Businesses across the UAE that use copyrighted music for commercial purposes will need to pay closer attention to a new music licensing framework taking effect from 1 December 2026.
Restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, retail businesses, fitness centres, airlines, broadcasters and commercial events are among the categories covered by the new framework.
The new system establishes a structured approach to music rights licensing and royalty collection, helping protect composers, performers, producers, publishers and other music rights holders.
UAE businesses using copyrighted music commercially should review their licensing position before the implementation date.
What Has Changed With Music Licensing in the UAE?
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced the Collective Management in Music Guide under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026.
The framework establishes a system for managing copyrighted music rights, licensing commercial music use and collecting royalties for the relevant rights holders.
For businesses, the practical impact is important: commercial use of copyrighted music may now involve an annual licensing cost.
You do not need to be a music or entertainment company to be affected. A restaurant playing background music, a hotel providing music in guest areas or a gym using music during fitness classes may all need to review their licensing requirements.
When Do UAE Music Licensing Fees Start?
The new music licensing fee framework will take effect from 1 December 2026.
Businesses that already play copyrighted music as part of their daily operations should begin reviewing their requirements before this date.
Early preparation is particularly important for businesses with multiple outlets, hotels with several entertainment areas, shopping centres, restaurants with live performances and fitness businesses using music during classes.
Which UAE Businesses Need to Review Their Music Licence?
The framework covers a broad range of commercial establishments and activities where music is used commercially.
Restaurants & Cafés
Restaurants and cafés using recorded background music, live performances or DJs should review their licensing position.
Hotels & Hospitality
Hotels may use music in reception areas, restaurants, lounges, guest areas, events and entertainment venues.
Shopping Malls
Music used in mall common areas and commercial retail environments should be reviewed under the applicable framework.
Retail Stores
Retail businesses playing copyrighted background music should determine whether licensing requirements apply.
Gyms & Fitness Centres
Music used across fitness centres and during organised classes is specifically included within the commercial framework.
Airlines & Floating Hotels
Airlines and floating hotels are among the categories identified under the new framework.
Radio & Television
Broadcasters using music commercially are also covered by the collective music rights framework.
Concerts & Events
Commercial concerts and similar events involving music are included within the framework.
Does Background Music Require a Licence?
The new framework is not limited to concerts, live bands or major entertainment events.
Businesses that play copyrighted recorded music commercially should review whether a licence is required for their particular use.
This means a business should not assume that music is exempt simply because it is being played quietly in the background.
Recorded music played in restaurants, cafés, hotels, retail stores, gyms and other commercial premises can fall within the licensing framework.
Does the Type of Music Use Affect the Licence?
Yes. The applicable fee can depend on the nature and scale of the music use.
A business should distinguish between different types of music activity, including:
- Recorded background music
- Live musical performances
- DJ performances
- Music used during organised events
- Music used during fitness classes
- Music played in common or guest areas
Businesses should therefore assess how music is actually used at each premises rather than applying a single assumption across all activities.
How Much Is the UAE Music Licensing Fee?
There is no single fee that applies to every UAE business.
The licensing framework uses different categories based on factors such as the nature of the business, the scale of the activity and the way copyrighted music is used.
| Business / Activity | Factors to Consider |
|---|---|
| Restaurants & Cafés | Venue size, seating, recorded music, live music and entertainment use. |
| Hotels | Property scale, guest areas, restaurants, lounges, events and entertainment activities. |
| Shopping Malls | Commercial activity, premises and the manner in which music is used. |
| Fitness Centres | General music use and music played during organised fitness activities. |
| Events & Concerts | Type, scale and nature of the commercial music event. |
Businesses should obtain the applicable current tariff from the authorised music rights organisations rather than relying on unofficial fee estimates.
Who Collects Music Licensing Fees in the UAE?
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has authorised two organisations to conduct collective management activities for music rights in the UAE.
