Mawthooq Certification for Saudi Influencers 2026: Complete Guide

The Mawthooq certification from the Saudi Ministry of Commerce has become mandatory for all influencers and content creators practicing electronic advertising in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this comprehensive and detailed guide, we explain everything you need to know to register and comply with regulations, providing you with a clear roadmap to enter the world of influencer marketing legally and professionally in the largest economic market in the Middle East.

Why Did Saudi Arabia Launch the Mawthooq System?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed tremendous growth in the influencer marketing sector in recent years. With the increasing number of influencers and advertising spending, multiple challenges emerged requiring strict government regulation. These challenges included the spread of misleading advertisements harming consumers, lack of transparency in relationships between influencers and brands, and difficulty verifying influencer credibility and actual follower counts.

The Mawthooq system came as part of the Kingdom's efforts to achieve Vision 2030 in digital transformation and regulating the digital economy. The system aims to create a healthy marketing environment that protects all parties: consumers, influencers, and brands alike. It also seeks to improve the quality of advertising content and combat unethical practices that were damaging the entire sector's reputation.

What is Mawthooq?

Mawthooq is a program launched by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce to regulate the electronic advertising and influencer marketing sector. This program is among the first comprehensive government systems in the Arab region dedicated to regulating influencer activities, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of countries adopting advanced legislation in this field. The program aims to:

• Consumer protection: Ensuring the credibility of advertisements and promotions, protecting shoppers from false claims and misleading products, and requiring influencers to clearly disclose the nature of advertising content
• Market regulation: Setting clear and specific standards for working in the influencer field, raising the sector's professionalism and making it more attractive for local and international investments
• Transparency: Requiring influencers to disclose advertising content clearly and visibly, giving followers the ability to distinguish between personal content and paid content
• Accountability: Defining legal responsibilities for all parties involved, including influencers, advertisers, and marketing agencies
• Combating fraud: Addressing the phenomenon of buying fake followers and artificial inflation of engagement numbers, protecting brands from investing in ineffective campaigns

Who Must Register in Mawthooq?

The Ministry of Commerce has set clear criteria to determine who falls under the Mawthooq system. Everyone must register if they:

• Practice advertising activities through their social media accounts, whether regularly or intermittently
• Receive monetary or in-kind compensation for promoting products or services, including gifts, free products, and paid trips
• Own an account with more than 1,000 followers and engage in commercial activity, noting that registration is required for anyone practicing advertising activity regardless of follower count
• Work as an intermediary between advertisers and influencers, including marketing agencies and campaign management platforms
• Publish affiliate marketing links even if there is no direct contract with the brand

Exemptions from Registration

There are some cases that may not require Mawthooq registration, including:

• Purely personal content that doesn't include any commercial or promotional elements
• Unpaid personal recommendations that a person provides based on their genuine experience without any compensation
• Licensed news and journalistic accounts operating under other regulatory frameworks

Mawthooq Registration Requirements

Basic Requirements

To register on the Mawthooq platform, the following requirements must be met:

• Valid commercial registration: Can be obtained electronically through the Saudi Business Center platform, must include electronic advertising or marketing services activity
• Saudi national ID or valid residency: For both citizens and residents, with the need to update data when residency is renewed
• Absher account: Activated and updated with the latest personal data, as Mawthooq is accessed through the National Single Sign-On
• Mobile number registered in your name: Linked to your Absher account to receive verification messages and official notifications
• Commercial bank account: For receiving payments and officially documenting financial transactions
• Active email address: For official communication and receiving notifications from the platform

For Individual Influencers

Individual influencers can register as a "sole proprietorship" by issuing a commercial registration with the activity "Electronic Advertising and Promotion Services." This option is suitable for influencers working independently without a large team. Sole proprietorships are characterized by easy procedures and low costs, and give the influencer complete independence in managing their activity.

For Agencies and Companies

The commercial registration must include advertising and marketing activities among the registered activities, with a designated person responsible for the Mawthooq account who has full administrative authority. In the case of companies, multiple users with different permissions can be added to manage the accounts of influencers affiliated with the agency.

Steps to Register in Mawthooq - Detailed Guide

Step 1: Issue Commercial Registration

If you don't have a commercial registration, issue one through the "Saudi Business Center" platform (mc.gov.sa) by selecting electronic advertising activity. The issuance process is done entirely online and usually takes just a few minutes. Make sure to select the correct activity "Electronic Advertising and Promotion Services" from the list of available activities. After issuance, you'll need to subscribe to the appropriate Chamber of Commerce for your region.

Step 2: Subscribe to the Chamber of Commerce

After issuing the commercial registration, you must subscribe to the Chamber of Commerce in your region. Subscription is mandatory and done electronically through the Chamber of Commerce website. Subscription fees vary from region to region but usually range between SAR 200-500 annually for sole proprietorships.

