UAE to implement new music licensing fees for commercial venues

The United Arab Emirates is introducing a new music licensing fee framework for businesses that play music publicly, scheduled to take effect in December 2026. Issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, the regulation aims to standardize licensing criteria and ensure that composers, songwriters, singers, and other rights holders receive proper compensation for the commercial use of their work.

The new rules will apply to a wide range of commercial establishments, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centers, and airlines. The framework also covers floating hotels, radio stations, television channels, and concerts. Fee brackets will vary based on the nature of the music use and the scale of the economic activity, though specific amounts have not been disclosed.

The Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation have been authorized by the Ministry to manage the collection and distribution of these fees. Licenses will be valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Certain entities and uses are exempt from the fees, including educational and academic institutions, government entities, music used during national occasions, and non-commercial personal celebrations.