The Ministry of Economy and Tourism said licences issued to establishments will be valid for one year and can be renewed, with fees varying based on how the music is used and the size of the business.
The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a new guide governing the collective management of music rights, including licensing fees for businesses that use music commercially. Fee collection will begin in December 2026.
The Collective Management in Music Guide outlines licensing fees for a wide range of establishments, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centres, airlines, radio stations, television channels, concerts and other similar events. The fees are linked to the commercial use of music and the protection of copyright and related rights.
The fees will be collected by two organisations licensed by the Ministry, including the Emirates Music Rights Association.
The fees will be collected by two organisations licensed by the Ministry — the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation — which represent the rights of composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalists, record producers and music publishers. Licences issued to establishments will be valid for one year and renewable, with fees varying according to the type of music use and the size of the business.
Educational and academic institutions, government entities, national events and private, non-commercial celebrations will be exempt from the fees, along with any other categories the Ministry may exempt in the future.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the UAE is placing greater emphasis on strengthening the competitiveness of its music and creative industries as part of its efforts to diversify the economy. He described the guide as an important step towards establishing an integrated framework for managing copyright and related rights in the UAE, in line with the objectives of UAE Vision 2031.
The framework is designed to reduce copyright infringements, standardise licensing fees and procedures, and enable establishments to monitor compliance in line with international best practices.
Cultural fund for musicians
The guide also establishes a Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music, aimed at providing financial, technical and artistic assistance for music composition, production, distribution and live performances.
The fund will support emerging talent, including children, young people and people of determination, while promoting Emirati music internationally through export initiatives, cultural exchanges and participation in global festivals.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, 10 per cent of the total fees collected will be allocated to the fund. It will be overseen by a joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture. The licensed collecting bodies will maintain a separate bank account for the fund’s allocations.
Oversight and complaints
The Ministry said it will oversee licensed collective management organisations to ensure compliance with the UAE’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law. This will include field inspections and reviews of financial and technical records.
The Ministry will also receive complaints from rights holders and other stakeholders regarding alleged violations, with the aim of resolving disputes amicably or taking regulatory action when necessary.
It also retains the authority to amend licensing conditions when required in the interests of regulation or the public interest, with licensees required to comply with such changes immediately.
