FLASH NEWSUAE Music Fees Start Dec 1

New Music Licensing Fees for UAE Businesses Start December 1

Starting December 1, 2026, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and retail shops across the UAE must pay annual music licensing fees under a new framework issued by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The fees, collected by the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation, will support copyright compliance and fund national music culture. Annual fees for restaurants and cafes will start at Dh1,500, while shops playing copyrighted music will pay fees starting at Dh1,700.

The fee structure varies according to the size of the establishment and the type of music used. Restaurants and cafes with up to 50 seats will pay Dh1,500 annually, rising to Dh2,700 for 51 to 100 seats, and Dh4,800 for 101 to 200 seats. Establishments with more than 201 seats will pay an additional Dh20 per extra seat, though the total annual charge is capped at Dh6,000.

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism retains full supervisory powers, including the right to conduct field inspections, review financial records, receive complaints, and impose administrative penalties or revoke permits for non-compliance. The framework covers businesses including fitness centres, airlines, floating hotels, and entertainment events.

To comply with the new regulations, businesses must obtain a music licence from the Emirates Music Rights Association or Music Nation. The licences will be valid for one year and renewable under applicable rules. The fees collected will support copyright holders and allocate a portion to a national cultural fund for musicians.

The new music licensing fees are part of the UAE‘s efforts to standardise commercial music licensing and protect copyright holders. Businesses that play copyrighted music without a valid licence may face administrative penalties or have their permits revoked.