Emirates Music Rights Association
The Emirates Music Rights Association, commonly referred to as EMRA, is authorised to carry out collective management activities relating to music rights.
Music Nation
Music Nation is also authorised to undertake collective management activities for music rights.
These organisations are responsible for relevant rights management, collection of applicable payments and distribution of royalties to the rights holders they represent.
How Long Is a UAE Music Licence Valid?
Under the new framework, licences issued for collective music management activities are generally valid for one year and may be renewed subject to the applicable rules and conditions.
Businesses subject to the licensing requirement should consider the music licence as a recurring annual compliance and operating cost, rather than a one-time expense.
Who Is Exempt From UAE Music Licensing Fees?
The framework provides exemptions for certain organisations and non-commercial uses.
Announced exemptions include:
- Educational institutions
- Academic institutions
- Government entities
- Uses associated with national occasions
- Non-commercial personal celebrations and events
- Other categories that may be specifically exempted by the Ministry
The fact that music is not the primary business activity does not, by itself, mean that the establishment falls outside the framework.
UAE Music Licensing for Restaurants and Cafés
Restaurants and cafés are among the businesses most likely to be affected because music is frequently used as part of the customer experience.
Restaurant operators should identify whether their premises use:
- Recorded background music
- Live musicians
- DJs
- Music during special events
- Music as part of entertainment packages
The nature of the music use can affect the applicable licensing category and fee.
UAE Music Licensing for Hotels
Hotels may have multiple areas where music is played, making the licensing review more complex.
Examples include:
- Hotel reception and lobby areas
- Restaurants
- Lounges
- Bars
- Pool areas
- Conference facilities
- Wedding venues
- Live entertainment areas
- DJ events
Hotel operators should therefore map the different ways copyrighted music is used across the property before determining the appropriate licensing position.
UAE Music Licensing for Shopping Malls and Retail Stores
Shopping malls and retail establishments are also covered where copyrighted music is used commercially.
A shopping mall may play music in its common areas while individual retail tenants may use separate music inside their stores.
Mall operators and individual retailers should therefore clarify who is responsible for each type of music use rather than assuming that another party has already addressed the licensing requirement.
UAE Music Licensing for Gyms and Fitness Centres
Gyms and fitness centres are specifically identified among the commercial activities covered by the new music licensing framework.
This may include:
- Music played throughout the fitness centre
- Music during group fitness classes
- Music used during organised activities
- Music used for promotional or entertainment events
Fitness businesses should review music use at each location and determine the appropriate licensing requirements before the new fees take effect.
What Should UAE Businesses Do Before 1 December 2026?
Businesses should begin preparing now rather than waiting until the implementation date.
- Identify where music is used. Review every commercial premises, outlet and business location.
- Identify how music is used. Separate recorded music, live performances, DJ events and other forms of commercial music use.
- Review each legal entity. Determine which company or business entity operates each location.
- Check shared premises. Clarify responsibilities where landlords, hotel operators, mall operators or event organisers are involved.
- Determine the applicable licence category. Obtain the relevant licensing information from the authorised music rights organisation.
- Budget for the annual cost. Include the applicable music licensing expense in the business operating budget.
- Maintain supporting records. Keep licence documents, invoices, payment records and related correspondence with the business's compliance records.
- Review annually. Monitor renewal requirements and changes in the applicable licensing framework.
What About Businesses With Multiple Branches?
Businesses operating multiple restaurants, retail outlets, gyms, hotels or entertainment venues should conduct a location-by-location review.
Different premises may use music differently, and the applicable licensing category may depend on the nature and scale of that use.
Businesses should also determine whether group or other licensing arrangements may be available where they operate several locations.
Accounting Impact of the New Music Licensing Fees
For affected businesses, music licensing fees will become an additional operating expense that should be properly recorded in the accounting system.
Businesses should consider:
- Annual licence cost
- Renewal dates
- Payment documentation
- Branch-level cost allocation
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Accounting treatment
- Supporting documentation
Multi-location businesses should consider establishing an internal process to ensure that licensing costs and renewal dates are tracked consistently.
