Commercial Music Now Costs UAE Venues
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has announced that venues playing music commercially, including hotels, restaurants, and malls, will be required to pay licensing fees starting December 2026. This move is part of the new Collective Management in Music Guide, which aims to regulate the management of music rights and protect copyright standards under UAE Vision 2031.
This new system will affect various businesses, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, malls, gyms, and airlines that play music commercially. However, some institutions will be exempt from paying the fees, such as schools, academic institutions, non-commercial celebrations, and national events. The fee will work on a sliding scale, dependent on the nature of use and the size of the business applying for the license. Each venue that receives a license will get a renewable one-year license, with fees paid to the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation.
The introduction of these licensing fees is intended to reduce copyright violations and standardize licensing fees, aligning with global best practices. Additionally, 10% of the collected fees will go towards the Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music, which will provide financial support and technical expertise to aspiring artists, producers, and performers, helping to promote Emirati music internationally.
To comply with the new regulations, businesses playing music commercially will need to obtain a license from the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation. The license will be renewable annually, and fees will be paid based on the nature of use and the size of the business.
| Category | Exempt |
|---|---|
| Schools and academic institutions | Yes |
| Non-commercial celebrations and national events | Yes |
| Hotels, restaurants, cafes, malls, gyms, and airlines | No |
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s move to introduce music licensing fees is a significant step towards protecting intellectual property rights and promoting the local music industry. Businesses playing music commercially must prepare to obtain the necessary licenses and pay the required fees to avoid any potential penalties.
