How much will UAE businesses pay to play music from December? Fees explained

UAE businesses will be required to pay annual licensing fees for playing public music starting in December, according to a new framework outlined by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The fees are detailed in the ministry's new Collective Management in Music Guide, which establishes a nationwide tariff system for businesses and organizations that play or use copyrighted music in their commercial activities.

Restaurants and cafés with up to 50 seats will pay Dh1,500 annually, while those with 51 to 100 seats will pay Dh2,700. Venues with 101 to 200 seats will face Dh4,800, and businesses with more than 200 seats will pay an additional Dh20 per seat, capped at Dh6,000. Retail shops and commercial complexes up to 300 square meters will pay Dh1,700, while those between 301 and 700 square meters will pay Dh3,400.

The fee increases to Dh60 per every additional 25 square meters, up to a maximum of Dh20,000 annually. Hotels and floating hotels will be charged based on their classification and number of rooms, starting at Dh50 per room for one- and two-star hotels, rising to Dh150 per room for four- and five-star properties, with a maximum annual charge of Dh25,000.

General-programming radio stations will pay 1% of annual income, while music-focused stations will pay 3%. Television channels carrying general programming will pay 1% of annual income, while news channels will be charged 0.25%. Airlines providing integrated entertainment services will pay fees starting at Dh5,000, rising to a maximum of Dh45,000 per year.

The fees will be collected through the UAE's two licensed collective music management organizations, the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation. The new charges will take effect from the beginning of December 2026.