Recently, the Ministry of Commerce of Saudi Arabia has issued new guidelines. It will regulate influencer-based marketing in Saudi Arabia. Now influencers will also need a license to advertise the country's products. This information is presented in the report of the daily Gulf News of the United Arab Emirates.
The guidelines state that businesses are cautioned against advertising celebrities on incoming visit visas to Saudi Arabia. In these cases, celebrities must have a 'mowathaq' (trustee) license, which is issued by the General Authority for Media Regulation.
According to the new rules, any commercial advertising in Saudi Arabia that includes influencers must be licensed. This step is taken to ensure legal standards in Saudi Arabia's propaganda activities and to comply with the country's media laws.
According to a statement from the ministry, the 'Mowathaq' license is now mandatory for all influencers inside and outside Saudi Arabia. The Ministry has clearly stated that irrespective of the domicile status. The license is for content creators and influencers.
The media regulatory authority has specified certain conditions for obtaining a license. Foreign investors and residents must have a commercial registration and own at least 50 percent of a registered advertising agency or marketing organization to apply for a license. Again the organization is involved in visual, audio or digital media.
In addition, Saudi Arabia's Media Regulatory Authority issued a 'Mowathaq' license, which is now mandatory for all influencers.
