Listen up UAE influencers, this is major and you don’t wanna miss it.

If you’re a social media queen (or king) slaying it in Abu Dhabi, you’ve got to know the rules to keep your influencer game strong and fabulous. Whether you’re into health, fashion, lifestyle, beauty, or the latest must-have products, the UAE is all about staying in the know through social media.

Influencers are totally changing the game for branding, ads, and content, not just here but around the globe. But things are about to get shaken up as the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) just dropped some crucial deets. If you’re not following the rules when partnering with brands, you could be hit with fines starting at Dhs3,000 and going up to Dhs10,000.

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Here’s what you need to know to keep your influencer hustle legit and thriving:

1. License Up, Babe: If you’re offering advertising services on your platform, you need a license from ADDED. No license, no ads, period.

2. Get That Permit: Any economic establishment looking to advertise (yep, that includes ads, marketing, and promos) needs a permit from ADDED.

3. Stay Legit: Make sure any biz you’re partnering with has a valid license from ADDED. Keep it professional and legit, babes!

Being a social media influencer can be super lucrative, especially with all those #ad posts on Insta and TikTok. But remember, if you’re just sharing your everyday life and not getting paid, you don’t need a license. Feel free to recommend that cute coffee shop or trendy new restaurant as much as you want! 

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