UAE · Media · AI
Creators in UAE must obtain prior approval to publish content for public figures, NMA says
NMA: Creators must secure approval for public-figure content
NMA: Creators must secure approval for public-figure content
The National Media Authority (NMA) in the United Arab Emirates has issued a requirement that creators who generate content for public figures must obtain prior approval before publication. Reported on September 29, 2026, the announcement introduces a regulatory step that immediately affects social-media creators, influencers and the public personalities who commission or appear in content.
The new instruction places explicit obligations on creators and on the public figures they represent, with potential implications for content moderation, influencer practice and legal exposure. While the NMA statement itself should be consulted for full requirements, the change signals a shift in how creative work tied to public figures will be governed in the UAE.
Creators, managers and agencies that produce material featuring public personalities should review internal workflows and approval processes to ensure any necessary authorization is secured in advance. Teams that handle contracts, brand deals and platform publishing may need to adapt procedures to align with the requirement.
Practical steps creators can consider include establishing a clear approval trail, keeping dated records of permissions and coordinating signing authority with the public figure's representatives. Documented authorization helps demonstrate compliance if questions arise.
What this means: extra approval steps and possible publishing delays.
Who it affects: social-media creators, influencers, managers and public figures.
Compliance: editorial and legal teams may be called on to verify permissions.
Contracts: creators and brands should check agreements for approval clauses.
Risk management: obtain recorded authorization and maintain documentation.
For public figures and their teams, setting explicit approval guidelines, communicating expectations to creators and involving legal or platform-compliance staff where needed will help manage risk and ensure published content aligns with any restrictions or preferences.
If you create content for public figures in the UAE or represent someone who does, seek official guidance from the National Media Authority and consider consulting compliance or legal advisors to clarify how the rule applies to your activity. Stay current with any published NMA guidance and platform policies before publishing.
The development is likely to reshape how influencers and content creators operate around public figures in the UAE, making prior permission a central step in the production cycle.
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