UAE Establishes National Media Authority Under New Federal Decree-Law

The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law establishing and regulating the National Media Authority as a federal public entity affiliated with the UAE Cabinet. The move is aimed at unifying national media messaging, aligning policies across federal and local entities, and strengthening the UAE’s media presence domestically and internationally.

 

Under the new legislation, the National Media Authority will assume the roles, responsibilities, rights and obligations of the UAE Media Council, the National Media Office and the Emirates News Agency (WAM). This includes all existing legislative provisions, contracts, agreements and memoranda of understanding related to those entities.

 

The Decree-Law sets out the Authority’s core competencies, including proposing the UAE’s strategic media tone and key messaging, and coordinating with media bodies to ensure alignment at both federal and local levels. It also mandates the Authority to regulate, develop and advance the national media sector through policy-making, legislation and strategic initiatives that enhance the UAE’s global reputation.

 

As part of its regulatory role, the Authority will propose standards, regulations and licensing frameworks for all media activities, including digital media, publishing and outlets operating in free zones. Following Cabinet approval, it will oversee the implementation of these measures and monitor compliance.

 

The Authority will also work with relevant entities to establish media content standards and monitor all printed, broadcast and digital content within the UAE, including content produced in free zones. It is further tasked with developing and supervising the national media narrative to reinforce the country’s positive image.

 

In addition, the Authority will design and implement mechanisms to respond swiftly and effectively to media crises, in coordination with concerned authorities. This includes strengthening early-warning systems to address risks arising from digital media, misinformation, misleading content and fake news.

The Decree-Law also assigns the Authority responsibility for developing WAM as the UAE’s official platform for publishing, distributing and translating approved news. It empowers the Authority to establish a global network of correspondents and media offices, archive local and international news, and produce media content in multiple languages.

 

The Authority will also oversee the registration, licensing and accreditation of foreign media representatives in the UAE, including those based in free zones. It will lead official UAE media delegations abroad and represent the country in regional and international media forums, in line with Cabinet directives.

 

The legislation further defines the powers of the Authority’s head, provides for the appointment of a deputy head, a board of trustees and a secretary-general, and authorises the Authority --subject to Cabinet approval -- to establish or hold stakes in limited liability companies.

 

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