The UAE is implementing significant regulatory changes impacting businesses, from new licensing requirements for social media influencers to the introduction of corporate tax and e-invoicing. These measures aim to modernize the business landscape, enhance transparency, and ensure compliance, while also streamlining processes for new company formations.
New Licensing Mandates for Influencers
Effective May 29, 2025, the UAE Media Council’s new Media Regulation Law requires social media influencers and content creators engaged in commercial activities to obtain two distinct licenses:
- Business License: This is the initial requirement, obtainable from a Free Zone authority or the Department of Economic Development (DED). It allows for commercial activities like brand collaborations, paid promotions, and product sales.
- Media License: After securing a business license, influencers must apply for a media license from the UAE Media Council. This license costs Dh1,000 per year, though the Council is offering a three-year exemption from permit fees to support creators.
Non-compliance can lead to substantial fines of up to Dh1 million, with the UAE Media Council retaining the authority to monitor and remove content that violates local laws or ethical standards.
Corporate Tax and E-Invoicing on the Horizon
The UAE’s corporate tax framework continues to evolve, with businesses facing filing deadlines and complexities related to "arm’s length trading." This principle ensures that transactions between related parties are conducted at market rates to prevent tax advantages. Businesses, especially those with international operations or related-party transactions, are advised to seek professional guidance to ensure compliance.
Looking ahead, the UAE is set to mandate e-invoicing in 2026. This digital transformation aims to streamline financial processes, enhance efficiency, and improve tax compliance across various sectors.
Streamlined Business Setup Initiatives
In a move to further attract investment and simplify company formation, Meydan Free Zone has launched ‘Fawri,’ a service promising the UAE’s fastest 60-minute business license solution. This fully digital platform allows solo entrepreneurs to obtain all core legal documents within an hour, covering over 1,800 business activities. Fawri offers 100% foreign ownership, zero paid-up capital requirements, and full repatriation of capital and profits, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global entrepreneurial hub.
These comprehensive regulatory updates and initiatives underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering a robust, transparent, and efficient business environment, adapting to global standards while supporting local growth.
Sources
- Are you an influencer in the UAE? Here’s why two licences are now required, Gulf News.
- Social media influencers, content creators must get business licenses, Gulf News.
- Meydan Free Zone Launches ‘Fawri’ — The UAE’s Fastest 60-Minute Business License Solution, fox5sandiego.com.
- Posting without license? Influencers in UAE risk Dh1 million fine: Here’s what you need to know, Times of India.
- UAE corporate tax: Can charging different prices for the same product impact liability?, The National.
