is prohibited to publish any propaganda or advertisement that violates the media content standards set forth in the Decree by Law and this Resolution, or that directly or indirectly harms the public interest. Individuals, entities, and media institutions, including those operating within media free zones, shall comply with the following conditions and controls: 1. Advertisements shall not be ambiguous, unclear, or lacking in definitive meaning. 2. Advertisements shall not include or contain incorrect or misleading claims, exaggerations, assertions of exclusivity, disparagement of competitors, or any content that may be construed as fraudulent or deceptive. 3. Advertisements shall not feature forged, imitated, or unlawfully used signs, signals, or images. 4. Advertisements shall be factual and not exaggerated, ensuring they do not create any confusion or ambiguity with other names, products, or activities. 5. Advertisements shall not involve any criminal activity or violate the principles and standards of media content and Age Rating System applicable in this regard. 6. Advertisements shall be clearly identified, distinct, and separate from other editorial and media content. They shall be delineated by clear boundaries to differentiate them from other materials and time slots in cases of broadcasting. 7. In cases where advertisements directly or indirectly denotes that the advertiser promotes,

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Cabinet Resolution of 2024 Regarding the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media 19 advertises, or endorses a specific product or service, the advertiser shall clearly disclose any financial return he receives due to a commercial relationship with the person or entity that owns the advertised product or service. 8. Advertisements shall observe the conditions and controls regarding the use of the UAE flag, symbols, emblem, and national anthem. 9. Advertisements shall not include the promotion of alcoholic beverages, prohibited narcotic substances, tobacco, or smoking in anyway whatsoever, whether directly or indirectly. 10. Approval from the relevant authority shall be obtained, while abiding by the requirements imposed by such authorities, in the following cases: a. Real estate advertisements. b. Advertisements for medical products, clinics, hospitals, or health or pharmaceutical services or products. c. Advertisements related to securities and financial services. d. Advertisements concerning providing educational services. e. Food-related advertisements. f. Any other advertisements as determined by the UAE Media Council or the competent authority.