The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced that starting July 1st, all licensed economic establishments and social media influencers must obtain a specific license from the department to offer advertising services.
Responding to questions from the Emirates News Agency (WAM), ADDED clarified that penalties for non-compliance, which can reach up to AED 10,000 and may include business closure, will be enforced beginning in early July along with this new requirement.
The fees for the advertising services license will be AED 1,250 for individual establishments and AED 5,000 for businesses, as per ADDED’s guidelines.
To streamline the process, ADDED has provided a straightforward application procedure via the TAMM unified digital platform. Both businesses and influencers can apply by accessing ADDED Services and selecting the necessary activities, including advertising on electronic platforms.
Notably, foreigners residing outside the UAE can also obtain this license if they possess an Emirates ID card or a UAE Unified Number.
ADDED emphasized that this directive applies universally, including to government entities in the emirate involved in advertising services through electronic platforms.
Additionally, branches of companies from outside Abu Dhabi must secure the appropriate permits from ADDED to engage in such activities within the emirate.
It’s important to note that having a permit from the UAE Media Council does not exempt influencers from needing ADDED licenses for advertising services on electronic platforms. Compliance is essential to avoid fines and penalties.
Currently, ADDED has issued 543 licenses for electronic platforms and social media advertising services, with a significant increase expected following the enforcement of this decision.
ADDED calls on all economic establishments and social media influencers to obtain the required licenses to legally offer advertising services on electronic platforms.
Failure to comply with these regulations and contractual conditions when dealing with influencers and social media platforms may result in fines ranging from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000 and could lead to business closures.
This move is part of ADDED’s ongoing efforts to create a conducive business environment in the emirate, regulate the sector, and protect consumer rights.
