The standard rule is no: the UAE Media Council sets a minimum age of 18 for the Advertiser Permit. Its guide allows exceptions in line with child labour rules, where a minor operates under a guardian's licence and the guardian takes responsibility for compliance.
Minors who only produce educational, sports, cultural or awareness content do not need the permit at all. NXTSTAR helps parents work out which case applies and set up the guardian's licence where one is needed.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
Three situations, three answers
- Educational, sports, cultural or awareness content with no advertising: the Council's guide exempts individuals under 18 from the permit.
- Advertising content by a minor: possible only under the exception, with the minor operating under a guardian's trade licence.
- A family account run by a parent who appears in and publishes the advertising: the parent is the advertiser and applies as an adult.
What the guardian is responsible for
The guide makes the guardian responsible for overseeing the child's compliance, in line with the UAE Child Rights Law, known as Wadeema. In practice that means the guardian holds the licence, signs the brand agreements and answers for what is published.
Because the licence sits with the guardian, the guardian's own visa and employment situation matters. We check that before recommending where to hold the licence.
Where families get caught out
- Treating gifted toys, clothes or experiences as "not advertising". They are.
- Assuming the under-18 exemption covers all content. It covers educational, sports, cultural and awareness content only.
- Signing brand deals in the child's name with no licence behind them.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
We help the guardian choose and set up a trade licence with the right activity, and prepare the permit application under the exception.
Whether an exception is granted for a minor is the Media Council's decision. We cannot promise it, and we do not advise on child labour law.
Common questions
My 15-year-old posts football training videos. Is a permit needed?
Not for sports content with no advertising. The Council's guide exempts under-18s who produce educational, sports, cultural or awareness content. A paid or gifted brand promotion changes that.
Can a minor hold the trade licence?
The Council's guide provides for minors operating under a guardian's licence, so the licence is held by the guardian.
Who is responsible if the content breaks the rules?
The guide places the duty to oversee the child's compliance on the guardian.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a written quote for your situation.
Sources
The rules on this page come from the authority's own published material, checked on 6 October 2026.
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