UAE National Media Authority:

The UAE Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2025 establishing and Regulating the National Media Authority establishes a federal public authority responsible for regulating, developing, and coordinating the national media sector in the United Arab Emirates. The Authority is entrusted with developing strategic media policies, regulating media outlets and activities, establishing media content standards, monitoring media content, managing media crises, and supporting the UAE's media narrative and international reputation. The Decree-Law also consolidates the functions, assets, rights, and obligations of the Emirates Media Council, the National Media Office, and the Emirates News Agency (WAM) under the newly established National Media Authority, creating a unified institutional framework for the UAE's media sector.
 

Strengthening and unifying the UAE’s national media framework

The UAE National Media Authority Decree-Law establishes the National Media Authority as a federal public authority responsible for overseeing, regulating, and developing the UAE’s national media sector. The Authority reports to the Cabinet and enjoys legal personality as well as financial and administrative independence, enabling it to carry out the functions and activities necessary to achieve its objectives. The Decree-Law introduces a unified institutional framework for the UAE media sector, with a focus on strengthening national media policies, regulating media activities, establishing content standards, enhancing the UAE’s media reputation, and responding effectively to emerging challenges such as digital media threats, misinformation, and disinformation.
 

Establishment and headquarters of the authority

The National Media Authority is established as a federal public authority headquartered in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Chairman may establish branches or offices of the Authority within or outside the UAE where required to support its functions and international activities. The Authority will serve as the central body responsible for coordinating media policies and activities and promoting consistency in the UAE’s media direction at both the federal and local levels.
 

Strategic role and media regulation

A key function of the Authority is to propose the UAE’s strategic media directions and public media messages and coordinate with media entities across the country to promote consistency in media policies and messaging. The Authority will also propose and develop policies, legislation, strategies, regulations, standards, and criteria governing media outlets and activities, including electronic media and publishing activities operating in free zones. The Authority will establish media content standards in coordination with the relevant authorities and will monitor printed, published, and broadcast media content throughout the UAE, including activities conducted in free zones. It will also monitor and analyse public opinion trends relating to the UAE and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable legislation.
 

Media crisis management and digital threats

The Decree-Law gives the Authority an important role in managing media crises and addressing emerging threats arising from the rapidly changing digital environment. The Authority will develop programs, mechanisms, and measures to identify, manage, and contain media crises and will coordinate with relevant government entities to develop appropriate responses. Particular emphasis is placed on the early detection of threats arising from digital media, negative media content, misinformation, and disinformation. The Authority will also contribute to developing professional capabilities and technological mechanisms that support the UAE’s ability to respond effectively to such challenges.
 

Regulation of electronic media and publishing

The Authority will propose the legislation, regulations, standards, and criteria required to regulate and license media outlets and media activities, including electronic media and publishing. These regulatory requirements will extend to relevant activities conducted within free zones. This framework is intended to ensure that media activities operate within clear regulatory parameters while supporting the continued development of the UAE’s media sector.
 

Journalists and foreign media organisations

The National Media Authority will be responsible for registering and accrediting journalists and correspondents representing foreign media organisations in the UAE, including those operating in free zones. The Authority will also develop strategic partnerships with regional and international media institutions and represent the UAE at media conferences and events at domestic, regional, and international levels where authorised.
 

Emirates news agency (WAM)

Under the new framework, Emirates News Agency (WAM) will form one of the sectors of the National Media Authority and will continue to serve as the official channel supporting the publication, distribution, and translation of official UAE news. The Authority will also regulate the transmission, broadcasting, redistribution, and use of news received from local, Arab, and international sources in accordance with the UAE’s media policy. In addition, the Authority will provide contracted media outlets, publishing houses, news agencies, radio and television stations, individual and institutional subscribers, and social media platforms with local and international news, articles, reports, and photographs in accordance with professional journalistic practices and ethical standards. The Authority will process, edit, and publish journalistic materials in Arabic, English, and other necessary languages, while ensuring linguistic accuracy and professional standards. It will also maintain a network of correspondents and archive local and international news materials and press releases.
 

Governance and leadership

The National Media Authority will be headed by a Chairman appointed by Federal Decree, who will serve as the highest authority within the organisation. The Chairman will oversee the Authority’s general policy, strategic plan, programs, projects, regulations, organisational structure, budget, human resources, and overall institutional development. The Authority will also have a Vice President, who will replace the Chairman in the event of absence or impediment and may exercise powers delegated to him in writing by the Chairman. A Board of Trustees may also be established, consisting of between three and eight members. The Board will advise the Chairman on matters relating to the Authority and may submit proposals concerning policies, strategies, legislation, regulations, standards, programs, projects, and activities.
 

Role of the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General will be responsible to the Chairman for implementing the Authority’s policies, strategies, legislation, and regulations and for managing its technical, administrative, and financial affairs. The Secretary-General will oversee the implementation of plans and projects, supervise the Authority’s organisational units, prepare budgets and regulations, manage employees and consultants, conclude contracts and agreements necessary for the Authority’s activities, and represent the Authority in its relations with third parties and before the courts.
 

Financial resources and oversight

The Authority’s financial resources will consist primarily of annual allocations from the UAE’s general budget. It may also receive gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and endowments accepted by the Chairman, in addition to other revenues generated through the exercise of its functions. The Authority’s financial and accounting affairs will be governed by the applicable federal government legislation and regulations. It will also be subject to the oversight of the UAE Accountability Authority and may appoint a licensed auditor in the UAE where necessary.
 

Consolidation of existing media entities

One of the significant features of the Decree-Law is the consolidation of key media functions under the National Media Authority. The Authority will replace the Emirates Media Council in exercising the powers assigned to it under Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 concerning the Regulation of Media and other applicable legislation. It will also replace the Emirates Media Council, the National Media Office, and Emirates News Agency (WAM) in relation to their respective powers, rights, obligations, and applicable legal arrangements. The Decree-Law further provides for the transfer of relevant employees, assets, properties, contracts, rights, obligations, appropriations, allocations, and financial budgets of the existing entities to the National Media Authority through Cabinet decisions. Employees transferred to the Authority will retain their grades, total salaries, benefits, and continuity of service, subject to the applicable regulatory arrangements.
 

Repeal of previous legislation

The Decree-Law repeals the legislation establishing the National Media Office and the Emirates Media Council, as well as the specified decision concerning Emirates News Agency (WAM). Any provision that conflicts with the new Decree-Law is also repealed. However, existing decisions and regulations of the National Media Office, Emirates Media Council, and Emirates News Agency (WAM) will continue to apply to the extent that they do not conflict with the new framework, until they are replaced by new legislation, decisions, or regulations.
 

Conclusion

The UAE National Media Authority Decree-Law establishes a unified institutional framework for regulating and developing the country's media sector by consolidating key media functions under a single federal authority. The Decree-Law strengthens the UAE's approach to media regulation, content standards, licensing, media crisis management, international media engagement, and the development of national media capabilities. By bringing together the functions, rights, obligations, assets, and personnel of the Emirates Media Council, National Media Office, and Emirates News Agency (WAM), the new framework is intended to enhance coordination, efficiency, consistency, and strategic direction across the UAE's media landscape.

Note: This Legal Update / Newsletter is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is based on laws and legal interpretations in effect as of the date of publication. Laws and regulations may change over time, and their application can vary depending on individual circumstances. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek specific legal counsel before acting on any of the information provided herein.