The United Arab Emirates has announced a major new digital safety policy that sets 15 years as the minimum age for social media use. The decision was approved by the UAE Cabinet and makes the UAE the first Arab nation to introduce such a nationwide restriction.
Under the new rules, children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to create, operate, or use personal social media accounts. They will also be prohibited from accessing interactive features such as posting content, commenting, sharing media, or participating in public groups and channels.
The government says the move is designed to protect children from harmful online content, cyberbullying, excessive screen time, privacy risks, and other digital threats that have become increasingly common worldwide. Officials believe stronger safeguards are necessary as children spend more time online than ever before.
For teenagers aged 15 and 16, social media access will still be permitted, but only with enhanced protections. These protections include stricter content filtering, parental supervision tools, screen-time controls, and restrictions on potentially risky interactions with strangers online.
One of the most significant aspects of the policy is the requirement for social media companies to introduce robust age-verification systems. Platforms will no longer be allowed to rely solely on users entering their date of birth. Instead, they may need to implement digital identity checks, AI-powered age estimation systems, or other approved verification technologies.
Authorities have also stated that parental consent will not override the age restriction. Even if parents approve, children under 15 will still not be legally permitted to maintain personal social media accounts under the new framework.
Social media companies operating in the UAE have been given up to 12 months to comply with the new regulations. Platforms that fail to remove underage accounts or implement the required safety measures could face penalties, restrictions, or even partial blocking within the country.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion among UAE residents. Many parents have welcomed the move, arguing that social media has become increasingly addictive for children and can negatively affect mental health, concentration, and academic performance. Others support the government’s effort to reduce children’s exposure to harmful content and online predators.
However, not everyone agrees with the policy. Some technology and privacy advocates have raised concerns about how age verification will be implemented. Questions remain about whether users will need to submit official identification documents, use UAE Pass, or undergo AI-based age checks. Critics worry that these systems could create privacy risks if not managed carefully.
The UAE’s decision reflects a broader global trend. Countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom have recently introduced or proposed similar restrictions aimed at protecting young users online. Governments around the world are increasingly examining the impact of social media on children’s mental health and digital wellbeing.
The policy also aligns with the UAE’s wider vision of becoming a global leader in digital governance. While the country continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, smart services, and digital transformation, officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of ensuring that technology develops in a safe and responsible manner.
As implementation begins over the next year, parents, schools, technology companies, and regulators will all play important roles in ensuring compliance. The success of the policy will largely depend on how effectively platforms can verify ages while maintaining user privacy and convenience.
This is currently one of the most discussed stories across Dubai and the UAE and is expected to influence future digital safety policies throughout the Gulf region.