UAE Media Council facilitates entry of half million titles in H1 2024

emirates7 - The UAE Media Council announced that it successfully introduced nearly half a million titles into the UAE market during the first half of the year. This notable increase highlights the ongoing expansion of the publishing sector, driven by efficient government procedures and the Council's effective digital services.

In this period, the Council issued more than 46,000 trading permits in various languages, approved over 1,570 printing permits for local Arabic and foreign language publications—reflecting a 16% growth compared to last year—and authorized the production of 18 film scripts, 32 theatrical scripts, and 12 television series scripts within the UAE.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to cultivating a competitive media environment and enhancing creative content production in diverse formats while ensuring compliance with legal frameworks.

"This announcement reflects the Council’s vision and leadership in the media sector, fostering a modern, supportive ecosystem grounded in UAE values. It emphasizes the delivery of responsible, impactful media content that promotes knowledge sharing and reinforces positive societal values."

He pointed out that the UAE’s media sector is experiencing rapid growth, supported by technological advancements, adaptable media policies, and efficient government services. Combined with robust infrastructure and access to key resources for media companies, these factors solidify the UAE’s standing in the global media industry.

The achievements of the UAE Media Council highlight the dynamic growth of intellectual and knowledge production in the country. They also demonstrate the media sector's capacity to organize significant events and book fairs, while the availability of state-of-the-art media facilities enhances the nation’s appeal for television and film productions.

The Council approved 339 films for cinema screening, marking a 7% increase compared to last year, with a total audience of over 6 million. These films were carefully reviewed by specialized teams to ensure adherence to the content standards outlined in the UAE Media Law and its regulations.

Additionally, the Council approved the distribution of 73 electronic games in collaboration with gaming companies, ensuring they were given proper age ratings based on the UAE’s approved classification system.

The Council also issued 670 media licenses for radio and television broadcasts, as well as for newspapers and magazines. Furthermore, 230 licenses were granted to content creators for advertising on social media platforms. The Council conducted over 3,250 inspections of media establishments throughout the country.