ADDED Issues Warning on Social Media Influencer Rules: Key Compliance for Businesses

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has issued a warning to all licensed businesses in the emirate, emphasizing the importance of complying with regulations when engaging with social media influencers for advertising and promotional activities.

In a recent circular, ADDED acknowledged the efforts of local businesses to foster a healthy economic environment but stressed the need for stricter adherence to established guidelines. The department outlined the following key requirements:

- Social media influencers must obtain a license from ADDED to legally provide advertising services through online platforms.

- Businesses must secure a permit from ADDED before engaging in any advertising, promotional, or marketing activities.

- Companies are responsible for ensuring that influencers they collaborate with hold valid licenses issued by ADDED.

Failure to meet these requirements will result in penalties as outlined in ADDED’s table of violations. Non-compliant businesses risk fines ranging from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000 and could even face closure for failing to follow the department’s directives.