As of February 1, 2026, the UAE has officially moved influencer marketing from an informal hobby to a regulated commercial activity. The social media creators must now treat their content with the same legal rigor as traditional advertising.
The Core Requirement
Anyone publishing promotional content in the UAE must hold a valid UAE Advertiser Permit from the UAE Media Council.
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Applies to: Residents, citizens, and visiting international influencers.
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Trigger: Any commercial intent (sponsored posts, gifted products, affiliate links, or brand collaborations).
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Threshold: There is no minimum follower count. If you promote a brand, you need a permit.
Key Compliance Details
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Residents: Must be 18+ and hold a relevant media/business license (e.g., via Meydan Free Zone).
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Visitors: Can obtain a 3-month permit (renewable once) via a UAE-accredited agency.
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Obligations: Permit numbers must be displayed on profiles, and all ads must follow UAE content standards.
