New regulatory body for UAE media sector

A new regulatory body has been established in the UAE to govern the media sector.

The Media Regulatory Office, operating under the Ministry of Culture and Youth, will take over a number of responsibilities previously handled by the National Media Council.

"We will continue to help improve the Emirati media and develop its performance so they disseminate the message of the UAE, highlight its civilisational achievements and preserve its positive image as a model of coexistence and tolerance," said Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth.

The Media Regulatory Office will be in charge of developing procedures for licensing and media content permissions, as well as implementing legislations, regulations and standards.

"We will also implement media and advertising content systems to local and imported publications circulating within the country, in addition to overseeing the development and preparation of a comprehensive database of print and audio-visual publications," explained Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of the Office.

The Office has two main departments, which will focus on:

• Preparing research and foresight studies and listing requirements and opinions related to media and publishing
• Studying, proposing and drafting legislations, regulations, standards and foundations necessary for organising and licensing media and media activities in the country, including electronic publishing, accrediting media professionals and foreign media correspondents, including in free zones
• Studying, proposing and drafting legislations, regulations, standards and foundations for following up on media content in the country, including in free zones
• Proposing media conduct and ethics, ensuring the right of the public to obtain information from its source, and combating false and misleading news and unprofessional media practices