Dubai sources have made a statement that the United Arab Emirates says it will now require anyone conducting "commercial activities" through social media to register for a government-issued license. Meanwhile the new rules announced target so-called "social media influences," who parlay their internet fame into advertising products.
Accordingly the officials said the new rules would help ensure "that media material respects the religious, cultural and social values of the UAE," a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula home to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Moreover those affected need to register by the end of June or face 5,000-dirham ($1,360) fines.
Further the UAE, while liberal in many regards compared to its Middle
Eastern neighbors, has strict laws governing expression. Sources have made a
statement that people also have been jailed for their comments online.
