UAE establishes National Media Authority under federal decree-law
New entity consolidates regulation, messaging and crisis response
ABU DHABI – 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.
The move marks a major restructuring of the country’s media governance framework, bringing policy, regulation and messaging under a single authority. The new body is designed to align national media directions, coordinate efforts across federal and local entities, and present a unified UAE media discourse domestically and internationally.
Under the decree-law, the National Media Authority assumes the functions, rights and obligations of the UAE Media Council, the National Media Office and the Emirates News Agency (WAM). This transition includes the transfer of all relevant legislative texts, contracts, agreements and memoranda of understanding previously held by the three entities.
Unified mandate
The legislation sets out a broad mandate for the Authority, placing it at the centre of strategic media planning and coordination. Among its core responsibilities is proposing the UAE’s strategic media tones and messaging, while working closely with media entities at both federal and local levels to align policies and consolidate efforts.
The Authority is also tasked with organising and advancing the national media sector through the development of policies, legislation and strategies aimed at strengthening performance and enhancing the UAE’s global standing and reputation. These measures are intended to provide a coherent framework that supports growth across traditional, digital and emerging media platforms.
Regulation framework
A key pillar of the Authority’s role is the regulation and licensing of media activity across the country. The decree-law authorises it to propose tailored regulations and standards to organise and license all media outlets and activities, including digital media, publishing and entities operating within free zones.
Once approved by the UAE Cabinet, the Authority will supervise the implementation of these measures. In parallel, it will work with relevant authorities to establish clear media content standards and monitor compliance. This oversight extends to all media content printed, broadcast, posted or aired within the UAE, including content produced in free zones.
Content oversight
Beyond regulation, the Authority is charged with observing media output and overseeing the national media narrative. The legislation assigns it responsibility for developing, assessing and supervising media content in a manner that supports the UAE’s positive image and reflects national priorities.
The Authority will closely monitor content to ensure adherence to approved standards, while coordinating with other bodies as required. This function is designed to ensure consistency across platforms and safeguard the integrity of media messaging at a time of rapid digital expansion.
Crisis response
The decree-law places particular emphasis on preparedness and rapid response to media crises. The Authority will develop and implement plans, mechanisms and measures to respond efficiently to potential crises, working in coordination with relevant authorities.
Its remit includes strengthening professional capabilities and systems that enable early detection of risks arising from digital media threats, negative or misleading content and fake news. These measures are intended to enhance resilience within the national media ecosystem and support timely, coordinated responses.
WAM role
The legislation assigns the Authority responsibility for developing the Emirates News Agency as the UAE’s official channel for publishing, distributing and translating approved news. WAM will operate as a central platform supporting official communication, with the Authority empowered to establish a global network of correspondents and media offices.
In addition, the Authority is mandated to archive local and international news and press material, produce news services and media content, and train and qualify national media talent, particularly those working within the agency. News collection and distribution will continue in multiple languages to support global outreach.
Governance structure
The decree-law defines the governance framework of the Authority, including the powers of its head and the appointment of a deputy head. It also authorises the formation of a board of trustees, with its composition to be determined by a Cabinet resolution, and provides for the appointment of a secretary-general responsible for implementing policies, strategies and regulations.
Further provisions allow the Authority, subject to Cabinet approval, to establish or own limited liability companies or to hold shares in such entities. The legislation also assigns the Authority responsibility for registering, licensing and accrediting foreign media representatives in the UAE, overseeing official media delegations abroad, and representing the country in regional and international media forums in coordination with relevant authorities.