UAE issues federal decree-law establishing National Media Authority

The UAE has issued a federal decree-law establishing the National Media Authority as a public federal entity affiliated to the UAE Cabinet.

It will replace the UAE Media Council and National Media Office and WAM.

The authority aims to align media policies across federal and local entities, and unify the UAE’s media discourse on the national and international levels. 

It will be mandated to train and qualify national media talent, propose and develop legislation and strategies for the sector and oversee the licensing of all media outlets and activities. 

The authority will also look into the registration, licensing and accreditation of foreign media representatives in the UAE and oversee and preside over UAE official media delegations during official visits abroad.

The authority will have a board of trustees, along with positions for the head, deputy head and secretary-general, will be formed based on a UAE Cabinet resolution. It can also "own and establish limited liability companies or to own shares or stakes in such companies, subject to the Cabinet’s approval".

Here are the authority's main functions:

1. Propose the UAE's strategic media directions and messaging, and coordinate with media organisations to ensure the alignment of their directions and messaging with the media policies and discourse of the UAE.
2. Enhance the global reputation of the UAE, and conduct assessment and follow-up of its media narratives, and address media crises in coordination with the relevant authorities.
3. Proposing legislation to regulate and license media outlets and media activities, including digital media in the UAE and those operating in free zones, in coordination with media entities.
4. Establishing standards for media content in coordination with relevant authorities, and observing and following up on media content of all printed, published, posted, and broadcast materials within the country, including those in free zones.
5. Registering and accrediting media professionals and correspondents of foreign media outlets in the UAE, including those in free zones.
6. Developing the Emirates News Agency (WAM) to enhance its role as the official channel for supporting the publishing, distribution, and translation of official news approved by the UAE, and regulating the transmission, broadcasting, redistribution, and use of news flowing from various sources, whether local, Arab, or international.
7. Providing media institutions with local and international news, articles, reports, and photographs in line with best journalistic practices and professional ethics.

UAE Government issues a Federal Decree-Law establishing and organising the National Media Authority#uaegov pic.twitter.com/sbGfpxLydh

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) December 18, 2025