Skip to main content
In effectCabinet Resolution

UAE Media / Entertainment LawCabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law No. (55) of 2023 Regarding Media Regulation and its Executive Regulation

UAE Federal Decree-Law·Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025

قرار مجلس الوزراء في شأن لائحة المخالفات والجزاءات الإدارية عن الأفعال التي تقع بالمخالفة لأحكام المرسوم بقانون اتحادي في شأن تنظيم الإعلام ولائحته التنفيذية

Authoritative Arabic version per the official UAE Legislation portal

Issued Date
April 16, 2025
Effective from
May 29, 2025
Articles
10
Last synced
Jul 20, 2026

Plain-language summary

  • Sets fines and penalties for breaking UAE media rules under Federal Decree-Law 55 of 2023.
  • Applies to media outlets, platforms, and individuals operating media activities in the UAE.
  • Covers violations of the media law and its executive regulations.
  • Penalties may include warnings, fines, suspension, or license cancellation depending on severity.
  • Repeat offenders can face tougher penalties under the schedule.

Establishes administrative fines and penalties for violations of UAE media regulations under Federal Decree-Law 55 of 2023, applying to individuals, media insti…

Synced from the official UAE Legislation portal · Plain-language summary by the LEXAI editorial team

Article-level text

Key Articles

10 articles

  1. 1

    Article 1

    Article (1) Definitions The definitions stipulated in Federal Decree by Law No. (55) of 2023 Regulating the Media shall apply to this Resolution. Otherwise, the following terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned thereto respectively, unless the context indicates otherwise: The State : The United Arab Emirates. The Council : The UAE Media Council. The Chairman : The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Council. The Competent Authority : The local government entity responsible for licensing or authorizing media activities and for supervising and

    -- 1 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 2 monitoring them, or the Council for any Emirate where no such local competent entity exists. Federal Decree by Law : Federal Decree by Law No. (55) of 2023 Regarding Media Regulation. Implementing Regulation : Cabinet Resolution No. (68) of 2024 Regarding the Implementing Regulation of Federal Decree by Law No. (55) of 2023 Regarding Media Regulation.

  2. 2

    Article 2

    Article (2) Scope of Application The provisions of this Resolution shall apply to violators among individuals, establishments, media institutions, and media outlets engaged in media activities within the State, including its free zones, for acts committed in violation of the Decree by Law and its Implementing Regulation, or decisions issued in implementation thereof.

  3. 3

    Article 3

    Article (3) Administrative Fines 1. The Council or the Competent Authority, as the case may be, may: a. Impose administrative fines on violators of the provisions of the Decree by Law and its Implementing Regulation, in accordance with the amounts set out in the Regulation attached to this Resolution. b. Double the administrative fine imposed on the violator if the same violation is repeated within one year from the date of its previous commission, in accordance with the amounts set out in the Regulation attached to this Resolution. 2. In the event of violation of any of the media content standards specified in table No. (2) attached to this Resolution, the Council may impose an appropriate administrative penalty in proportion to the gravity of the violation.

    -- 2 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 3 3. The imposition of administrative fines in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution shall not preclude the authority of the Council or the Competent Authority for imposing any other administrative penalties stipulated in Article (23) of the Decree by Law.

  4. 4

    Article 4

    Article (4) Committee for Violations of Media Content Standards 1. A permanent committee shall be established within the Council to be called “Committee for Violations of Media Content Standards”, comprising not fewer than (3) three members and not more than (7) seven members who are specialists in the field of media. The Committee’s formation and rules of procedure shall be determined by a decision issued by the Chairman of the Council. 2. The Committee referred to in Clause (1) of this Article shall be responsible for reviewing the violations of media content standards and issuing a decision to impose the appropriate administrative penalties for each case once a violation has been established against the offender, in accordance with the provisions of Article (23) of the Decree by Law and this Resolution. 3. The Committee may impose the appropriate administrative fine on a violator of the media content standards, in accordance with the provisions of table No. (2) attached to this Resolution, taking into account the gravity of the media, economic, political, and social impact resulting from the infringing content.

  5. 5

    Article 5

    Article (5) Mechanism for Grievances Against Administrative Penalties 1. The Council or the Competent Authority, as the case may be, shall notify the violator of the decision to impose the administrative penalty within fifteen (15) days from the date of its issuance, through the approved means of notification. The notification shall include a statement of the committed violation, the timeframe required for remedying the violation and rectifying the situation, and any other details as may be determined by the Council or the Competent Authority, as the case may be.

    -- 3 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 4 2. Any person against whom an administrative penalty decision has been issued pursuant to this Resolution may submit a grievance to the Council or the Competent Authority, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures followed by each, within fifteen (15) days from the date of notification of that decision being challenged. The grievance shall be reasoned and accompanied by all supporting documents. The grievance shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from the date of its submission. The lapse of this period without the issuance of a decision shall be deemed a rejection of the grievance.

