Hajra Naz
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced that all licensed businesses and social media influencers will need a license from the department to provide advertising services starting on July 1.
ADDED has set the permitting expenses at AED 1,250 for individual foundations and AED 5,000 for organizations. Applicants can easily acquire the advertising services license through the TAMM unified digital platform, where they can access ADDED Services and select their required activities, including e-platform advertising.
Additionally, ADDED stated that foreign nationals residing outside the UAE could obtain the license if they hold an Emirates ID card or a UAE Unified Number. This directive applies universally, including to government entities within the emirate and external company branches that must secure permits from ADDED to engage in such activities.
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Furthermore, holding a permit from the UAE Media Council does not exempt influencers from needing ADDED licenses to offer advertising services on digital platforms. Currently, there are 543 licenses issued for electronic platforms and social media advertising services, with numbers expected to rise following the implementation of this policy.
ADDED emphasizes the importance of compliance, urging all relevant parties to secure the necessary licensing to avoid penalties, which could range from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000, and could lead to business closure for serious infractions.
This decision is part of ADDED’s ongoing commitment to create an optimal economic environment in the emirate, regulating the sector effectively, and protect consumer rights.
