The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially set a minimum age limit of 15 years for social media use, making it the first Arab country to implement such a restriction amid global concerns over children’s safety in online spaces.
Under the new state resolution approved on Thursday, individuals under the age of 15 are strictly prohibited from creating, operating, or maintaining personal social media profiles. The policy effectively bars them from publishing content, posting comments, sharing media, or participating in public digital groups.
While adolescents aged 15 and 16 will be permitted to access platforms, their accounts will be subject to heightened regulatory safeguards, including mandatory parental supervision tools, automated screen-time management, restricted communication with unknown profiles, and age-appropriate content filters.
The regulations apply across all digital platforms operating within the UAE, mandating tech firms to deploy stringent age-verification protocols. Platforms will be legally required to use artificial intelligence-driven tools and formal digital identity checks, as simple, unverified age self-declarations will no longer be accepted.
Furthermore, social media networks must immediately deactivate existing profiles held by underage users, block any attempts to bypass verification, and completely halt the collection of children’s personal data for behavioural profiling or targeted advertising.
The legislative move mirrors intensifying global pushbacks against unmonitored digital access for minors. Australia enacted a historic law banning social media for children under 16 last year, while the UK officially passed its own legislation earlier this week on 15 June 2026.
The UAE government stated that these measures are aimed at curbing excessive screen time and protecting youth from predatory data harvesting and inappropriate interactions. Social media enterprises operating in the region have been granted a 12-month grace period to fully align their operations with the new legal framework.
