The rise of social media has changed the dynamic of corporate marketing globally. In the UAE, to be precise in Dubai, it is a growing industry as brands are inclined towards influencing their target audiences with the help of influencers. On the other side, this rapid growth of influencer marketing increases the necessity of implementing regulations to ensure compliance is maintained.
The UAE practices transparency by introducing mandatory licensing and hence safeguarding consumers. Getting an influencer license is a necessity if you are going to operate as one in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE. Today’s blog will help you understand how to get an influencer license in the UAE, right from eligibility criteria to the application process and the compliance requirements.
Why Do You Need an Influencer License in Dubai?
In 2018, the National Media Council introduced regulations that required all the influencers making money through social media activities to obtain a license. This was implemented as part of a broader effort to ensure that digital content adheres to the country’s ethical and legal standards.
Any person wishing to monetise their social media presence by partnering with a brand, running sponsored content, or any other online marketing must have an influencer license. Not abiding by the rules could potentially bring fines, suspension of social media accounts, etc.
Gatestone Group offers services that are tailored to the needs of the licensing process to ensure that all influencers can comply with regulatory requirements and further establish their online presence.
Types of Influencer Licenses in The UAE
There are two types of licenses issued to influencers in the UAE:
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Freelance License
This is the license best fit for those individual influencers seeking to work on a freelance basis. This license will help the individual to work independently and collaborate with several brands or agencies.
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E-Media License
The E-Media license is for those who have a larger entity behind them, such as a media company or agency, and the license is for the organisation, which will then manage different influencers through a single license.
Both licenses require registration and adherence to specific guidelines regarding content creation and advertisement.
Eligibility Criteria for an Influencer License
The influencer must abide by the following eligibility criteria before applying for the license:
- Age criteria: One should be at least 21 years old to be eligible for the license
- Content rules: Content produced by the influencer must abide by the UAE’s robust media laws and respect the cultural and religious values of the society.
- No criminal records: An individual with a criminal record or any history of contravention of rules might face difficulty in the licensing process.
- Experience: Although experience is not mandatory for this type of license, working experience in content production might be endorsed in the form of a person’s plate of work.
How to Apply for an Influencer License?
1. Select your license type
Depending upon your business model and future strategy, you would need to decide what type of license you require: a freelance license or an e-media license.
2. Register with the concerned authority
Gatestone Group will assist you in registering an account with the concerned authority. This will involve filling in some basic information that identifies you as a person and your business.
3. Submit the application
Gatestone Group will fill out the application form on your behalf, mentioning what social media accounts you have, the type of content you are creating, how you plan to make money off it, etc.
4. Get the approval
The concerned authority will review the application, which could take 1-3 weeks. Once the application is approved, you will then get your license to be an influencer. You can now monetise your social media activities legally.
5. Get a trade license
This is not a necessary step, but doing so gives your influencer business credibility and enables you to get your UAE residency visa under this license. Gatestone Group can assist you in your application for an influencer license and with trade license registration, providing end-to-end support in setting up your influencer business in the UAE.
Compliance Considerations as a Licensed Influencer
Once the license is issued, it is essential to ensure full compliance with the regulations of the UAE. Below are some things to consider:
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Content guidelines: Ensure that all your content falls within the media laws of the UAE; these include refraining from publishing any material that might prove offensive, illegal, or culturally inappropriate.
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Disclosure requirements: Whether it is a paid partnership or sponsored content, make sure to mention it clearly to your audience. Transparency will protect you from both trust and legal perspectives.
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Renew your license: This license is valid for only one year and must be renewed annually. Remember to fill out your renewal application form and pay the required license fees in advance of the expiry date to avoid additional penalties.
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Keep records: Keep records of all business, collaboration, and content creation activities to prove compliance. This documentation may prove crucial in case of a demanded audit by the concerned authority.
Trust Gatestone Group to navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure your business remains compliant.
Common Challenges and Solutions for Influencer Licensing in Dubai
There could be challenges in obtaining and maintaining a licence as an influencer in the UAE for those not familiar with the legal layout. Below are the common problems and tips on how to overcome them:
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Knowing the legal requirements: Specifically, laws and regulations exist against content creation and online advertisements in the UAE. It is, therefore, important to know the laws to avoid any breach.
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Financial commitment: The influencer license acquisition and extension cost may be quite high, especially for freelancers. You would need to budget under those costs as a necessity of keeping your license.
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Compliance management: With the laws in the UAE updating frequently, it may be a challenging task for your content to continuously meet the UAE regulations. The legal team at Gatestone Group offers their expertise in ongoing support to help influencers cope with these challenges by providing legal advice, financial planning, and compliance management that caters exclusively to influencers’ needs in the UAE.
Conclusion
With the booming influencer industry in Dubai and the UAE, one gets a wide array of monetisation opportunities. But at the same time, it becomes imperative to comply with the rules of the country and avoid fines for non-compliance. For any influencers seeking professional guidance, Gatestone Group is here to help you through every step of the licensing process so that you can focus on growing your brand.
FAQs
No, an influencer license is a requirement for individuals or agencies who earn through their social media platforms with the help of brand deals, sponsorships, or any other sort of advertisement.
Depending on the application’s completeness and the approval from the concerned authority, the issuance of the license may take 1–3 weeks.
Operating without a license as a paid influencer in the UAE may lead to fines, possible legal procedures against you, and suspension of your social media accounts.
Yes, you can upgrade your license if your business grows, and you need to bring more influencers under your umbrella.
