Everything you need to know about the UAE influencer licence
The world has moved into a digital phase – everywhere we look, there are people tapping away on their smartphones and consuming content. Many individuals, now popularly known as influencers, have used this opportunity of instant media consumption to commercialise their creativity; however, where there is commercialisation, laws follow closely behind. This is why the authorities have introduced the UAE influencer licence as well as the Advertising permit. If you are an influencer in the UAE, trying to figure out if you need to obtain this licence, we have got you covered.
The need for a social media UAE influencer licence
Social media is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UAE. Due to this, in 2018, the NMC, which is the governing body that regulates and supports all media-related initiatives and activities in the UAE, announced that social media influencers in the UAE who make money from their posts will need to obtain the influencer licence to continue their work.
As per the new UAE media law, anyone influencers in the UAE need to acquire two licences; a commercial licence and an advertising permit.
The need for a content creator licence in the UAE extends to anyone sharing content on social media platforms for commercial reasons. The licence is similar to the Dubai media licence, which magazines and newspapers acquire from the authorities.
The introduction of the law was set in motion to professionalise and regulate the industry in which social media influencers in the UAE operate. The new influencer law will also extend to influencers visiting from abroad, i.e. non-UAE residents and nationals.
Do influencers in the UAE actually need it?
Obtaining the licence and the permit is essential for those influencers in Dubai who post advertisements and promotions on their social pages for brands and products they don’t own.
ADVERTISING PERMIT
As per the earlier policy, if you were an influencer in Dubai who only received gifts, products and services from brands in exchange for coverage, you didn’t need to be a licensed influencer to share your posts.
However, after this new law was introduced in May 2025, anyone posting advertising for a product or service which they don’t own would need an advertising permit. Even if the post is unpaid, this permit is necessary.
Influencers visiting the UAE from abroad can conduct business as a social influencer in the UAE, provided they are signed with a National Media Council (NMC) registered influencer agency. Any brands considering flying in an influencer who doesn’t have this media licence in Dubai will need to go through a registered influencer agency to avoid facing fines.
REQUIREMENTS
Here are some of the requirements when applying for an advertising permit.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old (Those under 18 can apply under the name of a legal guardian)
- Hold a trade licence in electronic media
- Certificate of good conduct
COSTS
For the initial three years, the advertising permit is being issued without any fee.
EXEMPTIONS
If you fall in the following two categories, you will be exempt from this requirement.
- Individuals advertising their own products or services
- Individuals advertising products or services of a company they own via their personal accounts
- Under-18 individuals who engage in educational, sports, cultural, or awareness-related activities
HOW TO APPLY?
Advertising permit applications can be made at www.uaemc.gov.ae. Select the category you fall under and proceed to apply now.
- A stated authorisation for individuals to provide advertising or media content on social media and other modern technical means.
- Renewing the individual’s permit to provide advertising or media content on social media and other modern technical means.
- Permission for visiting individuals to submit advertising or media content on social media.
For residents, the advertising permit will be valid for a year. Whereas for visitors, it would remain active for 3 months.
Once you have obtained a licence, you must display your permit number on social media accounts.
UAE Influencer Licence
Influencers will also need to obtain a trade licence, for example, from the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority or twofour54 in Abu Dhabi.
There are two types of trade or Dubai media licence you can opt for.
FREELANCE TRADE LICENCE
A freelance Dubai media licence can be obtained by bloggers and content creators who don’t operate in a company structure. Several UAE free zones, including Dubai Media City (DMC) and two-four54 Abu Dhabi offer this social media influencer licence in the UAE.
Media License
This social media influencer licence in the UAE can work for video content producers, vloggers, and filmmakers. Media-focused free zones such as twofour54 in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) offer such licences.
COST AND DURATION
The licence is valid for one year. The influencer licence cost in the UAE varies depending on the jurisdiction one applies from. It could be as low as AED 5k and go up to AED 30k.
Influencers who are affiliated with influencer agencies certified by the NMC do not need to apply for the licence; the agency will bear the cost for all the influencers registered under them.
Groups of UAE influencers that work together as collectives need to set up a company which holds a trade licence before applying for the e-media licence. All the influencers within each group will be liable for the content posted. Influencers in Dubai who fail to obtain this Dubai media licence can face a fine of AED 5k.
This would be in addition to the AED 15k fee for a trade licence.
How can you obtain the social media influencers licence UAE?
If you are looking to become a licensed influencer in the UAE, you have two options – either obtain an individual licence or get into a contract with any of the influencer agencies certified by the NMC. Social media influencers in the UAE registering for an individual licence will require a trade licence too.
You can apply online for the influencer licence by visiting the NMC website. If you sign a contract with any of the NMC-certified agencies, then you won’t need to bear the cost of the licence, but do keep in mind that these agencies come with their own set of requirements, which could limit your creative freedom.
Documents required for influencer licence UAE
Here is a list of documents required for an influencer licence UAE.
- Passport copies
- Copy of visa
- Emirates ID photocopy
- Business Licence
- Two coloured passport-size photos
Abu Dhabi Influencer licence
Along with the UAE social media influencer licence, those operating in the capital also have to apply for the Abu Dhabi influencer licence. Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has introduced the licence to ensure high standards and compliance.
How to apply for the Abu Dhabi Influencer licence
Here is the process to apply for a social media influencer licence in the capital.
- Go to TAMM
- Choose the freelancer licence option
- Fill out the required information
- Pay the necessary fees to get your licence via email
Abu Dhabi influencer licence cost
For individuals, the cost is AED 1250. Whereas, for a group of influencers or companies, it is AED 5,000. Operating without acquiring this licence could mean a penalty from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000.
FAQs
Do Abu Dhabi influencers need both UAE and Abu Dhabi licences?
Yes, as discussed, according to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, for influencers based in the capital, both licences are mandatory.
WHICH ARE THE MOST INSTA-FRIENDLY SPOTS IN DUBAI?
Fancy trying your hand at being an influencer? Why not pop down to Dubai’s most insta friendly spot to give it a go.
Are there any additional taxes or fees for influencers in the UAE?
Income exceeding AED 1M by influencers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be taxed annually.
The influencer law has regulated a growing industry and has given it structure. We see popular influencers in Dubai like MoVlogs and Rashed Belhasa using their popularity to command rich endorsements from big brands. Other public figures like Huda Kattan who turned her social pages into the well-known brand Huda Beauty, have inspired many to take up the role of a social media influencer in the UAE.
