20 July 2026 • 3 minute read
UAE introduces new music licensing regime
Updated: September 2026
Originally published: 20 July 2026
The UAE has introduced a new licensing regime for commercial use of copyrighted music. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) has authorised two collective management organisations (CMOs), MusicNation and the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA), to collect royalties and issue licences. Businesses need only one licence.
With the rate card approved, and the accompanying guide formally launched on 11 August 2026 (the Guide), businesses using copyrighted music commercially in the UAE should start preparing now. Annual licensing fees apply from 1 December 2026.
The new music licensing rate card introduces annual license fees across a range of sectors, including:
- restaurants
- cafés
- hotels
- retail outlets
- gyms
- television and radio broadcasting.
The Guide has also added shopping malls and airlines (in-flight entertainment) to this sector list. Further, there is a note in the Guide confirming that tariffs will apply to 'concerts and comparable events'. However, the exact fees associated with running live events have not been confirmed to date.
Exemptions apply to educational institutions, government entities, national occasions, and non-commercial personal events. The Ministry can add further exemptions by resolution.
Currently, completely AI-generated music cannot be licensed under the framework, as such works do not qualify for copyright protection in the UAE. However, music with sufficient human creative input, even if partially AI-assisted, remains eligible and the licensing frameworks for this particular genre of music will no doubt continue to evolve.
Fees are based on business type, venue size, seats, and how music is used. Live music and DJ performances generally attract higher fees. The tariff schedules for the sectors have been included in the Guide.
10% of the fees collected by the CMOs go to a Cultural Support Fund for Music (the Fund), overseen jointly by the MoET and the Ministry of Culture. The Fund supports music production, emerging talent, training, and international promotion of Emirati music.
With the 1 December 2026 deadline fast approaching, businesses should review their music usage across all UAE operations e.g. background music, DJ sets, hold music, in-store playlists.
Our team can help you navigate the new requirements, apply for licences through MusicNation and EMRA, and stay on top of continuing developments to ensure your compliance as the framework takes shape and additional categories are included.
For further information, please contact Saba Al-Sultani (Partner), Rachel Pieris (Senior Associate) or Ahmed Youssef.
