Dubai: From December 1, 2026, establishments across the UAE will be required to obtain an annual licence to play copyrighted music in their venue or on their public platforms, after the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism issued the Collective Management in Music Guide earlier this week.The guide was issued by the Ministry to standardise music-licensing fees and procedures and ensure that copyrighted music is used legally in the country.After the announcement, His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, commented on how the guide is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the music and creative industries and strengthening their position as vital sectors supporting the growth of the national economy.“The Ministry’s launch of the ‘Collective Management in Music Guide’ is an important step in developing an integrated governance framework for copyright and neighbouring rights in the UAE, enhancing the efficiency of rights management in line with international best practices, strengthening the principles of transparency and fairness in their distribution, and improving the regulation of the music sector,” he said.But what exactly is the new regulation, who does it apply to and what are the changes that will come into effect? Here is all you need to know.What are the changes to copyrighted music use?According to the Ministry, the guide forms part of the UAE’s wider copyright framework under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights.The ministry has authorised two organisations to administer the collective management of music – Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation.These organisations will issue licences, collect the applicable fees and distribute royalties to the music creators and rights holders they represent.Licences that are issued to establishments under the new system will be valid for one year and can be renewed.The guide also provides for the establishment of a Cultural Support Fund for Music, which will be overseen by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism as well as the Ministry of Culture. Ten percent of the fees collected will be allocated to the fund to support music creation, production, distribution, live performances, emerging talent, training and the international promotion of Emirati music.The fees will be collected starting December 1, 2026.Where does it apply?The guide regulates the use of copyrighted music in public places and platforms like:CafésRestaurantsHotelsGyms/fitness centresRadio stationsTV channelsMallsAirlinesConcerts and similar eventsWhat are the permit fees?The guide provides a breakdown of the amount that will be payable by establishments, which is calculated depending on various factors like type of establishment, number of seats, size of the premises or annual income, in the case of broadcasters.The annual tariff matrix within the guide provides a list of permit fees, which will regularly be reviewed based on various inputs the Ministry receives.Restaurants and cafés1–50 seats – AED 1,50051–100 seats – AED 2,700101–200 seats – AED 4,800201 seats or more – AED 20 for every additional seatMaximum annual fee: AED 6,000Restaurants and venues with DJs or similar entertainment1–50 seats – AED 2,50051–100 seats – AED 3,500101–200 seats – AED 6,500201 seats or more – AED 20 for every additional seatMaximum annual fee: AED 8,000Shops and commercial complexesUp to 300 square metres – AED 1,700301–700 square metres – AED3,400Beyond 700 square metres – Additional AED 60 for every 25 square metresMaximum annual fee: AED 20,000Large shopping mallsFirst 100 square metres – AED 625Additional space – AED 50 for every additional 25 square metresMaximum annual fee: AED 50,000Gyms and fitness centresUp to 300 square metres – AED Dh 1,700301 square metres or more – Additional AED 5 per square metreMaximum annual fee: AED 6,000Hotels and floating hotelsOne- and two-star hotels1–50 rooms – AED 50 per room51–100 rooms – AED 5,000101 rooms or more – AED 8,000Three-star hotels1–50 rooms – AED 120 per room51–100 rooms – AED 12,000101 rooms or more – AED 18,000Four- and five-star hotels1–50 rooms – AED 150 per room51–100 rooms – AED 15,000101–200 rooms – AED 18,000201 rooms or more – AED 25,000Maximum annual fee: AED 25,000Radio stationsGeneral-programming station - 1% of annual incomeMusic and song channel - 3% of annual incomeMinimum annual fee: Dh1,700Television channelsGeneral-programming channel - 1% of annual incomeNews channel - 0.25% of annual incomeMinimum annual fee: Dh1,700Airlines offering premium in-flight entertainment1–50 seats – AED 5,00051–300 seats – AED 10,000301–500 seats – AED 30,000501 seats or more – Additional AED 75 for every seatMaximum annual fee: AED 45,000
