The UAE is introducing a new UAE Music Licensing Fee framework for businesses that use copyrighted music commercially, with fee collection scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026.
The new system covers a wide range of commercial establishments, including restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centres and airlines. It is part of a wider framework aimed at regulating music copyright and ensuring creators and rights holders are compensated for commercial use of their work. UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism
When Will the New Music Fees Start?
The new licensing framework will take effect from December 2026, with the first collection date set for December 1.
Licences will generally be valid for one year and can be renewed according to the applicable rules and conditions.
The framework was introduced under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026 and is based on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s Collective Management in Music Guide.
Which Businesses Will Have to Pay?
The new licensing requirements apply to businesses and commercial activities that use copyrighted music.
These include:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Hotels
- Shopping malls
- Fitness centres
- Airlines
- Radio stations
- Television channels
- Concerts and similar events
The fees will depend on factors including the size of the business and the type of music use. Live performances and DJ sets are expected to fall under different fee brackets from recorded music.
How Much Will the UAE Music Licensing Fee Cost?
The Ministry has not announced individual fee amounts in its public announcement.
Instead, the framework uses different fee brackets based on the nature of the music use and the size of the economic activity. Businesses should therefore avoid relying on a single fixed amount until the applicable fee schedule is confirmed. citeturn1view1
This means a small café and a large hotel, for example, may not pay the same licensing fee.
Who Will Collect the Fees?
Two Ministry-authorised organisations will manage the collection and related rights:
- Emirates Music Rights Association
- Music Nation
The organisations will manage rights connected with composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalists, record producers and music publishers.
The system is intended to create a more standardised process for licensing and distributing payments to music rights holders.
Who Is Exempt?
Not every organisation or event will need to pay the new fees.
The announced exemptions include:
- Educational and academic institutions
- Government entities
- National occasions and events
- Personal, non-commercial celebrations
The Ministry can also add other categories or uses to the exemption list through future decisions.
Part of the Money Will Support Musicians
The new framework also establishes a Cultural Support Fund for Music.
According to the Ministry, 10% of the total fees collected will go towards this fund. It will provide financial, technical and artistic support for music composition, production, distribution and live performances, including support for emerging talent.
Why Has the UAE Introduced the New System?
The UAE says the framework is designed to strengthen copyright protection, reduce violations and create a clearer system for the commercial use of music.
It also aims to support the country’s growing creative economy by ensuring that artists and other rights holders receive appropriate compensation when their work is used commercially.
What Businesses Should Do Now
Businesses that regularly play music should review how they currently use copyrighted content.
Owners and managers should:
- Check whether their business falls under the licensing framework.
- Identify how music is used at their premises or events.
- Watch for further guidance on the applicable fee bracket.
- Keep records of their music-related licences and agreements.
- Prepare for the December 2026 implementation date.
Businesses should wait for the applicable official fee details rather than assuming a fixed charge.
Final Takeaway
The new UAE Music Licensing Fee framework will introduce a formal licensing requirement for many businesses that commercially use copyrighted music from December 1, 2026.
While the exact fees will depend on the business and type of music use, the new system is expected to affect sectors ranging from hospitality and retail to aviation and entertainment.
The framework also directs part of the collected money towards supporting musicians and the wider UAE music industry, making it both a new compliance requirement for businesses and a broader initiative to strengthen the country’s creative economy.