The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET) has formally introduced new music licensing fees for businesses that use music commercially, with collection starting December 1, 2026. The framework, issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, adopts a “Guide to Collective Management of Music Rights” that standardizes how licenses are granted and how payments linked to music rights are collected and distributed.
Legal Basis and Authorized Collection Bodies
The framework operates under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighboring Rights, alongside its Implementing Regulations. Under Article 34, any entity wishing to manage collective copyright licensing must first obtain a Ministry permit, with the Implementing Regulations specifying required documentation such as rights-holder contracts and royalty-distribution mechanisms.
Two entities are officially licensed by the Ministry to collect the new music licensing fees:
- Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA): A collective management organization (CMO) granted the UAE's first collective music management permit, authorized to manage rights and collect royalties for public performances, broadcasts, and digital use.
- Music Nation: A commercial CMO granted the second permit by the Ministry to manage rights collection and distribution on behalf of creators and publishers.
Both entities operate under Ministry oversight to offer non-discriminatory blanket licenses on standard terms, with permits renewed annually subject to regulatory conditions.
How to Apply — Registration and Setup
Businesses do not need to wait for the December deadline to prepare for compliance. In accordance with the operational guidelines established by the Ministry for approved Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), establishments can coordinate directly with the authorized portals of EMRA or Music Nation to secure their annual licenses ahead of the enforcement date.
Who Must Pay and How Fees Are Calculated
MOET confirmed the following sectors must obtain a license and pay the applicable fees: restaurants and cafés, shopping malls, fitness centers, hotels and floating hotels, airlines, radio stations, television channels, and concerts or similar public events. Fee brackets vary according to the nature of the music use and the size of the economic activity, though MOET has not published exact fee amounts publicly. Licenses are valid for one year and renewable annually.
Exemptions
MOET has confirmed the following categories are exempt from the new fees:
- Educational and academic institutions: Fully exempt from licensing fees
- Government entities: Fully exempt
- National occasions: Music used during official national events
- Non-commercial events: Private celebrations of a non-commercial nature
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET) indicated that additional categories may be incorporated into this exemption list through subsequent ministerial resolutions.
Cultural Support Fund for Music
The framework establishes a Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music, which will receive 10% of all amounts collected under the new licensing system. The fund will provide financial, technical, and artistic support for music composition, production, distribution, and live performances, with a focus on nurturing emerging talent and promoting local music internationally. It will be jointly overseen by MOET and the Ministry of Culture, with collection bodies required to maintain separate financial accounting for these funds.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
While MOET has not published a specific penalty schedule tied directly to unpaid licensing fees under this guide, unauthorized commercial use of copyrighted music remains an infringement under underlying federal copyright laws. Article 39 of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 sets statutory penalties for unauthorized use of protected works at imprisonment of no less than two months and/or a fine of AED 10,000 to AED 100,000, rising to a minimum of AED 100,000 and up to AED 500,000 with imprisonment of at least six months for repeat offenses. Courts may also order the confiscation and destruction of unauthorized copies connected to the infringement.
Oversight and Compliance
MOET retains regulatory oversight of both CMOs, including the authority to conduct field inspections and review financial and technical records. Rights holders, businesses, and other affected parties can submit complaints to the Ministry, which may pursue amicable settlement or regulatory action where necessary. CMOs must submit regular compliance and operational reports to the Ministry detailing membership, funds collected, and distribution summaries.
Market Context
The regulatory push aligns with the UAE's National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries and the "We the UAE 2031" development vision. Officials have noted that Dubai alone hosts 350 live music venues, while the UAE's streaming market generated USD 841.9 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2030.