The UAE is ready to set age regulations for children's use of social media.

The UAE is preparing to introduce new age regulations for children's use of social media. This initiative is part of a broader national framework to enhance digital security and protect family stability in Dubai and other emirates. The Council for Education, Human Development, and Social Development emphasized the importance of regulating children's access to social media in its second meeting of the year 2026.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, stated that regulating the use of social media by children residing in the UAE is a national responsibility. This framework must keep pace with advanced technological developments and provide a safe and balanced digital environment for future generations. The plan is designed based on risk assessment and phased implementation.

Thna bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family and Chair of the Children's Digital Security Council, presented details of the national program to enhance children's digital security. The first phase of this initiative will focus on social media and age-based access management, considering the high impact and widespread use of these platforms by children in Dubai and the UAE. This approach will gradually cover other digital services as well.

Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Council, emphasized that empowering families is a key pillar in addressing rapid digital developments. She stated that regulating children's use of social media in the UAE is not limited to content but also includes direct impacts on family relationships, the quality of communication at home, and children's cognitive development.

The new UAE program includes providing simple and practical tools to families for effectively managing their children's use of digital devices and applications. This national system classifies digital platforms based on risk assessment and sets appropriate commitments according to the level of risk, ensuring responsible and safe use of social media in Dubai and the UAE.

Source: Economy Middle East