UAE
Asia
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for UAE. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
UAE has implemented a complete prohibition on age-restricted adult content, classified as "Banned". This ban typically includes website blocking, payment processing restrictions, and potential criminal penalties for violations. Businesses should not attempt to operate in this jurisdiction without explicit legal counsel, as enforcement may include criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Please note: Adult content access is currently prohibited in UAE. This ban may affect website accessibility, payment processing, and service availability. Businesses should consult legal counsel before operating in this jurisdiction.
Minimum Age
N/A (Banned)
Content is completely prohibited
Age Gate Required
No
No verification required
Last Verified
10/12/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Banned
New Media Regulations and Age-Rating System for general media content launched: The UAE Media Council introduced new media regulations, including an age classification system for general media content to protect younger audiences from inappropriate material. This is distinct from adult content, which remains banned.
- Banned
Confirmation of continued blocking of adult sites: An article revisited the topic, confirming that adult sites remain blocked in Dubai and the UAE as of 2024, and accessing them, even as a tourist, can lead to legal complications.
- Banned
Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes took effect: This law replaced the previous Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2012) and provides a comprehensive legal framework to address misuse of online technologies, including content violating public morals.
- Banned
UAE tightens blocking of prohibited websites: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE blocked 84% of internet content contradicting state values and ethics, with 90% related to nudity and dating, according to statistics from January-May 2012.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 15 sources
u.aeinternet-access-management-regulatory-policy
u.aemedia-regulation
moj.gov.aefederal-decree-law-on-countering-rumors-and-cybercrimes.aspx
u.aecyber-safety-and-digital-security
arabianauracentral.comis-pornography-allow-in-uae
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
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Regulatory Authorities
Regulator contacts will appear here as they become available.