Step 3: Access the Mawthooq Platform

Log in to the official Mawthooq website (mawthooq.mc.gov.sa) through the National Single Sign-On using your Absher credentials. Make sure to update your Absher data before attempting to log in to avoid any identity verification issues.

Step 4: Create Business Account

Enter commercial registration data and complete business information accurately. Required data includes: business name, address, contact details, and the fields you'll work in. Review all data carefully before saving.

Step 5: Add Advertising Accounts

Add your social media accounts where you conduct advertising activities. Supported platforms include: Instagram, Twitter (X), Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. For each platform, you'll need to link the account to verify ownership.

Step 6: Verification and Activation

After the Mawthooq team reviews the application, your account will be activated and the Mawthooq certificate will be issued. The review process may take from one to several business days depending on document completeness. You'll receive a message on your mobile and email upon approval.

Commercial Registration Fees and Expected Costs

It's important for influencers to understand the costs associated with officially registering their activities:

• Commercial registration issuance fee: SAR 200 annually for sole proprietorships, a fixed fee paid upon issuance and annual renewal
• Chamber of Commerce fees: Vary by region and category, usually ranging between SAR 200-500 annually for sole proprietorships
• Mawthooq registration: Completely free, no fees for registering or using the platform
• Commercial registration renewal: SAR 200 annually, can be renewed for multiple years in advance

In total, an individual influencer can expect annual costs ranging between SAR 400-700 only to maintain their legal status, a small amount compared to violations that can reach hundreds of thousands of riyals.

Obligations of Registered Influencers in Mawthooq

1. Advertising Disclosure

The "#Ad" or "#إعلان" hashtag must be clearly and visibly placed on all paid promotional content. This obligation is the cornerstone of the Mawthooq system and aims to protect consumers. This includes:

• Paid posts: Any content you receive monetary compensation for publishing, whether photo, video, or story
• Gifts and free products: Even if you don't receive a monetary amount, receiving free products in exchange for promotion is considered an advertisement
• Affiliate links: Links through which you earn a commission upon purchase must be disclosed
• Content in partnership with brands: Any collaboration with a brand even if it's an exchange of services
• Paid trips and experiences: Travel invitations, hotel stays, and free experiences

2. Contract Documentation

Every advertising contract must be documented on the Mawthooq platform before the campaign begins. Documentation protects all parties and provides an official reference in case of any disputes. The contract must include:

• Advertiser details: Company or brand name and commercial registration number
• Nature of the advertisement: Detailed description of the required content and its type
• Duration and cost: Campaign period and agreed amount
• Platforms used: Specifying the platforms where content will be published
• Payment terms: Payment mechanism and timing
• Usage rights: Who owns content rights after publication

3. Content Standards Compliance

The Ministry of Commerce has set strict standards for advertising content published by influencers:

• No promotion of prohibited products: Tobacco, alcohol, and products violating Islamic law and Saudi regulations
• Avoid misleading or false content: No exaggeration of product benefits or claiming unrealistic results
• Respect Islamic values and Saudi regulations: Adherence to public morals and societal values
• No exploitation of children in advertisements: Strict restrictions on children appearing in advertising content
• No promotion of misleading health products: Especially weight loss products and unlicensed supplements
• Respect intellectual property: No use of content or trademarks without permission

4. Record Keeping

Keep all contracts, invoices, and correspondence related to advertising contracts for at least 5 years. This obligation is necessary in case of auditing by relevant authorities or legal disputes. It's recommended to keep secure electronic copies in addition to copies on the Mawthooq platform.

5. Data Updates

You must update your data on the Mawthooq platform if any changes occur, such as adding new accounts, changing contact information, or renewing commercial registration.

Penalties for Non-Registration and Violations

The Ministry of Commerce has set strict penalties for violators to ensure compliance with the system. These penalties are progressive and may double in case of repeated violations:

• Non-registration fine: Up to SAR 500,000 for practicing without Mawthooq registration
• Non-disclosure fine: Up to SAR 300,000 for not placing the ad hashtag on paid content
• Misleading advertising fine: Up to SAR 500,000 for promoting products with false claims
• Undocumented contracts fine: Financial penalties for contracts not documented on the platform
• Activity suspension: Blocking violating accounts on social media platforms in coordination with platforms
• Public naming: Publishing the violator's name in media and the Ministry's official website
• Criminal liability: In severe cases, penalties may include imprisonment, especially in cases of fraud and deception

It's important to note that the Ministry conducts periodic inspection campaigns and has specialized teams to monitor violations on social media platforms. Citizens can also report violations through the "Balagh Tijari" (Commercial Report) app.

