UAE Launches New System for Media Content

The UAE Introduces New Age Classification System for Media Content

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the implementation of a comprehensive age classification system for media content to protect children and young people from inappropriate online content. The UAE Media Council emphasized that this step is particularly crucial now, as digital content consumption has skyrocketed. Although the exact implementation date has not been disclosed, the new system is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at regulating, developing, and growing the media sector.

Currently, the UAE already has age classification rules for films, video games, comics, and printed books, but the current initiative expands this framework to all media types. The new regulation aims to keep pace with the rapid developments in digital media, artificial intelligence, streaming services, and video games.

The UAE Media Council has worked on developing the system for two years, closely collaborating with federal and local authorities, media companies, content creators, and international experts. The aim is not only protection but also to strengthen the media market, support talents, encourage innovation, and attract investments.

As part of the regulatory framework, new provisions were introduced for regulating advertisements on social media, with special attention to individual content creators who advertise individually. The goal is to increase audience trust, enhance the quality of online media content, and exempt content creators from various licensing fees for three years.

Strengthening local content is also a key element of the system. An important part of the UAE's strategy is supporting Emirati talents, writers, producers, and creative projects with various exemptions and incentives to create content that reflects national identity.

The system can provide not only protection but also economic momentum to the media market: its aim is to make media a driving force for development and an important economic sector contributing to national GDP, increasing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness. The flexible environment, simplified procedures, discounts, and strategic partnerships all serve to fully exploit the potential opportunities in the media sector.

(The article source is the UAE Media Council's statement.)