Press Freedom Index
26.91/100
12.1% from last period
National Digital Intelligence Platform
United Arab EmiratesAD
M-SECTOR
Media & Communications
Comprehensive analysis of UAE media environment including regulation, press freedom, influencer licensing, internet restrictions, and media market dynamics
Queries: 26Pages: 18Sources: 45+ URLs
Media & Communications Overview
Key metrics and executive summary
Press Freedom Index (RSF 2025)
26.91/100 (164th of 180)
Declining 5+ years
Internet Freedom Score
28/100 "Not Free"
Static
Advertising Market 2025
USD 3.6 billion
Growing 5.36% CAGR
Digital Media Market 2030
USD 18.5 billion
Growing 12.2% CAGR
VPN Apps Downloaded 2025
9.6 million
Steady increase
Websites Blocked
160,000+
Expanding
Overall Sentiment
Media environment sentiment analysis
Negative
50%Press freedom restrictions, internet controls, severe penalties
Neutral
20%Foreign investment openness, some regulatory aspects
Positive
30%Digital infrastructure, market growth, training programs
Critical Findings
High-priority intelligence findings
Press Freedom at Critical Low
164th of 180 countries, declining 5+ years
Influencer License Deadline Imminent
January 31, 2026 - mandatory licensing enforcement
VPN Restrictions Intensifying
9.6M downloads, 85.5% adoption rate
21 Detention Cases (2026)
Iran conflict-related charges under cybercrime laws