Affiliate Marketing In The UAE 2026: Advertiser Permit, Licences And Best Programs
Lily Roberts
Senior Marketing Strategist
11.08.2026
Quick answer: Affiliate marketing is legal and growing in the UAE, but it is now regulated. From 1 February 2026, anyone publishing promotional content online from inside the UAE, explicitly including affiliate marketing and referral links, must hold an advertiser permit from the UAE Media Council and display the permit number on their profiles. The permit fee is waived for UAE residents for 2026 to 2028, and residents also need a trade licence covering media or marketing activity. The leading programs are noon, Amazon.ae, Namshi and regional networks such as Admitad, ArabClicks and Optimise.
The UAE has high online spending, a young, mobile-first population and a strong creator economy. Those are good conditions for affiliate publishers, as long as they follow the new rules.
The UAE Advertiser Permit Explained
The UAE Media Council confirmed that from 1 February 2026, individuals and businesses advertising on social media and other digital platforms must hold a valid advertiser permit. The rule covers paid and unpaid promotion, gifted products, brand collaborations and affiliate marketing and referral links.
Who needs it: Anyone publishing promotional content online from inside the UAE.
Display: Permit holders must show their permit number on their social profiles.
Content standards: Holders must follow the Media Council’s 20 mandatory content standards.
Visitors: Visiting influencers use a separate visitor permit through approved agencies, valid for three months and renewable once.
Exemptions: People promoting their own registered business, among others.
Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines and other penalties.
Licences You May Need
Requirement
What it covers
Notes
Trade licence
Legal business activity
Free zone and mainland options; activity should cover media or marketing
Advertiser permit
Publishing promotional content
Mandatory from 1 February 2026; fee waived for residents 2026 to 2028
Visitor advertiser permit
Non-residents promoting in the UAE
Via approved agencies; three months, renewable once
Rules and fees can change, so check the Media Council portal or a licensed business setup adviser before you start.
Admitad: A large network with many GCC brands; see our Admitad review.
ArabClicks: A regional network hosting noon, Namshi and Boots Middle East.
Optimise: Hosts noon GCC, Namshi, Farfetch and du.
DCM: A Gulf network with fashion and marketplace brands.
Tax On Affiliate Income In The UAE
The UAE does not levy personal income tax on individuals’ employment income, but business activity can fall under UAE corporate tax rules, and VAT applies to registered businesses above the threshold. Speak to a UAE tax adviser about how your affiliate income should be structured.
How To Start Affiliate Marketing In The UAE
Choose your structure. Get a trade licence that covers your activity.
Apply for the advertiser permit. Display the number on your profiles.
Join noon and Amazon.ae. They cover most everyday shopping.
Add a regional network. Admitad, ArabClicks or Optimise for more brands.
Publish in Arabic and English.
Follow content standards. Label ads clearly and avoid prohibited claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is affiliate marketing legal in the UAE?
Yes, but since 1 February 2026 UAE-based promoters need a Media Council advertiser permit.
Does the permit cover affiliate links on a blog?
The rule covers promotional content on digital platforms, including affiliate and referral links. Check with the Media Council for your exact case.
How much does the advertiser permit cost?
The fee is waived for UAE residents and citizens from 2026 to 2028.
Which affiliate programs are best in the UAE?
noon and Amazon.ae for breadth, Namshi and Farfetch for fashion, and networks such as Admitad for more brands.
Conclusion
Affiliate marketing in the UAE offers high-spending audiences and strong regional programs, but compliance now comes first. Get a trade licence and advertiser permit, join noon and Amazon.ae, and add a regional network.
