Unlicensed Influencers in Abu Dhabi Will Be Penalised Starting July

Starting July 1st, social media influencers and organisations working in advertising without an advertising licence will be penalised according to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). 

To avoid penalties, influencers and organisations can obtain their licences online through the Tamm platform, where they can access the Department of Economic Development Services. Through the portal, influencers can select the services they offer - advertising services on e-platforms - and pay the necessary licensing fees, which amount to AED 1,250 for individuals and AED 5,000 for companies. 

The penalty decision is applied on government companies engaged in advertising, individuals with permits from the National Media Council, and foreigners as long as they hold Emirates ID cards or unified numbers. Based on this decision, the current number of licence-holders practising advertising services on electronic platforms and social media is expected to increase from the current 543.