All about the social media influencer licence in Abu Dhabi
Being an influencer in the UAE has become a lucrative career opportunity for many, giving people freedom beyond a usual 9 to 5. However, as with every profession, an influencer operating from the capital requires a social media influencer licence in Abu Dhabi.
But what is this licence, how does one apply for it, and what penalties can you incur for operating without it? Keep reading to find out.
What should you know about the Abu Dhabi social media influencer licence?
A social media influencer licence in Abu Dhabi is mandatory if an individual is making money through their content online. Issued through the TAMM platform through the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, this licence costs AED 1,250 for an individual and AED 5,000 for a group of influencers.
Obtain a freelancer licence for social media influencer e-commerce activities through the “Tamm” platform: https://t.co/Q5bcqFl2sx #ADDED #ADDEDServices #FreelancerLicence #TAMM pic.twitter.com/fAnWTglJPB
— دائرة التنمية الاقتصادية – أبوظبي (@AbuDhabiDED) June 27, 2024
However, all influencers must also have a UAE social media influencer license from the National Media Council. Mandated in 2018, this licence costs around AED 15k. There are additional costs for each emirate, as in Dubai, you require a freelance trade licence for another AED 15k.
Influencers must also pay 5 per cent VAT if they earn more than AED 375k annually.
How to apply for a social media influencer licence in Abu Dhabi
- Head to the TAMM website and sign in with your UAE Pass
- Click on the search bar under ‘services provided by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED)’
- Select ‘Freelance Licence’
- Fill in all your details
- Pay the fee
- You will receive your licence in your email.
Penalties and fines to avoid
Please note that the social media influencers Abu Dhabi licence is a requirement for people receiving money for their promotional content. Individuals trading their content for food or services do not require this licence.
If caught monetising platforms without a licence, influencers can be fined up to AED 10k and possible closure of their accounts. You can also be fined up to AED 5k for monetising your content without the UAE influencer licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all social media bloggers need influencer licences in Dubai and the UAE?
Bloggers and media persons monetising their content and presence must hold an influencer licence.
What is the fine for influencers in Abu Dhabi without a licence?
The fine goes up to AED 10k for creating content that is monetised. In addition, AED 3k to AED 10k is the penalty for businesses collaborating with unlicenced influencers. Advertisers prefer working with licenced social media influencers in Dubai to avoid unnecessary penalties.
How much do influencers charge per post in the UAE?
Influencers in the UAE charge from AED 3k to AED 36k per post, depending on their popularity and relevance.
How long is a UAE influencer licence valid?
The UAE social media influencer licence is valid for one year, after which it should be renewed to continue creating monetised content.
This move will help improve and streamline the structure of digital advertising and content creation in the UAE. Today, the USA, the UK and the EU have legislations to make influencers’ activities more transparent online – such as requiring them to label their post as a ‘paid partnership’ when being promoted by a brand. Therefore, mandating licences is a solid move by the UAE to regulate influencer’s activities is needed to ensure the safety of the people watching their content. This can prevent misinformation and false advertising in the long run.
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