New National Media Authority to Oversee Media Sector in the UAE

The UAE Government has established the National Media Authority, a new federal body designed to develop the national media ecosystem, keep up with evolving media trends, and strengthen the country’s presence regionally and internationally. The authority replaces the Emirates Media Council, the National Media Office, and the Emirates News Agency, bringing media governance under a single organization to oversee the sector nationwide. The authority will report to the Cabinet and operate with legal, financial, and administrative independence. Its role includes proposing the state’s strategic media directions, coordinating with media entities to unify messaging, enhancing the UAE’s reputation, monitoring narratives, and managing media crises. It will also propose legislation to regulate and license media outlets and activities, including digital media and free-zone operations. The authority will set content standards and monitor all published, printed, and broadcast material across the country, including in free zones. In addition, the National Media Authority will handle the registration and accreditation of media professionals and foreign correspondents. It will lead the Emirates News Agency, ensuring it functions as the official channel for publishing, distributing, and translating accredited news. It will regulate broadcasting, transmission, and the use of news from local, regional, and international sources. Finally, the authority will provide media institutions with news, articles, reports, and images aligned with professional ethics and best journalistic practices, supporting consistency and high standards across the UAE’s media landscape.