Yes. The UAE Media Council applies the Advertiser Permit to individuals who produce advertising content "with or without compensation". A gifted product, a free meal or a barter deal is treated the same way as a paid post.
There is no follower threshold in the rule, so it reaches small and part-time creators too. NXTSTAR helps new creators get the licence and permit in place before their first collaboration.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
What counts as advertising content
The test is whether the content promotes a product, service, event or activity. These all fall inside it:
- Products sent to you by a brand that you then feature.
- Complimentary meals, stays, treatments or tickets in return for coverage.
- Affiliate links and discount codes.
- Content you produce for a brand to publish on its own channels, if it also appears on yours.
What does not need a permit
- Sharing a product you bought yourself, with no arrangement with the brand.
- Promoting your own product or your own company on your own account.
- Educational, sports, cultural or awareness content by someone under 18.
The practical order for a new creator
- Hold a trade licence that lists an electronic media activity.
- Apply for the Advertiser Permit.
- Show the permit number on the accounts it covers.
- Then accept collaborations, with a written agreement for each.
Brands are required to work only with permit holders, so a permit is also what lets agencies and companies sign you.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
We help part-time and first-time creators pick a licence that fits a small operation, and prepare the permit application.
We do not decide what the Council treats as advertising in a borderline case, and we do not find collaborations for you.
Common questions
I have under 5,000 followers. Does the rule apply to me?
The Council's guide does not set a follower threshold. It applies to anyone producing advertising content from within the UAE.
A cafe gave me a free meal and I posted about it. Was that advertising?
If the meal was given in return for coverage, yes. The rule covers content produced without cash payment.
I have a full-time job. Can I still get a permit?
The permit depends on holding a valid trade licence with an electronic media activity. How you hold a licence alongside employment depends on your visa and employer, so ask us before you apply.
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We do not publish prices.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.
Starting out as a creator in the UAE?
Tell us what you want to do and we will tell you which route fits, what it involves and what we would need from you.