UAE sets 15 as minimum age for social media use

The UAE Cabinet has approved a resolution setting the minimum age for social media use at 15.

The resolution prohibits children under 15 from creating or using personal social media accounts and restricts their access to the platforms' full features.

Meanwhile, children between the ages of 15 and 16 are permitted to use social media, subject to enhanced protective measures applied to their accounts. 

It applies to all social media platforms that enable users to create accounts or personal profiles, engage in social interaction, publish or share content, or that rely on algorithms to display, rank, or recommend content, whether free or paid. 

All platforms will have to implement accurate and reliable age verification mechanisms.

The resolution gives social media platforms a transitional period of up to 12 months to comply with the new regulations, and are required to monitor non-compliant accounts and take immediate action to enforce compliance.

Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Cabinet said the decision is aimed at protecting young minds in the digital space.

UAE Cabinet Issues Resolution Regulating Children's Access to Social Media Platforms pic.twitter.com/n5q3tRmkpr

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 18, 2026