Abu Dhabi fines for unlicensed influencer collabs effective from July

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) said that its decision requiring commercial establishments and social media influencers to obtain a licence to engage in advertising services will come into effect from July 1.

The licensing fee is AED 1,250 for individuals and AED 5,000 for businesses. Applications can be submitted through Abu Dhabi's unified digital platform TAMM by accessing the 'ADDED Services'.

Foreigners from outside the UAE can also obtain a licence, provided they have an Emirates ID card or a UAE Unified Number.

ADDED clarified that having a permit from the UAE Media Council does not exempt social media influencers from obtaining the necessary licences and permits.

It added that government entities and branches of companies from outside the emirate of Abu Dhabi are also required to obtain the necessary permits.

Fines for not complying with the rules will range from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000. Non-compliance may even lead to the closure of the business.

Learn more about the compliance and conditions when contracting with social media influencers.​#ADDED #EconomicEstablishmentsDuty #AbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/F2OQ0i3gz9

— دائرة التنمية الاقتصادية - أبوظبي (@AbuDhabiDED) June 20, 2024