The UAE Media Council has banned the use of artificial intelligence to create images or videos of public figures and national symbols without prior approval, warning that misuse could lead to fines and other penalties.
Officials said the regulation is meant to stop the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and defamatory content that could damage trust, harm individuals, or disrespect cultural values. The Council stressed that any AI-generated content which undermines human dignity or promotes harmful narratives will be treated as a media violation under the country’s Media Violations Regulation.
The move comes after public criticism over a social media post where a user shared an AI-generated image of themselves with Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father. Many citizens called the image “distasteful,” prompting authorities to tighten enforcement of rules safeguarding national identity and heritage.
The UAE has long maintained strict media laws, including Article 1(17) of the Federal Decree on Media Regulation, which requires respect for cultural and national symbols. The UAE Charter for Responsible and Ethical Use of AI, introduced in June 2024, also highlights the need for accountability and fairness in using new technologies.
To strengthen oversight, the Media Council recently partnered with Presight, a global AI and big data firm, to develop an AI-powered regulatory platform. The system will analyze media content in real time, monitor compliance with national laws, and help prevent violations by using large-scale data from multiple agencies.
Authorities have urged journalists, media houses, and social media users to follow these standards closely, reminding them that AI should be used responsibly and ethically, not as a tool for manipulation or disrespect.
