The UAE is introducing a new licensing framework for the commercial use of copyrighted music, with fees coming into effect on 1 December 2026.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism says the framework will apply to businesses and organisations that use music commercially, including hospitality, retail, fitness, aviation, broadcasting and live entertainment.
While the system is new to the UAE, the principle is well established in music markets around the world. In the UK, for example, organisations such as PRS for Music and PPL have long operated licensing systems that allow businesses and public spaces to legally use recorded music while ensuring artists, songwriters, composers, musicians and other rights holders are paid.
Why businesses pay to use music
Music is an important part of the atmosphere in many commercial and public spaces, from restaurants and hotels to shops, gyms, airlines and entertainment venues.
The licensing system recognises that music has commercial value and that the people who create and perform it should be compensated when their work is used commercially.
The UAE’s new framework covers the rights of composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalists, record producers and music publishers.
How will the UAE music licensing system work?
The new framework takes effect on 1 December 2026, with licences valid for one year and renewable under the applicable rules.
The exact fees have not yet been announced. Costs will depend on factors including the size of the business and how music is used, with live performances and DJ sets generally subject to different fees from background music.
The Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation have been authorised to manage music rights and collect and distribute payments.
Who is exempt?
Educational and academic institutions, government entities, national occasions and personal or other non-commercial celebrations will not require a paid licence under the current framework.
The Ministry can introduce further exemptions in future.
10% of fees will support the music sector
The framework also establishes a Cultural Support Fund for Music, with 10% of collected fees allocated to the fund.
It will provide financial, technical and artistic support for music composition, production, distribution and live performance, while supporting emerging talent and the international promotion of Emirati music.
Bringing the UAE in line with international practice
The UAE’s approach follows a model that has operated for decades in established music markets.
In the UK, PRS for Music licenses the public performance and other uses of musical works on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers, while PPL licenses the use of recorded music on behalf of performers and recording rights holders.
Similar collective licensing systems operate across Europe, North America and other major music markets.
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism says its new framework is designed to strengthen copyright protection, standardise licensing and improve the distribution of royalties to music creators and rights holders.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said:
“The Ministry’s launch of the Collective Management Guide for Music represents an important step towards developing an integrated governance framework for copyright and related rights in the UAE, enhancing the efficiency of rights management in line with international best practices, strengthening the principles of transparency and fairness in their distribution, and improving the regulation of the music sector in a way that supports its growth and prosperity.”
For businesses, the new system means reviewing how copyrighted music is used ahead of December. For music creators, it establishes a formal mechanism through which commercial use of their work can generate payment for the creativity behind the music.