  6. 6

    Article 6

    Article (6) Amendment of Administrative Fines The Cabinet shall have the authority to make any amendments to the administrative fines stipulated in this Resolution, whether by addition, deletion, or modification.

  7. 7

    Article 7

    Article (7) Authority Concerned for Collection 1. Administrative fines imposed by the Council pursuant to the provisions of this Resolution shall be collected in accordance with the mechanism prescribed by the Ministry of Finance. 2. Administrative fines imposed by the Competent Authority shall be collected in accordance with its approved mechanism.

  8. 8

    Article 8

    Article (8) Issuance of Executive Resolutions 1. The Chairman shall issue the decisions necessary to implement the provisions of this Resolution, in coordination with the Minister of Finance. 2. The head of the Competent Authority shall issue the decisions necessary to implement the provisions of this Resolution, in coordination with the concerned authorities in the Emirate.

    -- 4 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 5

  9. 9

    Article 9

    Article (9) Repeals Any provision that contradicts or conflicts with the provisions of this Resolution shall be repealed.

  10. 10

    Article 10

    Article (10) Publication and Entry into Force This Resolution shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force thirty (30) days from the date of its publication. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prime Minister Issued by us on: 18 Shawwal 1446 AH Corresponding to: 16 April 2025 AD

    -- 5 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 6 Regulation of Administrative Violations and Penalties Attached to Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025 Table No. (1): Violations Related to the Practice of Media Activities No. Description of the Violation Fine in AED 1. Practicing media activities without obtaining a license or permit from the council or the competent authority, as the case may be. First Offense Second Offense (10,000) The violator shall rectify the situation within (30) thirty days from the date of notification of the violation. (40,000) If the situation is not rectified within the specified period, administrative closure shall be enforced until rectification is completed. 2. Practicing additional media activity without obtaining a license or permit from the council or the competent authority, as the case may be. First Offense Second Offense (5,000) The violator shall rectify the situation within (30) thirty days from the date of notification of the violation. (16,000) If the situation is not rectified within the specified period, administrative closure shall be enforced until rectification is completed. 3. Failure to renew the license after the lapse of (30) thirty days from the date of expiration of the license. (150) An amount of up to three thousand (3000) dirhams per day. 4. Assignment or leasing of the license, addition or replacement of a partner, or (20,000) The violator shall rectify the situation within thirty (30) days from the date of notification of the

    -- 6 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 7 No. Description of the Violation Fine in AED amendment of the license details without obtaining prior approval from the council or the competent authority, as the case may be. violation. If the situation is not rectified, the license shall be revoked. 5. Providing inaccurate, false, incorrect, or misleading information when applying for a media activity license or permit. (5,000) In the event of a repeat violation, the fine shall be doubled. 6. Organizing and holding a book fair without obtaining permission from the competent authority. (40,000) In the event of a repeat violation, the fine shall be doubled. 7. Printing, circulating, or publishing any print, audio, or visual media content without obtaining permission from the Council or the competent authority, as the case may be. (20,000) In the event of a repeat violation, the fine shall be doubled. 8. Making any amendment to the media content approved by the Council or the competent authority, as applicable, without obtaining prior approval. (20,000) In the event of a repeat violation, the fine shall be doubled.

    -- 7 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 8 No. Description of the Violation Fine in AED 9. Working as a foreign correspondent without obtaining a permit from the Council or the competent authority, as the case may be. Written warning, up to a maximum of (3) warnings. In the event of a repeat violation, a fine of (1,000) 10. The failure of the establishment to update its data or any changes that occur thereto. (10,000) The violator shall rectify the situation within thirty (30) days from the date of notification of the violation, if the situation is not rectified, the fine shall be doubled. 11. A natural or legal person who provides advertising or media content, whether for a fee or free of charge, via social media or other modern technological means without obtaining a permit from the Council or the competent authority, as the case may be. First Offense Second Offense Third Offense Written warning. (20,000) (50,000) In the event of a repeat violation, the fine shall be doubled. 12. Continuation of the natural or legal person in providing advertising or media content, whether for a fee or free of charge, via social media or other modern technological means after the expiration of the permit. First Offense Second Offense (10,000) (20,000) In the event of a repeat violation, the fine shall be doubled. First Offense Second Offense

    -- 8 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 9 No. Description of the Violation Fine in AED 13. Failure to comply with the provisions of Chairman Decision No. (9) of 2024 regarding the conditions and procedures for granting a permit to a natural person to provide advertising content on social media. Warning (10,000) 14. Displaying any publicity or advertisement or promotional material without obtaining the approval of the concerned authority or without adhering to the requirements set by such authorities. (10,000) In the event of a repeat violation, the fine shall be doubled. 15. Violation of the advertising and Publicity conditions and controls stipulated in Article (33) of the Implementing Regulation. First Offense Second Offense (20,000) (50,000) In the event of a repeat violation, the fine shall be doubled. 16. Obstructing the judicial enforcement officer from performing their duties or refusing to cooperate with them. (15,000)

