MENA-Consultancy

The UAE has extended the deadline for social media influencers and content creators to obtain the mandatory advertiser permit until January 31, 2026, giving them additional time to comply with new national advertising regulations. The permit, introduced by the UAE Media Council earlier this year, is required for anyone who posts paid or unpaid promotional content on social media platforms. The move aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the country’s fast-growing digital advertising sector.

So far, more than 1,800 permits have been issued to applicants from 75 countries since the initiative was launched. The permit is free for UAE citizens and residents for the first three years, after which renewal fees will apply. Certain exemptions have been outlined, including individuals promoting their own products or businesses, and minors under 18 engaged in educational, cultural, or sports awareness activities.

Under the new rules, influencers must clearly display their permit number on their social media accounts and are prohibited from allowing others to use their profiles for advertising unless those individuals are also registered. Visiting influencers can still operate in the UAE by collaborating with licensed local advertising or talent-management agencies, with short-term permits valid for up to six months.

Officials said the deadline extension provides more time for content creators to adapt to the new system, ensuring smoother implementation while maintaining oversight of online promotional activities across the UAE.

The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued Clarification CTP008 (September 2025) outlining how family wealth management structures, including trusts, foundations, holding companies and SPVs are to be treated under the corporate tax framework.

This clarification brings much-needed certainty for family offices, private clients and international investors using UAE vehicles for wealth and succession planning. It sets out key parameters for eligibility, exemption status, and substance requirements, ensuring alignment with international transparency standards while maintaining the UAE’s appeal as a global wealth-structuring hub.

At MENA Consultancy, we view this as a major step forward in strengthening the UAE’s position as a secure and compliant jurisdiction for asset protection, family governance and cross-border investment planning.

If you are using or planning to establish a foundation, SPV or holding company in the UAE for investment or wealth management purposes, now is the right time to review your structure’s tax positioning and compliance obligations.

Reach out to us to understand how these changes may affect your existing or proposed structures.