Benefits of Mawthooq Registration

For Influencers

Mawthooq registration isn't just a legal obligation; it's an investment in your professional future:

• Credibility: The Mawthooq badge increases trust from followers and advertisers, distinguishing you from unregistered influencers
• Legal protection: Working within a clear regulatory framework protects you from any legal accountability, and contract documentation protects your financial rights
• Greater opportunities: Major brands and international companies prefer and often require working with registered influencers
• Income verification: Official revenue documentation helps in obtaining bank financing and proving income to official authorities
• Professional growth: Registration forces you to deal professionally and organizedly, elevating your professional level
• Access to new clients: Many companies search for registered influencers through the Mawthooq database

For Brands

Working with influencers registered in Mawthooq provides brands with:

• Compliance assurance: Working with regulation-compliant influencers reduces legal risks
• Legal protection: Officially documented contracts provide legal reference in case of disputes
• Transparency: Reliable reports and statistics on campaign performance
• Credibility: Assurance that the influencer has real followers and natural engagement
• Easy payments: Dealing with official establishments facilitates payment and invoicing processes

Frequently Asked Questions About Mawthooq

Does Mawthooq include influencers outside Saudi Arabia?

Currently, Mawthooq is designated for residents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (citizens and residents). Influencers from outside the Kingdom who wish to work with Saudi brands can contract with Saudi agencies registered in Mawthooq, where the agency bears responsibility for regulatory compliance.

Can I register without a commercial registration?

No, commercial registration is mandatory for Mawthooq registration. This requirement aims to ensure the seriousness of practitioners and facilitate follow-up and accountability. The commercial registration issuance process has become easy and quick online and takes only minutes.

Does free content need disclosure?

Yes, any content in exchange for gifts, free products, services, or trips is considered advertising and must be disclosed with the "#Ad" hashtag. The golden rule: if you received anything of value in exchange for content, it's an advertisement.

What about small influencers?

Everyone practicing paid advertising activities must register, regardless of follower count. Even if you have only 100 followers and receive compensation for promotion, you're required to register. The system doesn't discriminate based on size.

How can I verify an influencer's registration?

You can verify through the official Mawthooq platform by entering the commercial registration number or social media account name. This service is available for brands to ensure dealing with registered influencers.

Must every collaboration be documented even if it's for a small amount?

Yes, all advertising contracts must be documented on the Mawthooq platform regardless of their monetary value. This protects your rights and ensures full compliance with the system.

What platforms are covered by Mawthooq?

Mawthooq covers all major social media platforms: Instagram, Twitter (X), Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and any other platform through which advertising activity is conducted.

Can I cancel my Mawthooq registration?

Registration can be canceled if you stop practicing advertising activity, but records must be kept for 5 years from the date of the last activity.

Tips for Mawthooq Compliance

1. Register Immediately

Don't wait until you receive a violation or warning. Take initiative to register as soon as you start advertising activities or before accepting your first paid collaboration. Early registration protects you and builds your professional record from the start.

2. Document Every Collaboration

Register every contract on the platform even if it's for a small amount or in exchange for products. Accurate documentation protects you and builds a strong professional record. Don't rely on verbal agreements.

3. Always Use the Ad Hashtag

Make "#Ad" or "#إعلان" an essential part of every promotional content. Place the hashtag in a prominent and visible location, not at the end of the text or among dozens of other hashtags. Transparency builds trust with your audience.

4. Keep Backups

Save copies of all contracts, correspondence, and invoices outside the platform as well. Use cloud storage services or keep copies on your device. These copies may be necessary in case of losing access to the platform.

5. Follow Updates

Regulations evolve constantly. Follow the Ministry of Commerce account on social media platforms to stay informed of any updates or modifications to the system. Ignorance of the system is not a legal excuse.

6. Consult a Specialist When Needed

If you have complex inquiries or special cases, don't hesitate to consult a lawyer specializing in commercial law or contact Mawthooq platform technical support.

7. Train Your Team

If you have a work team or assistants, make sure to train them on Mawthooq requirements and the importance of compliance in all published content.

The Future of Influencer Marketing in Saudi Arabia

The Mawthooq system is a strategic step toward building a mature and sustainable influencer marketing ecosystem in the Kingdom. With the continued growth of the Saudi digital economy within Vision 2030, the influencer marketing sector is expected to witness further development and regulation.

Influencers who comply with regulations from the start will be better positioned to benefit from growing opportunities, while non-compliant ones will find themselves outside the market. Professionalism and compliance have become a necessity, not an option.

Start Your Journey as a Verified Influencer with Miqwal

Miqwal platform is your ideal partner in your journey as a professional influencer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GCC countries. We believe in the importance of regulatory compliance and help our influencers work legally and professionally. Miqwal platform helps you:

• Connect with trusted Saudi and GCC brands: A wide network of companies and brands looking for compliant influencers
• Build a professional profile: Reflecting your regulatory compliance and showcasing your experiences and achievements professionally
• Access exclusive campaign opportunities: Reach advertising campaigns not available on other platforms
• Manage your collaborations in an organized manner: Integrated tools to track campaigns, contracts, and payments
• Support and guidance: A specialized team to help you understand regulations and comply with them

Register on Miqwal for free today and join the community of professional influencers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GCC countries. Together, we build the future of influencer marketing in the region on foundations of transparency, professionalism, and compliance.