UAE Media Council Reviews Performance And Initiatives For H1 2025

Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and the UAE Media Council, has reiterated the UAE's dedication to becoming a global media production leader. He emphasised that forming international partnerships in this sector is a national priority. The UAE Media Council is advancing flexible policies to enhance competitiveness regionally and globally under leadership directives.

In the first half of 2025, the UAE Media Council issued 2,562 media licences and permits. This included 2,152 media licences, 235 digital social media licences, 103 filming permits, and 72 licences for newspapers and magazines. These figures highlight the rapid growth of the media business environment in the country.

The meeting also discussed a new legislative framework aimed at improving governance. This framework will support growth by aligning with rapid digital transformation. The council aims to create a flexible regulatory environment that fosters development in the media sector.

In publishing, over 514,000 book titles were managed by the Council, which issued 35,000 distribution permits for local market books. However, 32 titles were banned for conflicting with national values or legislation. In cinema, 611 films were approved for screening in early 2025. Ticket sales exceeded six million, generating over AED309 million in revenue.

The Council authorised distributing 131 electronic games across the nation during this period. These developments reflect an expanding creative economy supported by advanced regulations that keep pace with global trends.

Digital Platform Development

Council members were informed about developing a new integrated digital platform in partnership with Presight. This platform aims to improve efficiency in licence management and content monitoring using artificial intelligence and advanced analytics.

The meeting was attended by several key members of the UAE Media Council. Among them were Sheikh Abdullah bin Humaid Al Qasimi from Ras Al Khaimah Ruler's Court and Maryam AlMheiri from Abu Dhabi Media Office. Other attendees included Saeed Mohammad Al Eter from the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Tariq Saeed Allay from Sharjah Government Media Bureau.

The council's second board meeting of 2025 reviewed its performance in early 2025. Key initiatives focused on enhancing regulatory infrastructure to attract investors and creatives to the UAE's media ecosystem.

This approach contributes significantly to solidifying the creative economy as a vital GDP growth pillar. It is supported by an advanced regulatory framework that anticipates future trends with ambition and vision.

With inputs from WAM