UAE sets December start for commercial music fees
Businesses across the UAE that use music commercially will face a new licensing regime from December 2026, bringing restaurants, hotels, shopping centres, gyms, airlines and broadcasters within a standardised system for paying music copyright and related-rights fees. The Collective Management in Music Guide establishes a framework for licensing the public and commercial use of protected music. It…
UAE authorities announced plans to introduce a commercial music licensing regime in December 2026, impacting businesses such as restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, gyms, airlines, and broadcasters. The Collective Management in Music Guide aims to streamline the licensing process for public and commercial use of protected music.
Two organizations, the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation, licensed by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, will manage payments and rights on behalf of composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalists, record producers, and music publishers. The system will apply to various commercial entities, with individual tariff amounts yet to be determined.
Educational institutions, government entities, and personal events will be exempt from the new fees. A Cultural Support Fund for Music, financed by 10% of collected amounts, will provide assistance to emerging musicians and promote Emirati music internationally. The UAE began developing this infrastructure in 2025, with the Emirates Music Rights Association licensed in April and Music Nation in June 2025.
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