The United Arab Emirates will soon implement a comprehensive age rating system for media content to protect children and adolescents from inappropriate material, the UAE Media Council announced. This initiative addresses the surge in digital content consumption and is part of a broader regulatory framework aimed at modernizing and developing the media sector.
Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies at the Council, explained that the new system expands existing regulations beyond films, video games, and printed materials to cover digital and on-demand content. The system supports a more responsible media environment amid rapid technological changes, including AI, gaming, and digital broadcasting.
The age rating system is a key element of the UAE’s Media Regulation Law, the first comprehensive legislation of its kind in over 40 years. The law was developed with input from federal agencies, media organizations, creators, and international experts to ensure adaptability and relevance.
Additional measures include regulating social media advertising, providing permit fee exemptions for content creators, empowering Emirati talent and projects, and offering support for local media producers. These efforts aim to strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional and global media hub while safeguarding cultural identity.
Mohammed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the Media Council, described the changes as a strategic transformation, positioning media as a vital pillar in the UAE’s sustainable development and economic growth.
