Legislation Overview
- Title: Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media - Type: Federal Decree-Law - Issued Date: 02 Oct 2024 - Effective Date: 01 Dec 2023 - Sector: Culture and Media - Number of Articles: 63 - Status: Active
Summary
The Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media aims to comprehensively regulate all media activities within the United Arab Emirates. It establishes the UAE Media Council as the primary regulatory authority and sets out detailed requirements for obtaining licenses and permits to engage in various media-related businesses and practices. The law also prescribes standards for media content and imposes administrative sanctions for non-compliance. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023, Arts. 1-31) This legislation is significant as it modernizes the UAE's media regulatory framework to keep pace with global changes in the sector. It seeks to develop a stimulating environment for media growth and improve the overall quality of media content in the country. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023, Art. 3)
What is the scope and purpose of this law?
The provisions of this Federal Decree by Law apply to all persons, media establishments, institutions, outlets, and free zones that engage in media activities within the UAE. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023, Art. 2) The law aims to regulate all media activities in the country, enhance the UAE's media status, and establish a modern legislative and investment environment for the media sector. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023, Art. 3)
What are the key definitions?
The law provides definitions for key terms such as "State", "Council", "Competent Authority", "Concerned Authority", "Media", "Media Outlets", "Media Activities", "Newspaper", "Publications", "Circulation", "Foreign Publications", "Artistic Works", "Advertisement", "Electronic Media", "Media Content", "Foreign Media Content", "Media Institution", "Establishment", "Media Free Zone", "Licence", and "Permit". (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023, Art. 1)
What are the main obligations and requirements?
The law requires natural and legal persons to obtain a license or permit from the UAE Media Council or the Competent Authority to engage in media activities. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023, Art. 5) It also sets out specific conditions for owning media institutions and outlets, such as having full legal capacity, good reputation, and obtaining necessary approvals. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023, Art. 4) The law mandates compliance with media content standards and requires persons, establishments, and institutions operating in media free zones to abide by the terms of their licenses or permits. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023, Arts. 6, 17)
What are the rights and protections?
This legislation does not include specific provisions on rights and protections granted by the law.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
The law states that it includes penalty provisions, but does not specify the actual penalties. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023)
How does this law interact with other UAE legislation?
The law references and builds upon several existing UAE laws, including Federal Law No. (15) of 1980 Concerning Press and Publications and Federal Law by Decree No. (57) of 2022 Establishing the UAE Media Council. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023)
When did this law come into effect and what are the transitional provisions?
The Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media came into effect on 01 Dec 2023. (Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media, 2023, Art. 31) The law does not include any specific transitional provisions.
Source Documents
This article analyses Federal Decree by Law Regulating Media 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.