UAE's new media licence fees: Here's how much influencers, filmmakers need to pay

Just days after the UAE rolled out a new media law that imposes fines of up to Dh1 million for violations, including insulting religious beliefs and spreading fake news, the government has now issued a detailed breakdown of official fees for media services.

The new list, published under Cabinet Decision No (41) of 2025 provides clarity on the costs for everything from influencer permits and digital platforms to cinema licences, press activities, and artistic production. Whether you're a content creator, film distributor, publisher, or event organiser, the decision outlines exactly how much it costs to operate legally in the UAE's media sector.

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Here is a list of services and fees:

Digital creators and influencers

• Influencer permit (for paid content): Dh1,000 annually

Renewal: Dh1,000

• Visitor influencer permit: Dh500 for every 3 months

• Digital platform/media outlet licence (e.g., podcast, blog, streaming): Dh5,000

Renewal: Dh5,000

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Press, journalism, and foreign media

• Sponsor a foreign journalist not registered in the country: Dh6,000 per sponsorship

• Temporary media coverage permit: Dh300

• Foreign journalist or reporter who is not registered in the country license: Dh500

Renewal: Dh500

Cinema and film production

• Open a cinema (6+ screens): Dh100,000 (initial), Dh50,000 (annual renewal)

• Open a cinema (up to 5 screens): Dh60,000 (initial), Dh30,000 (annual renewal)

• Film distributor licence (animation, documentary, cartoon): Dh35,000 (initial), Dh18,000 (renewal)

• Film production licence (same genres): Dh18,000 (initial), Dh8,000 (renewal)

• Screening a film in the UAE: Dh1,000 per film

• Screening a trailer: Dh500

• Poster display approval: Dh500

• Ticket sales permit: Dh500

• Age classification: Dh500

• Urgent classification service: Dh6,000

• Commercial content shown inside cinemas: Dh1,000

• Licence to design and produce advertising content: Dh5,000

Renewal: Dh2,500

Events and single-use permits

• Screening a film or event for 1 day (e.g., football match): Dh500

• Self-monitoring digital platform permit: Dh2,000

Video games and entertainment platforms

• Video game sales licence: Dh10,000

• Game production licence: Dh4,000

Renewal: Dh2,000

• Game rental (via platform): Dh5,000 annually

Artistic production and services

• Audio-visual production studio licence: Dh15,000

Renewal: Dh8,000

• Theatre or artistic performance licence: Dh10,000

Renewal: Dh6,000

• Licence to design, implement, and install advertising billboards: Dh10,000

Renewal: Dh5,000

Books, printing, and publishing

• Licence to practice printing-related businesses: Dh10,000

Annual renewal: Dh5,000

• Licence to establish a printing press: Dh25,000

Annual renewal: Dh15,000

• Licence to publish a daily newspaper: Dh100,000

Renewal: Dh50,000

• Reprint foreign daily newspapers: Dh50,000

• Foreign media office licence: Dh3,000

• Sell/distribute more than 10 copies of foreign books:

1. Printed: Dh15 per book

2. Digital: Dh10 per e-book

• Library or bookstore licence: Dh3,500

Licence changes, cancellations, and modifications

• Cancel licence: Dh200

• Transfer of ownership: Dh100

• Request to amend media activity licence data: Free

Waad Barakat

Staff Writer

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waad@khaleejtimes.com

Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.