News

Saudi Arabia To Require Individuals To Procure Social Media Ad Licenses

To avoid financial penalties, individuals publishing ads on social media platforms are required to obtain a license before October 1, 2022.

Published

2 years ago

August 5, 2022

David Morelo

saudi arabia to require individuals to procure social media licenses

Soon, it will be more difficult for individuals in Saudi Arabia to advertise on social media because the Saudi Arabian government has decided to make it mandatory for those publishing ads on social media platforms to obtain social media ad licenses.

“This move would contribute to regulate the advertising sector and digital content in the Kingdom,” said acting Minister of Media Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi.

One license will cost SR15,000 ($4,000), and it will be valid for three years. Applications will be accepted through the I’lam platform, and they will be available to all Saudi citizens living in the Kingdom or abroad as well as to the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates).

One Saudi influencer, Abdullah Al-Sabaa, has already applied for his license, and he said that the entire process took only a few minutes. Sabaa believes that the move will help regulate the advertising market on social media — something he sees as a positive development.

With each license come certain conditions and obligations that must be fulfilled. For example, license holders will be required to provide any data requested by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media, and they must stop advertising any content prohibited by a directive issued by the commission.

Also Read: Dubai’s Finance Strategy For 2026 Hopes To Achieve Financial Sustainability

To avoid financial penalties, individuals publishing ads on social media platforms are required to obtain a license before October 1, 2022.

The United Arab Emirates already requires individuals to obtain a similar license. The UAE license also costs $4,000, but it’s valid only for one year instead of three.

The global social media advertising market was valued at a little over $180 billion in 2021, and it’s estimated that it will reach $330 billion by 2025. What are your thoughts on social media ad licenses?

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

16 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.