U.A.E. Officials Consult Business Council Members on Implementation of New U.A.E. Child Digital Safety Law
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On July 7, 2026, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a working-level virtual discussion for our members with senior officials from the U.A.E. Ministry of Family and the TDRA on implementation of both the U.A.E.’s December 2025 Child Digital Safety Law and recent June 2026 cabinet resolution that banned social media accounts for children under 15. The off-the-record conversation brought together Council member companies and policymakers responsible for developing implementing regulations, providing an opportunity for industry to offer feedback and share global best practices as the regulatory framework continues to take shape.

The meeting and dialogue on this issue reflects broader interest by the U.A.E. government to engage global business early on in the drafting and implementation of new laws and policies so as to instill global best practices at every step of the way.

Council members were joined by: 

  • Mohammed Al Messabi, Director, Minister’s Office, Ministry of Family
  • Abdulrahman Al Marzouqi, Director of Policy and Programs Department, TDRA
  • Mohammed Mubarak, Senior Manager, Digital Resources, TDRA

Key Discussion Themes

  • Officials emphasized that implementation of both the Child Digital Safety Law and social media cabinet resolution will be collaborative and informed through ongoing consultation with industry before regulations are finalized. 
  • Officials remarked that they are currently focused on the June 2026 social media cabinet resolution that establishes:
    • A prohibition on social media accounts for children under 15. 
    • Restricted access and enhanced safeguards for users aged 15-16. 
    • A 12-month implementation period, through June 2027, to allow platforms time to develop and implement compliant solutions.
  • Officials noted they are also working on developing a risk-based classification framework for digital platforms under the broader December 2026 Child Digital Safety Law.
  • Officials highlighted multiple potential government-supported age verification solutions.
  • Officials stressed that enforcement will be phased and collaborative, with dialogue, reporting, and engagement preceding any enforcement actions. 

Industry Discussion
Council members representing a broad range of technology companies and law and consulting firms engaged officials on several implementation issues, including:

  • The definition of “social media” under this June 2026 cabinet resolution — Officials noted that the initial focus is on five major social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X. Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or entertainment platforms such as YouTube are not included. Officials said the situation is dynamic and that broader application of the resolution remains under consideration. 
  • The development of the forthcoming risk-based platform classification system for the broader Child Digital Safety Law and how obligations may differ for streaming services, gaming platforms, AI tools, e-commerce platforms, and other digital services — Officials emphasized that this framework remains under development and that additional consultation opportunities will be forthcoming. 
  • Potential enforcement mechanisms — Officials stressed that any enforcement mechanisms will be proportionate, phased, and utilized only as a last resort. 
  • Technical approaches to age verification, privacy protections, and the need for global interoperable compliance frameworks — Officials emphasized that regulatory requirements will be grounded in technological feasibility. 
  • The importance of encouraging safer, age appropriate digital experiences while avoiding harms associated with children’s digital use. 

Looking Ahead
The Ministry of Family and TDRA reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement with industry, noting that consultations on the platform classification system are ongoing and encouraging companies to provide feedback as implementation progresses. 

To learn more about the Business Council’s programming and further opportunities to engage on this issue, please contact Maggie Paddock at mpaddock@usuaebusiness.org.