The UAE music fees system will introduce new licensing requirements for businesses that play music commercially from December 2026.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced the framework on Tuesday. The new system covers several businesses and entertainment venues across the country.
Restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, and fitness centres will fall under the new licensing rules. Airlines, broadcasters, concerts, and similar events will also face the requirements.
The ministry created the framework to strengthen copyright protection across the UAE. At the same time, it aims to support the country’s growing creative economy.
Under the new rules, businesses must obtain licences before they can use music commercially. Each licence will remain valid for one year. Businesses can renew their licences after the initial period ends. However, the applicable fee will depend on several factors.
The size of each business will influence its licensing bracket. Moreover, the way a company uses music will affect the amount it pays. The ministry has authorised two organisations to collect the fees. These organisations will manage rights connected to music and related creative works.
The system covers composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalists, record producers, and music publishers. Consequently, the framework aims to create a clearer system for collecting and distributing music rights.
The UAE music fees framework also seeks to reduce copyright violations. Furthermore, it will establish more consistent licensing procedures for businesses.
Officials expect the system to improve compliance across different commercial sectors. Businesses will also gain clearer guidance about their responsibilities when using music.
However, several groups will not need to pay the new fees. Educational and academic institutions will receive exemptions under the framework.
Government entities will also remain outside the fee system. In addition, national events and private celebrations without commercial purposes will qualify for exemptions.
The ministry may add other exempt categories later. Therefore, businesses should monitor future announcements about changes to the rules.
The new framework also introduces a dedicated financial initiative for musicians. The Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music will support different areas of the industry.
The fund will provide financial, technical, and artistic assistance. Its support will cover music composition, production, distribution, and live performances.
It will also focus on developing new talent across the UAE. Children, young people, and people of determination will receive support through relevant programmes.
Furthermore, the initiative aims to strengthen Emirati music internationally. It will support cultural exchanges, international festivals, and efforts to promote local music abroad.
Ten per cent of all collected licensing fees will go toward the cultural fund. A joint committee will oversee the fund’s activities and allocations.
The committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture. Meanwhile, the authorised collecting organisations will maintain a separate bank account.
The UAE music fees system will also include stronger monitoring measures. The ministry will supervise organisations that manage music rights across the country.
Officials can conduct field inspections when necessary. They can also review financial and technical records to check compliance. Additionally, the ministry will receive complaints from rights holders and other stakeholders. Officials may seek friendly settlements when disputes arise.
If necessary, the ministry can also take regulatory action. It can amend licence conditions when regulatory needs or public interests require changes.
Businesses must follow any updated requirements immediately. As a result, companies that regularly use music should prepare before collection begins in December.
The new framework represents another step toward formalising music rights management in the UAE. It also connects copyright protection with the country’s wider creative economy strategy.
For businesses, the changes mean new licensing responsibilities and potential operating costs. For musicians and rights holders, however, the system could provide greater protection and financial support.