    -- 9 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 10 (Contd.) Regulation of Administrative Violations and Penalties Attached to Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025 Table No. (2): Violations of Media Content Standards First: Violations of Media Content Standards – Category (A) No. Violation Severity Level of the Violation First Degree Second Degree Third Degree Fourth Degree 1. Disrespecting the Divine being, Islamic beliefs, heavenly religions, or any other beliefs, or offending any of them. (100,000) (200,000) (400,000) (1,000,000) 2. Disrespecting the system of governance in the State, its symbols, institutions, or the supreme interests of the State and society. (50,000) (100,000) (200,000) (500,000) 3. Disrespecting the domestic and foreign policies and orientations of the State. (50,000) (100,000) (250,000) (500,000) 4. Engaging in any conduct with other States that may harm the State’s foreign relations. (30,000) (60,000) (125,000) (250,000) 5. Publishing or circulating content that undermines national unity or social cohesion. (30,000) (60,000) (125,000) (250,000) 6. Provoking sectarian, regional, or tribal strife; (100,000) (150,000) (300,000) (500,000)

    -- 10 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 11 inciting hatred, violence, or terrorist acts; or inciting discord and division within the society. 7. Undermining the legal, economic, judicial, or security systems of the State. (30,000) (60,000) (125,000) (250,000) 8. Glorifying groups with political, ethnic, economic, ideological, or subversive social agendas that act against the State and in pursuit of their own interests. (50,000) (150,000) (250,000) (500,000) Second: Violations of Media Content Standards – Category (B) 9. Disrespecting the cultural and civilizational heritage and the national identity of the State. (25,000) (50,000) (100,000) (150,000) 10. Undermining the prevailing values of society or failing to observe the requirements of public interest. (20,000) (40,000) (60,000) (100,000) 11. Disregarding privacy rules and matters related to individuals’ private lives. (20,000) (40,000) (80,000) (100,000) 12. Publishing or circulating content that incites the commission of crimes or promotes murder, rape, drug (30,000) (60,000) (80,000) (150,000)

    -- 11 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 12 abuse, or the use of psychotropic substances. 13. Publishing, broadcasting, or circulating any material that may undermine the national currency or the economic status of the State. (20,000) (50,000) (100,000) (150,000) Third: Violations of Media Content Standards – Category (C) 14. Publishing, broadcasting, or circulating expressions, images, drawings, or opinions that violate public decency, demean women, or promote or advocate destructive ideologies. (25,000) (50,000) (75,000) (100,000) 15. Publishing, broadcasting, or circulating false news, forged documents, or materials falsely attributed to entities or individuals. (10,000) (20,000) (50,000) (100,000) 16. Spreading rumors or misleading information. (10,000) (20,000) (40,000) (80,000) 17. Failing to select appropriate persons when hosting guests or accepting their contributions in the media. (5,000) (10,000) (20,000) (50,000) 18. Publishing advertising content that does not respect the culture, identity, or values of the State. (20,000) (40,000) (80,000) (100,000)

    -- 12 of 13 --

    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Violations and Penalties for the Acts Committed in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2023 Regulating the Media and its Executive Regulation 13 19. Failing to observe the age rating system for artistic works approved by the Council. (5,000) (10,000) (20,000) (50,000) 20. Failing to respect children's rights in accordance with the applicable legislation in the State. (5,000) (10,000) (20,000) (50,000)

    -- 13 of 13 --

Note: The Arabic text of this legislation is the authoritative version as per the official UAE Legislation portal.

Reading shortcut

Ask LEXAI a question about Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025.

Plain-English answers, with a citation back to the exact article. Free to use, no sign-up.

LEXAI provides general legal information, not legal advice. For your specific case, speak to a licensed UAE lawyer.

Keep reading

Corporate Commercial

Company Liquidation & Winding Up in the UAE

How to liquidate a UAE company — voluntary vs court-ordered winding up, appointing a liquidator, clearing liabilities and final deregistration.

8 min read

Corporate Commercial

The UAE Bankruptcy Law: Preventive Composition & Restructuring

The UAE's 2023 Bankruptcy Law explained — preventive composition, restructuring, when directors can be liable, and how creditors get paid.

9 min read

Corporate Commercial

Liquidated Damages & Penalty Clauses: Enforceable in the UAE?

Are penalty and liquidated-damages clauses enforceable in the UAE? How courts adjust them to actual loss, and how to draft one that survives challenge.

8 min read