The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a new framework for managing music rights, requiring businesses that use music for commercial purposes to obtain a license and pay associated fees starting from December 2026.

These regulations apply to restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centers, airlines, radio and television networks, as well as concerts and similar events. The license fee will be determined based on the type of music usage and the size of the business. Specific details regarding the fee schedule were not disclosed in the published report.

Licenses will be valid for one year and are renewable. Fees will be collected through two ministry-licensed entities: the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation. These organizations will manage the rights of composers, songwriters, singers, musicians, music producers, and publishers.

Educational and academic institutions, government entities, national events, and personal, non-commercial celebrations will be exempt from these fees. The ministry also retains the authority to add other groups to the exemption list in the future.

The framework aims to reduce copyright infringement, standardize the licensing mechanism, and protect music rights holders. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism will oversee the performance of the collection entities and will have the authority to conduct field inspections and review their financial and technical records.

Under this plan, 10 percent of the total funds collected will be allocated to a Cultural Support Fund for the music sector. This fund will provide financial, technical, and artistic support for composition, production, distribution, live performances, and the development of emerging talent, including youth and people of determination.