UAE establishes National Media Authority under new Federal Decree-Law

The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law establishing and organising the National Media Authority as a federal public entity affiliated with the UAE Cabinet, marking a significant restructuring of the country’s media governance framework.

Under the new legislation, the Authority is tasked with consolidating national media directions and messages, aligning media policies across federal and local entities through coordinated efforts, and unifying the UAE’s media discourse at both national and international levels.

According to the Decree-Law, the National Media Authority will replace the UAE Media Council, the National Media Office, and the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in their functions, rights, obligations, and relevant legislative texts, including those stipulated in existing contracts, agreements, or memoranda of understanding.

UAE media law

The Decree-Law outlines the competencies of the National Media Authority, including proposing the UAE’s strategic media tones and messaging, and coordinating with media entities to consolidate efforts and align policies at the federal and local levels.

The Authority is tasked with organising and advancing the UAE’s national media sector, while proposing and developing policies, legislation, and strategies to guide its advancement and enhance the UAE’s global standing and reputation.

It is also responsible for proposing tailored regulations and standards to organise and license all media outlets and their activities, including digital media, publishing, and entities operating within free zones.

Following approval by the UAE Cabinet, the Authority will supervise the implementation of these measures.

Content standards

The Authority’s functions extend to establishing media content standards in coordination with relevant authorities. It will observe all media content printed, broadcast, posted, or aired within the UAE, including in free zones, and will develop, assess, and oversee the national media narrative to enhance its positive image.

According to the Decree-Law, the Authority will develop and implement plans, mechanisms, and measures to respond efficiently and swiftly to potential media crises. This includes developing appropriate solutions to address or manage crises in coordination with relevant authorities.

The Authority will also focus on developing professional capabilities and mechanisms to support early detection of crises arising from digital media threats, negative or misleading media content, and fake news.

The Decree-Law tasks the Authority with developing the Emirates News Agency (WAM) as the official channel to support the publication, distribution, and translation of officially approved news. It also grants the Authority the power to establish a global network of correspondents and media offices.

UAE news

The Authority is mandated to archive local and international news and press articles, produce news services and media content, and train and qualify national media talent, particularly those working for the agency, collecting and distributing news in multiple languages worldwide.

It is further assigned responsibility for registering, licensing, and accrediting foreign media representatives in the UAE, including in free zones; overseeing UAE official media delegations during official overseas visits; and representing the UAE in regional and international media forums, in accordance with UAE Cabinet directives and in coordination with relevant authorities.

The new legislation defines the powers of the head of the Authority, stipulates the appointment of a deputy head, and authorises the establishment of a board of trustees, whose formation will be determined by a UAE Cabinet resolution.

Media governance

The Decree-Law also stipulates the appointment of a secretary-general and defines his responsibilities, including ensuring the implementation of the Authority’s policies, strategies, legislation, and regulations.

Additionally, the legislation authorises the Authority to own and establish limited liability companies, or to own shares or stakes in such companies, subject to the UAE Cabinet’s approval.