The UAE Media Council has banned the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create images or content featuring national symbols and public figures. The directive applies to all media, social platforms, and content creators, emphasizing the need for official approval before AI-generated depictions of leaders, officials, or national emblems can be published.
Dubai, UAE: The UAE Media Council has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to depict national symbols or public figures. This directive, announced on September 25, 2025, underscores the nation's commitment to maintaining media integrity and protecting its cultural and societal values.
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The UAE Media Council clarified that employing AI tools to create or disseminate images, videos, or content featuring national symbols, such as the UAE flag or national emblem, or public figures, including leaders and officials, without prior official approval is considered a violation of media regulations. Such actions are classified under the Media Violations Regulation and may result in fines and administrative penalties.
The council emphasized that the misuse of AI to spread misinformation, promote hate speech, defame individuals, or undermine societal values and principles is a serious offense. This move aligns with the UAE's broader efforts to combat digital misinformation and uphold ethical standards in media and communication.
The announcement follows a recent incident where a social media post depicted an AI-generated image of a user alongside the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. The image sparked public criticism, with many deeming the portrayal disrespectful and inappropriate. This event highlighted the potential for AI technologies to be misused in ways that could harm the nation's dignity and cultural heritage.
The UAE's legal framework mandates that all forms of media respect the state's symbols, cultural heritage, and national identity. Article 1(17) of the Federal Decree Concerning Media Regulation explicitly requires media content to uphold these principles. Additionally, the official UAE Charter for Responsible and Ethical Use of AI, issued in June 2024, emphasizes the importance of applying AI responsibly and ethically.
These regulations are part of the UAE's broader strategy to ensure that technological advancements, particularly in AI, are harnessed in ways that align with the nation's values and legal standards.
The Media Council has urged all social media users, media institutions, and content creators to adhere strictly to approved laws and standards. It emphasized the need for professional and ethical responsibility when producing and sharing content, particularly when using AI technologies. The council's directive serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting national symbols and public figures in all forms of media.
In May 2025, the UAE Media Council partnered with Presight, a global big data company powered by AI, to develop a new regulatory platform. This platform leverages AI capabilities to analyze and validate media content, ensuring it aligns with UAE laws, values, and standards before being disseminated to the public. The initiative aims to proactively monitor and manage the use of AI in media, enhancing the country's ability to maintain control over digital content.
The UAE's stance on AI misuse reflects a growing global concern about the ethical implications of AI technologies. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various sectors, including media, education, and governance, the need for robust regulatory frameworks becomes more pressing. The UAE's proactive approach sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges in managing AI's impact on society and culture.
The UAE's ban on the unauthorized use of AI to depict national symbols and public figures underscores the nation's commitment to preserving its cultural integrity and upholding ethical standards in media. By implementing stringent regulations and fostering technological safeguards, the UAE aims to navigate the complexities of AI advancements while safeguarding its societal values. This initiative serves as a model for other countries seeking to balance technological innovation with cultural preservation and ethical responsibility.
