UAE music copyright licensing regulations

The United Arab Emirates is implementing 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 regulations apply to various sectors, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centers, airlines, retail shops, and television channels. The Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation have been authorized to manage the collection and distribution of these fees.

Licensing fees are structured based on the nature of the music use and the scale of the establishment. For instance, small restaurants with up to 50 seats are set to pay Dh1,500 annually, while larger venues with over 200 seats face higher rates. Major shopping malls may face annual fees up to Dh50,000. Licenses will be valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Certain entities, such as educational institutions, government entities, and non-commercial personal celebrations, are exempt from these fees.