The overview includes practical federal guidelines and analytical materials from realLaw AI.
The main aspects of marketing activities that the UAE legislative acts regulate are the following:
• requirements for marketing materials and advertising campaigns;
• measures of control of advertising on social media and online platforms;
• intellectual rights protection in marketing and advertising;
• authorization procedures for certain types of advertising;
• fines for violations of the relevant legislation.
It is worth noting that there are a number of commercial marketing activities that require media licenses. Such licenses are issued by the National Media Authority or a competent authority in an Emirate (for example, by a local Media Council).
The full list of the activities that require licensing, as well as relevant fees are outlined in Cabinet Decision No. 41 of 2025 Concerning Media Services Fees. As per the Decision, natural persons shall be exempted from paying the fee for issuing or renewing the license to provide advertising or informa...