The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law establishing the National Media Authority as a federal body affiliated with the UAE Cabinet, marking a shift in how the country’s media sector is governed.

Under the new law, the Authority will bring national media messaging under one umbrella, align policies across federal and local entities, and coordinate how the UAE’s narrative is communicated at home and abroad.

The legislation transfers the roles and responsibilities of the UAE Media Council, the National Media Office and the Emirates News Agency (WAM) to the new Authority, including those set out in existing laws and agreements.

The Authority will be responsible for shaping strategic media messaging, developing policies and regulations for the sector, and overseeing the licensing and standards of all media activities, including digital platforms and free zone entities, subject to Cabinet approval.

Its remit also covers monitoring media content, setting content standards, managing media crises, and addressing misinformation, fake news and emerging risks linked to digital media.

The Decree-Law also assigns the Authority oversight of WAM as the UAE’s official news platform, alongside plans to build a global correspondent network, archive news, produce media content and train national media professionals.

Further responsibilities include accrediting foreign media representatives, overseeing official media delegations abroad and representing the UAE in regional and international media forums. The legislation also sets out the Authority’s governance structure and allows it, with Cabinet approval, to establish or hold stakes in limited liability companies.