Image Credit : WAM
The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law establishing the National Media Authority, a new body tasked with regulating and developing the country’s media sector while strengthening its regional and international presence.
The decree provides for the creation of a federal public authority affiliated with the Cabinet. The National Media Authority will have legal personality, as well as financial and administrative independence, enabling it to carry out its mandate with full legal capacity.
As part of the restructuring, the new Authority will replace the Emirates Media Council, the National Media Office and the Emirates News Agency (WAM), consolidating media oversight under a single national entity.
The National Media Authority will be responsible for proposing the UAE’s strategic media directions and key messages, while coordinating with media institutions to unify policies, messaging and national media discourse. It will also work to enhance the country’s reputation, monitor media narratives, and manage media-related crises in coordination with relevant authorities.
Under the decree, the Authority will propose legislation to regulate media outlets and activities across the UAE, including digital platforms and media operating in free zones. It will set media content standards and oversee all published, printed and broadcast material in the country.
The mandate also includes the registration and accreditation of media professionals and foreign correspondents, including those working in free zones. In addition, the Authority will oversee the development of WAM to reinforce its role as the official channel for publishing, distributing and translating accredited news, as well as regulating the broadcasting, transmission, redistribution and use of news from local, regional and international sources.
The Authority will further support the national media ecosystem by providing media institutions with local and international news, reports, articles and images in line with recognised journalistic standards and professional ethics.
Key mandates of the National Media Authority include:
- Proposing the State’s strategic media directions and coordinating with media entities to unify policies and national discourse.
- Enhancing the UAE’s reputation, monitoring media narratives and addressing media crises in coordination with relevant bodies.
- Proposing legislation to regulate and license media outlets and activities, including digital media and those operating in free zones.
- Setting media content standards and monitoring all published, printed and broadcast content nationwide.
- Registering and accrediting media professionals and foreign correspondents, including in free zones.
- Developing WAM as the official channel for publishing, distributing and translating accredited news, and regulating the use and redistribution of news from all sources.
- Providing media institutions with news content and media resources in line with professional and ethical journalism practices.
