UAE to Introduce New Music Licensing Fees for Restaurants and Hotels

According to the ministry, the new framework is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen its creative economy, protect intellectual property and support the growth of the country’s music and cultural industries.

Rabat – Businesses across the UAE will face new music licensing requirements from December 2026 as the country introduces a framework governing the commercial use of copyrighted music.

The new rules will apply to a wide range of businesses and entertainment venues, including restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centers, and airlines.

The framework also extends to floating hotels, radio and television stations, concerts, and other events where music is used commercially.

Under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, licensing fees will be determined according to factors such as how music is used and the size of the business.

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has not yet announced specific fees for each category.

The new system is designed to create a clearer process for businesses using music while ensuring that creators and rights holders are compensated for the commercial use of their work.

New system to start in December

The framework will take effect at the beginning of December, with the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation authorised to collect licensing payments and oversee their distribution.

Both organisations have received approval from the Ministry to carry out collective management activities related to music rights, including collecting and distributing royalties to creators and other rights holders.

Music licences will be valid for one year and may be renewed under the relevant conditions.

Who is exempt?

Not every use of music will fall under the new fees.

Educational and academic institutions, government entities, national occasions, personal celebrations, and other non-commercial events will be exempt.

The Ministry can also introduce additional exemptions in the future.

A new fund for the music industry

The framework also introduces a Cultural Support Fund for Music, which will receive 10% of the money collected through the licensing system.

The fund is intended to support music creation, production, distribution and live performances, while providing financial, technical, and artistic assistance to emerging artists and other professionals in the sector.

It will be overseen by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and managed by a joint committee with representatives from the Ministry of Culture.