Legislation Overview
- Full Title: Cabinet Resolution Regarding Media Content - Type: Cabinet Resolution - Issued Date: 04 Jul 2017 - Effective Date: 01 Aug 2017 - Sector: Culture and Media - Number of Articles: 58 - Current Status: Active
Summary
This Cabinet Resolution regulates the printing, circulation, and content standards of media activities in the United Arab Emirates. It establishes the National Media Council as the authority responsible for overseeing and enforcing these regulations. The Resolution aims to ensure media content respects the UAE's religious, cultural, and social values while also promoting freedom of expression and the development of the media industry. (Cabinet Resolution Regarding Media Content, 2017, Arts. 1-58)
What is the scope and purpose of this law?
The Resolution applies to all media activities carried out within the UAE, including print, audio-visual, and electronic media. Its purpose is to regulate the printing and circulation of media content in accordance with principles such as respecting public interest, religious and cultural values, and national unity. (Cabinet Resolution Regarding Media Content, 2017, Art. 2-3)
What are the key definitions?
Key terms defined in the Resolution include "Media Activities", "Media Content", "Circulation", "Permit", "Age Classification", and "Establishment". For example, "Media Content" is defined as "any information or messages, express or implied, contained or referred to, directly or indirectly, by the Publication of any kind whether broadcast directly or recorded and then broadcast, or re-broadcast or delivered to the public by any means". (Cabinet Resolution Regarding Media Content, 2017, Art. 1)
What are the main obligations and requirements?
The Resolution mandates that a permit must be obtained from the National Media Council prior to printing or circulating any media content in the UAE. Applicants must submit copies of the publication and other required documents. The Council can approve, conditionally approve, or reject permit applications based on compliance with content standards. (Cabinet Resolution Regarding Media Content, 2017, Arts. 6-11)
What are the rights and protections?
The Resolution affirms respect for freedoms of opinion and expression, as well as the right to intellectual property. It also aims to promote publishing, tolerance, and innovation in the media sector. (Cabinet Resolution Regarding Media Content, 2017, Art. 3)
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
This legislation does not specify any penalty provisions.
How does this law interact with other UAE legislation?
The Resolution cites several other UAE laws that it is based on or interacts with, including the Federal Law on Publications and Publishing, the Cyber Crimes Decree Law, and the Child Rights Law. (Cabinet Resolution Regarding Media Content, 2017, Preamble)
When did this law come into effect and what are the transitional provisions?
The Cabinet Resolution came into effect on 01 August 2017. The legislation does not include any specific transitional provisions. (Cabinet Resolution Regarding Media Content, 2017, Art. 28)
Source Documents
This article analyses Cabinet Resolution Regarding Media Content for legal research and educational purposes. For the purpose of interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text prevails. This does not constitute legal advice.