Businesses must obtain annual music licenses starting December 2026

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a new licensing framework requiring businesses that play music commercially to obtain annual licenses and pay fees starting 1 December 2026, formalized under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026.

The framework affects restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centres, airlines, radio stations, television stations, and concert venues. Fees are structured on a sliding scale based on establishment type, size, and for broadcasters, annual income. Examples include: restaurants from AED 1,500/year (up to 50 seats) to AED 6,000; hotels at AED 50–150 per room (capped at AED 25,000); radio stations at 1–3% of annual income; and airlines from AED 5,000 to AED 45,000.

The system clarifies that personal streaming subscriptions do not authorize commercial music use. Two Ministry-authorised bodies—the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) and Music Nation—will issue licenses, collect fees, and distribute royalties to rights holders. Ten percent of collected fees will support a new Cultural Support Fund for Music.

Exempt categories include educational institutions, government entities, national occasions, and personal non-commercial celebrations. Businesses operating without required licenses after 1 December 2026 face exposure under the UAE's copyright enforcement regime.