A new Cabinet Resolution sets 15 as the minimum age for owning social media accounts in the UAE. Officials clarified on Wednesday, July 1, that children under 15 can still create content through parent-owned accounts. The story was published on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at 6:00 AM and updated two hours later, and was reported by Ruqayya Al Qaydi for Khaleej Times.
The regulation prohibits children from owning, managing, or operating personal accounts in their own names. However, officials were careful to distinguish between account ownership and creative participation during a media briefing. A parent or guardian may film the child and publish the content through their own account, provided the material is positive and beneficial. The law is described as absolute on the age point, reinforcing the government’s intent to protect minors online.
This clarification addresses concerns from young creators who feared losing their work. One young content creator asked if he would have to stop making content altogether. The response from officials was immediate and reassuring, emphasizing that the resolution does not forbid creating content or sharing ideas. They stressed that the child’s creative participation remains encouraged, as long as parental oversight is in place.
“We absolutely want him to continue but in the way we believe is most appropriate for his age,” an official said. “The resolution does not say he is forbidden from creating content.”
The law mandates that the account must be in the parent's name. The parent must control what is published, and the child cannot independently access, manage, or interact through the platform. Officials stated that as long as the content is useful and positive, there is no restriction on the child's participation.
“They can film him and publish it; there is no issue, as long as the content he presents is useful and positive,” the official said. “But not through his own account.”
For families with children who have built significant followings, the structure must change. The account must transfer to parental control, and the parent must support the child’s creative efforts. Officials also addressed existing underage accounts, noting a 12‑month transition period for platforms to comply. After this period, accounts operated by users under 15 must be deactivated or transferred, and whether a platform can formally convert an account to an adult one depends on its own policies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for owning social media accounts in the UAE?
The new Cabinet Resolution sets the minimum age at 15 years for owning a personal social media account in the UAE.
Can children under 15 create content on social media in the UAE?
Yes, children under 15 may create content, but it must be published through a parent’s account that the parent controls.
Do I need to transfer my child's social media account to my name?
If your child has an existing account and is under 15, the account must be transferred to the parent’s name and managed by the parent.
Can kids still make videos and post online in the UAE?
Kids can continue making videos and posting online, provided the content is positive, useful, and uploaded via a parent‑owned account.
What happens to my child's existing social media accounts in the UAE?
Existing under‑age accounts have a 12‑month transition period; after that they must be deactivated or transferred to parental control.
