What it means for a Dubai business
The law and its regulation apply to what businesses publish, including on social media. Content must be clear and must not mislead. Specialised advertising, such as real estate and finance, can need prior approval from the relevant authority. Cabinet Decision 42 of 2025, in force since 29 May 2025, sets fines for violations, with amounts reported from AED 10,000 to AED 100,000 for misleading or fake content.
The UAE Media Council oversees it and issues the Advertiser Permit.
Example
A business posts a “limited time” offer that has no end date and a price that leaves out compulsory fees. Under the media rules and the consumer protection law that is a risk. Rewriting it with the full price and a real end date removes it.
Common mistake
Treating social media as outside the rules because it feels informal. The same standards apply to a Story as to a billboard. This is a summary, not legal advice.