How to start a blogging business in Dubai? What are the licenses required?

Dubai offers lots of potential for talented bloggers!

  1. First you need to have a proper license if you planning to make a living by blogging in Dubai.
  2. You need to have good local contacts to help you with the leads.

Social media influencers in the UAE will need to pay AED 15,000 a year to secure a license to promote or advertise on Facebook, Instagram or any other online platform, according to a list of fees governing electronic media according to national Media Council.

If you are making money from the posts you share, then obtaining the license is essential for those bloggers / influencers in Dubai who are making money through advertisements and promotions on their social pages. Do keep in mind, the moment you enter into a paid collaboration with any brand, you will need this license, as failure to do so can result in hefty fines. 

Bloggers / Influencers in Dubai who are affiliated with media agencies certified by NMC (NATIONAL MEDIA COUNCIL) will not need to obtain the license. However, normal bloggers or media influencers who just share everyday stuff with their followers don’t need a license. You can either obtain individual license or get into a contract with any of the influencer agencies certified by the NMC. 

Social media influencers in the UAE registering for an individual license will require a trade license too, which costs up to AED 30K yearly. You can apply online for the influencer license by visiting the NMC website. If you sign a contract with any of the NMC certified agencies, then you won’t need to bear the cost of the license, but do keep in mind that these agencies come with their own set of requirements which could limit your creative freedom.

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