Licensed Influencers in the UAE: Campaigns with Advertiser Permit Holders
Since 1 February 2026, anyone who publishes advertising on social media in the UAE needs an Advertiser Permit from the UAE Media Council. OneHub runs campaigns with licensed influencers only, and gives you the record to prove it.
What the rule means for brands
- The permit covers paid and unpaid promotional content
- The permit number must be shown on the creator’s account
- Brands and agencies are expected to confirm that a creator holds a valid permit
- Fines for breaches can reach AED 1 million, and more for repeat cases
Rules can change, so confirm current requirements with the UAE Media Council before a campaign.
How we check
- We ask every creator for the permit before they are shortlisted
- We check that the account posting your content is the one linked to the permit
- We record the permit number and expiry date
- We include that record in your campaign report
Residents and visiting creators
What goes in the contract
- The creator confirms the permit is valid for the campaign dates
- Sponsored and gifted posts are labelled as advertising
- Content follows UAE media content standards
- You approve content before it is published
Campaigns outside the UAE
OneHub is the Trusted Influencer Marketing Agency Across the UAE & GCC
The most successful influencers don’t partner with just any agency. They work with teams that value professionalism, clear communication and long-term relationships. At OneHub, we connect brands with carefully vetted influencers who create authentic content that builds trust, increases engagement and delivers measurable business results.
Over the years, we’ve built a strong network of creators across the UAE and the GCC region. From nano and micro influencers to macro creators and celebrities, we help brands launch strategic campaigns that reach the right audience, strengthen brand awareness and generate real ROI through data-driven influencer marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do influencers need a licence in the UAE?
Yes. Since 1 February 2026, creators who publish advertising on social media in the UAE need an Advertiser Permit from the UAE Media Council.
Does the permit apply to gifted or unpaid posts?
Yes. The permit covers unpaid promotional content as well as paid posts.
Is the brand responsible if a creator has no permit?
Brands and agencies are expected to confirm that creators hold a valid permit, and fines can be large. Using permit holders only removes that risk.
How do you prove a creator is licensed?
We record each creator’s permit number and expiry date and include them in your campaign report.
Can a creator visiting Dubai post for our brand?
Only with a visitor permit, which is arranged through an agency accredited by the UAE Media Council.
Do the rules differ in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Saudi Arabia has its own licence for creators who advertise, and we apply it to Saudi campaigns.