From left, Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector, UAE Media Council; Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council (standing); and Mike Alnaji, CEO, Imfluence.Imfluence, the influencer marketing agency under IM Media Group, has been officially accredited by the UAE Media Council to manage the newly launched Visitors Advertiser Permits, a regulatory framework introduced to govern how influencers and creators, who are not residents of the UAE, engage in brand collaborations while in the UAE.
As one of the select few agencies authorised to oversee this process, Imfluence is now a designated gateway for global creators looking to operate within the UAE’s rapidly maturing media ecosystem.
As an approved partner, Imfluence will manage the end-to-end process, including:
- Permit applications
- Compliance training
- Campaign reviews
- Legal documentation
- Ongoing support for brands and visiting talent
Visitors Advertiser Permits are now required for all non-resident creator, influencer, or public figure who engage in paid, gifted, or barter-based promotions while visiting the UAE.
This includes sponsored posts, gifted stays, event appearances, or commercial content of any kind.
The permit is valid for three months and can be renewed once, but must be obtained through an officially accredited agency such as Imfluence.
The accreditation reflects a joint commitment between Imfluence and the UAE Media Council to promote transparency, accountability and sustainable growth in the region’s influencer economy.
“Our accreditation marks an important milestone in the professionalisation of the influencer space in the region,” said Mike Alnaji, CEO of Imfluence.
Alnaji added, “We’re proud to be a trusted partner to the UAE Media Council, helping creators and brands collaborate confidently, compliantly, and transparently.”
The MoU was signed during the BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
This development builds on IM Media’s broader investment in the creator economy, a fast-growing sector where regulation and creativity must evolve together to ensure long-term industry trust.
