National Media Authority (UAE)

Overview

The National Media Authority (NMA) is a federal public authority established under Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2025 and operates under the Council of Ministers with legal personality, financial and administrative independence. The Authority aims to regulate and develop the national media sector, unify the State's media discourse, enhance the country's reputation, manage media crises, and protect media content while ensuring compliance with national values and legislation.

Established in December 2025 under Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2025, the NMA operates under the Council of Ministers and enjoys legal personality as well as financial and administrative independence. The Authority succeeds the UAE Media Council, National Media Office, and Emirates News Agency (WAM) in their functions, rights, obligations, and legislative texts. The headquarters of the Authority are in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Core Responsibilities

The Authority oversees all media activities and outlets operating in the State, including media entities operating within media free zones, and is responsible for setting the State's media directions and policies, regulating and licensing media activities and outlets including digital media, establishing media content standards and monitoring compliance, and managing media crises. The Authority has powers including accrediting foreign media representatives, developing WAM as the official news channel, and establishing or owning limited liability companies with Cabinet approval.

Recent Leadership Appointments

Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed serves as chairman of the National Media Authority, and Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi as vice chairman of the authority. Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi was appointed as Secretary-General of the National Media Authority.