His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. (29) of 2024 relating to the Dubai Media Council. The law grants the Council broad powers and responsibilities to implement strategies and plans for the development of Dubai’s media sector. The new law will come into force upon its publication in the Official Journal.

HH Sheikh Mohammed also issued Decree No. (66) of 2024, designating the Dubai Media Council as the regulatory authority for media activities in Dubai, including special development zones and free zones such as the International Financial Center from Dubai. The Dubai Development Authority will retain jurisdiction over media activities in its designated areas, but will coordinate with the Council on regulatory matters.

Furthermore, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid issued Decree No. (67) of 2024 to transfer the Dubai Film and Television Commission from the Dubai Development Authority to operate under the auspices of the Dubai Media Council.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, said the new legislation is part of a strategic realignment of the governance of the media sector, guided by the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for his advancement. He said the expanded mandate will enable the Council to introduce transformative changes to Dubai’s media landscape, aligned with the leaders’ ambitious goals to cement the emirate’s profile as a global hub of creativity, innovation and talent. Leveraging its new mandate, the Council will work to foster an environment that attracts top talent and leading media institutions from around the world.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for Dubai’s media sector inspires us to accelerate our efforts to improve the industry and its ecosystem. The new legislation empowers the Council to launch innovative initiatives to strengthen Dubai’s role as a leading global media hub. With clear strategies and performance metrics in place, we are committed to driving progress and staying ahead of global industry trends.

Law No. (29) of 2024 outlines the objectives of the Dubai Media Council, including integrating media efforts across the emirate, adopting a unified strategic vision for the media sector, monitoring implementing media strategies and strengthening Dubai’s competitiveness as a global media hub. The law also aims to strengthen Dubai’s status as a destination for young media talents, support the development of Emirati media professionals and promote the film and video game industries.

The law expands the Council’s mandate as the primary government authority responsible for regulating Dubai’s media sector. In accordance with the law, the Council’s responsibilities also include promoting research, innovation and development; implement global promotion strategies for the cinema and video game industries; foster local talent; and attract domestic and foreign investment.

As part of the strategic realignment of media sector governance, the Dubai Films and Gaming Commission will be established under the umbrella of the Dubai Media Council. This newly established commission will succeed the Dubai Film and Television Commission, with a focus on the development of the film and gaming industries, which play a vital role in the growth of Dubai’s media ecosystem.

Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice President and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, welcomed the new legislation as a crucial step in strengthening Dubai’s media capabilities and global competitiveness. “This legislation marks the start of a new phase of growth for Dubai’s media landscape, which is expected to further strengthen the city’s stature as a global media hub. By expanding the mandate of the Council to oversee the media sector, formulate policies and establish clear regulations. For media activity across the emirate, the legislation creates a solid foundation for sustainable progress.

“Dubai’s development has always been anchored in clear and flexible legislative frameworks that adapt quickly to global changes. These frameworks are crucial to fostering investment, discovering and nurturing local talent, and equipping them with the resources needed to succeed. By establishing a regulatory environment rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s needs, the new legislation will strengthen the competitiveness of Dubai’s media sector. The Council remains committed to developing supportive policies that strengthen Dubai’s status as a leading regional and global hub for creative excellence in media.

• Dubai Media Permit Office

In another initiative, as part of the expanded mandate of the Dubai Media Council, a new entity called the Dubai Media Permitting Office will be established.

His Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, said that the Dubai Media Permitting Office, operating under the Council, will issue permits for media activities in the emirate and coordinate with the Dubai Development Authority activities within its jurisdiction. The office will develop a comprehensive strategy to regulate these activities in collaboration with the Authority.

“The Dubai Media Permitting Office will adopt a streamlined and agile approach, aligned with the evolving needs of the media industry. By fostering a transparent operating environment for media entities, it will further strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading regional and global media hub. media innovation and excellence,” she said.

Speaking on the scope of the Dubai Film and Gaming Commission established under the Council, Badri said it would establish regulatory frameworks to support the growth of the film and gaming industries and strengthen their contribution to Dubai’s economy. The commission will oversee the creation and development of digital platforms for the production and distribution of films and games, promote local films and games in international markets and support local brands, strengthening Dubai’s status as a global hub leader in media development.

The Dubai Films and Games Commission’s responsibilities also include organizing exhibitions, events, conferences, missions, training programs and workshops related to the film and gaming industries locally and internationally. It will report on the performance of these sectors, analyze data and guide the development of policies to ensure their competitiveness.

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