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The UAE Media Council has announced an extension of the eligibility period for social media content creators and advertisers to obtain ‘Advertiser Permits’ until January 31, 2026, reinforcing the country’s drive to strengthen and regulate the advertising sector.
The initiative, first introduced in July 2025, has already seen remarkable uptake. By September 2025, the council had issued more than 1,800 permits to individuals and companies from 75 countries, signaling a strong global interest in the UAE’s structured approach to advertising content creation, the entity’s media report said.
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The surge in permit applications is accelerating key objectives for the UAE’s advertising sector. These include supporting investment in content production, enhancing the competitiveness of the digital advertising landscape, attracting and empowering creative talent, and safeguarding the public from content that does not align with approved standards and societal values.
Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, emphasised the impact of the initiative: “The issuance of more than 1,800 ‘Advertiser’ permits from 75 countries demonstrates that our framework meets the aspirations of advertisers on social media, whether individuals or companies.”
Introducing the Advertiser Permit Guide 2025
In line with this effort, the council had launched the Advertiser Permit Guide 2025, a comprehensive framework designed to regulate advertising content on social media. The guide details procedures for citizens, residents, visitors, and companies to obtain the permit once they meet eligibility requirements. It also lists the authorised entities in each emirate responsible for issuing permits and highlights the diverse business activities eligible, including advertising services through websites and social media, e-commerce, and marketing management.
“The ‘Advertiser Permit Guide’ provides a clear and transparent framework for creatives and companies working in the advertising industry,” Al Shehhi said. “It encourages registration, ensuring that advertising production in the digital space adheres to the approved regulatory framework. This enables advertisers to benefit from the unique opportunities the UAE offers, both regionally and globally, with its skilled talent, resources, and investments.”
The guide specifies the types of permits available: citizens and residents receive annual permits renewable each year, while visiting advertisers are granted three-month permits, extendable up to six months. This structure is designed to attract direct investment in the UAE’s growing advertising sector and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The launch of the permit aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to create a flexible regulatory environment that keeps pace with the rapid evolution of the media industry. By enhancing content quality and supporting investment, the initiative aims to draw skilled professionals and creative talents in content creation while safeguarding the rights of society and content creators alike
Cementing UAE’s position as a global hub
Al Shehhi highlighted the wider economic and creative impact of the initiative: “The UAE continues to build a vibrant, integrated media environment that empowers creatives, attracts talent, and draws investments, with sustainable positive impacts for all.”
By establishing a transparent, standardised framework for advertising content creation, the UAE Media Council is positioning the country as a leading global hub for digital advertising. The initiative not only strengthens the sector’s credibility but also ensures that advertising activity adheres to principles of transparency, professionalism, and cultural alignment, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the industry.
As the deadline for permit eligibility extends into early 2026, industry observers anticipate continued growth in applications and investment, signaling a robust future for the UAE’s digital advertising ecosystem.
