Motion Picture Rating System - United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

The Ministry of Information and Culture of the United Arab Emirates rates all movies according to a set standard.

• G (General Audience) – Suitable for all ages.
• PG-13 – Under 13 not admitted unless accompanied by an individual over 13. Some material may not be suitable for children. Introduced early 2010.
• PG-15 – Under 15 not admitted unless accompanied by an individual over 15. Some material may not be suitable for children.
• 15+ – No persons under 15 admitted.
• 18+ – No persons under 18 admitted.
• Rarely used:
  • PG (Parental Guidance) – Some material may not be suitable for children.
  • PG-18 – Under 18 not admitted unless accompanied by an individual over 18. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Notes:

• These ratings only apply to theatrical releases. For DVDs and video games, these are all imported from US, UK, Australia, India etc. with the approval of Ministry of Information and Culture. If disapproved, it will not be available in the country.
• All pornographic movies are banned by law in the United Arab Emirates, and movies with pornographic scenes are edited to fit within the rating guidelines.
• In October 2008, the Ministry of Information and Culture began requiring ID for films rated 15+ and 18+.
• In early 2010, the rating PG-13 was silently introduced. Films that was supposed to be PG-13 but instead PG-15 (such as Avatar and Tooth Fairy) were changed into PG-13 and some films already shown as PG-15 were changed to PG-13 as well. However, some films that are PG-15 (such as The Bounty Hunter) are not changed.