The current ratings system includes the following categories:
G General admission all ages allowed.
PG13 All ages allowed but children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
PG15 All ages allowed but children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
15+ 15 years old and above only.
18+ 18 years old and above only.
Imported films submitted to the National Media Council (NMC) by licensed distributors have their rating determined by the NMC's Film Approval Section - a process that takes a few days - in accordance with the content standards stipulated in article 98 of the 1980 Press and Publications Law.
"Chapter 7 of the Press and Publications Law has 16 articles that deal with content that is considered liable to jeopardise the broader interests of society in the UAE. These include content that may be viewed as insulting to the faith of Islam and other divinely-revealed religions, that may incite sectarianism, sedition and dissension within the UAE society, or which has the potential to have an adverse impact on the country's cultural heritage and national identity," says Juma Obaid Alleem, the NMC's director of media content.
"Within these broad guidelines, the NMC Film Approval Section pays particular attention to content that may have an adverse impact on the social structures, status of families, the economy and other policies of the State; content which is considered pornographic or otherwise in contravention of the morals and values of UAE society; or will offend religious belief."
The NMC then decides to either classify a film as suitable for public screening without any changes, as suitable for public screening on condition that particular scenes or language are removed or refuse public screening entirely if it seriously violates content standards.