Why Is the UAE Introducing Music Licensing Fees?
The new framework forms part of the UAE's broader system for protecting copyright and neighbouring rights.
Collective rights management creates a structured mechanism through which music rights can be licensed and royalties collected on behalf of creators and other rights holders.
The framework is also intended to improve transparency, standardise licensing mechanisms and support the development of the UAE's creative and music industries.
10% of Collected Fees Will Support the UAE Music Sector
The new framework also provides for a Cultural Support Fund for Music.
According to the Ministry's announcement, 10% of the total amount collected will be allocated to this fund.
The fund is intended to support areas including:
- Music composition
- Music production
- Music distribution
- Live performances
- Emerging musical talent
- Training and workshops
- Cultural exchange
- Promotion of Emirati music internationally
Is This a New Tax?
No. Businesses should distinguish the new music licensing fees from UAE taxes such as Corporate Tax and VAT.
The music licensing charge arises from the commercial use of copyrighted music and the collective management of music rights. It is therefore a separate compliance and operating consideration.
Businesses should treat music licensing as a separate regulatory cost and maintain appropriate documentation for the related licence and payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do UAE music licensing fees start?
The new music licensing fees will take effect from 1 December 2026.
Do restaurants in the UAE need a music licence?
Restaurants and cafés are specifically included in the new commercial music licensing framework. Businesses should determine the applicable requirements based on how music is used at their premises.
Does background music count?
Businesses should not assume that background music is excluded. Commercial use of copyrighted recorded music should be reviewed against the applicable licensing requirements.
Do hotels need a music licence in the UAE?
Hotels are among the categories covered by the new framework. Hotel operators should review music used in guest areas, restaurants, lounges, events and entertainment venues.
Are gyms covered by the new UAE music licensing rules?
Yes. Fitness centres and gyms are specifically identified among the commercial activities covered by the framework.
How much is the UAE music licensing fee?
There is no single fee applicable to every business. The applicable category can depend on the nature and scale of the business and how copyrighted music is used.
Who collects the UAE music licensing fees?
The Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation are the organisations authorised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism to conduct collective management activities for music rights.
How long is a UAE music licence valid?
Licences under the framework are generally issued for one year and may be renewed subject to the applicable rules and conditions.
Are educational institutions exempt?
The announced exemptions include educational and academic institutions, government entities, national occasions and non-commercial personal celebrations and events, subject to the applicable rules.
Is this music licensing fee a UAE tax?
No. Music licensing fees are separate from UAE Corporate Tax and VAT. They relate to the commercial use and collective management of copyrighted music rights.
What UAE Businesses Should Do Now
The introduction of music licensing fees represents an important compliance change for businesses that use copyrighted music as part of their commercial operations.
Restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, retailers, gyms, entertainment venues and other affected businesses should not wait until December 2026 to review their position.
The first step is to identify where music is used, how it is used, which legal entity is responsible and what type of licence may apply.
Businesses should then obtain the applicable tariff, budget for the annual cost and maintain proper licensing and payment records.
Need Help Preparing Your Business?
The new UAE music licensing framework may create additional compliance, accounting and budgeting considerations for businesses operating restaurants, cafés, hotels, retail stores, gyms and other commercial premises.
YESS Consultancy can assist businesses in reviewing the accounting, budgeting and compliance implications of new regulatory requirements and help organise the supporting business records.
If your business operates multiple outlets or uses copyrighted music as part of its customer experience, early preparation can help you understand the financial and operational impact before the new fees take effect.
Speak with YESS Consultancy for professional business, accounting and compliance support in the UAE.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, copyright or financial advice. UAE legislation, regulations, licensing requirements, fee schedules and administrative guidance may change. Businesses should confirm the licensing requirements and applicable tariff for their specific activities before taking action.
