The UAE has officially released a detailed fee structure for media-related licences under Cabinet Decision No. (41) of 2025, just days after implementing a sweeping new media law that introduces fines of up to AED 1 million (USD 272,000) for violations such as spreading fake news or insulting religious beliefs. The updated decision outlines mandatory licensing costs for a wide range of professionals and entities operating in the country’s media landscape, including influencers, digital creators, film distributors, journalists, publishers, event organisers, and video game producers. The move is part of a broader effort to formalise, regulate, and ensure accountability in the UAE’s growing media sector while promoting transparency and compliance. These licences are now legally required to operate media services or distribute content in the UAE, with specific categories and renewal fees clearly specified.
Digital Creators and Influencers
- Influencer permit (for paid content): Dh1,000 (USD 272) annually
- Renewal: Dh1,000 (USD 272)
- Visitor influencer permit: Dh500 (USD 136) for every 3 months
- Digital platform/media outlet licence (e.g., podcast, blog, streaming): Dh5,000 (USD 1,360)
- Renewal: Dh5,000 (USD 1,360)
Press, Journalism, and Foreign Media
- Sponsor a foreign journalist not registered in the country: Dh6,000 (USD 1,632) per sponsorship
- Temporary media coverage permit: Dh300 (USD 82)
- Foreign journalist or reporter not registered in the country licence: Dh500 (USD 136)
- Renewal: Dh500 (USD 136)
Cinema and Film Production
- Open a cinema (6+ screens): Dh100,000 (USD 27,200) initial, Dh50,000 (USD 13,600) annual renewal
- Open a cinema (up to 5 screens): Dh60,000 (USD 16,320) initial, Dh30,000 (USD 8,160) annual renewal
- Film distributor licence (animation, documentary, cartoon): Dh35,000 (USD 9,520) initial, Dh18,000 (USD 4,896) renewal
- Film production licence (same genres): Dh18,000 (USD 4,896) initial, Dh8,000 (USD 2,176) renewal
- Screening a film in the UAE: Dh1,000 (USD 272) per film
- Screening a trailer: Dh500 (USD 136)
- Poster display approval: Dh500 (USD 136)
- Ticket sales permit: Dh500 (USD 136)
- Age classification: Dh500 (USD 136)
- Urgent classification service: Dh6,000 (USD 1,632)
- Commercial content shown inside cinemas: Dh1,000 (USD 272)
- Licence to design and produce advertising content: Dh5,000 (USD 1,360)
- Renewal: Dh2,500 (USD 680)
Events and Single-Use Permits
- Screening a film or event for 1 day (e.g., football match): Dh500 (USD 136)
- Self-monitoring digital platform permit: Dh2,000 (USD 544)
Video Games and Entertainment Platforms
- Video game sales licence: Dh10,000 (USD 2,720)
- Game production licence: Dh4,000 (USD 1,088)
- Renewal: Dh2,000 (USD 544)
- Game rental (via platform): Dh5,000 (USD 1,360) annually
Artistic Production and Services
- Audio-visual production studio licence: Dh15,000 (USD 4,080)
- Renewal: Dh8,000 (USD 2,176)
- Theatre or artistic performance licence: Dh10,000 (USD 2,720)
- Renewal: Dh6,000 (USD 1,632)
- Licence to design, implement, and install advertising billboards: Dh10,000 (USD 2,720)
- Renewal: Dh5,000 (USD 1,360)
Books, Printing , and Publishing
- Licence to practice printing-related businesses: Dh10,000 (USD 2,720)
- Annual renewal: Dh5,000 (USD 1,360)
- Licence to establish a printing press: Dh25,000 (USD 6,800)
- Annual renewal: Dh15,000 (USD 4,080)
- Licence to publish a daily newspaper: Dh100,000 (USD 27,200)
- Renewal: Dh50,000 (USD 13,600)
- Reprint foreign daily newspapers: Dh50,000 (USD 13,600)
- Foreign media office licence: Dh3,000 (USD 816)
- Sell/distribute more than 10 copies of foreign books:
- Printed: Dh15 (USD 4) per book
- Digital: Dh10 (USD 2.72) per e-book
- Library or bookstore licence: Dh3,500 (USD 952)
Licence Changes, Cancellations, and Modifications
- Cancel licence: Dh200 (USD 54)
- Transfer of ownership: Dh100 (USD 27)
- Request to amend media activity licence data: Free
Also read: Posting Without Official License Could Cost Dh1 Million in UAEThe fee structure under Cabinet Decision No. (41) of 2025 is now legally binding and applies to all individuals and entities engaging in media activities within the UAE. Licences are required for operating platforms, producing or distributing content, and hosting media-related events. The decision also complements the recently enacted media law, which imposes penalties of up to Dh1 million (USD 272,000) for violations, including the spread of misinformation and offensive content.
