The decision was approved through a cabinet resolution, which requires social media companies to identify and disable accounts operated by users below the age threshold or face regulatory sanctions.

According to the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, the new regulation sets 15 years as the minimum age for social media use across the country.

“The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years,” WAM reported.

Under the new rules, children below the age of 15 will not be allowed to create, operate or use personal social media accounts.

The restrictions also prevent underage users from accessing key interactive features on social media platforms, including posting content, commenting, sharing information, joining public groups and participating in large online communities.

Authorities have given social media companies a 12-month transition period to comply with the new requirements.

The move places the UAE among a growing number of countries tightening regulations around children’s online activities. Australia introduced a similar restriction for users under 16 in December, while Britain recently announced comparable measures.

The UAE government said relevant media and telecommunications regulators have been empowered to enforce compliance and take action against platforms that fail to implement the rules.

Possible sanctions include official warnings, administrative penalties, and partial or complete blocking of non-compliant platforms.

The authorities said the policy is intended to strengthen online safety for children and ensure greater accountability among social media companies operating within the country.