UAE Music Licensing Fees From December 2026: What Restaurants, Hotels, Malls and Gyms Need to Know

UAE Business Compliance Update · August 2026

UAE Music Licensing Fees From December 2026: What Restaurants, Hotels, Malls and Gyms Need to Know

Restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, retail stores, gyms and other UAE businesses that play copyrighted music commercially will be covered by a new music licensing fee system from 1 December 2026. The rules also apply to airlines, broadcasters, concerts and other commercial uses of music.

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 sets out how copyrighted music used for commercial purposes will be licensed and how royalties will be collected and distributed to music rights holders.

For businesses, the important change is that playing copyrighted music at a commercial premises can now carry an annual licensing cost. The fee depends on the business and the way the music is used.

When Do UAE Music Licensing Fees Start?

The new licensing fees will apply from 1 December 2026.

Businesses that currently play copyrighted music should review their requirements before the implementation date, particularly where music is used every day as part of a restaurant, hotel, retail, entertainment or fitness operation.

Which UAE Businesses Need to Check Their Music Licence?

The new framework applies to a broad range of establishments that use copyrighted music commercially. The sectors specifically identified include:

A business does not have to be part of the music or entertainment industry to fall within the framework. Music played commercially in a restaurant, shop, hotel or gym can also be covered.

Does Background Music Require a Licence?

The new system is not limited to concerts, live bands or DJ performances. It covers copyrighted music used commercially.

This means restaurants, cafés, shops, hotel areas, gyms and other businesses that play recorded copyrighted music should check the licensing requirement for their premises. Live performances and DJ events can fall into different fee categories from ordinary recorded music.

How Much Is the UAE Music Licensing Fee?

There is no single music licensing fee for every UAE business.

The approved licensing rate card uses different fee categories according to factors such as the type of business, the size of the venue or economic activity and the way copyrighted music is used.

For example, a café playing recorded music will not necessarily fall into the same category as a hotel offering live entertainment or a venue holding regular DJ performances. Live music and DJ use are generally subject to higher fees than standard recorded music.

The Ministry’s public announcement on 11 August 2026 did not list the individual AED amounts for every category. Businesses should therefore obtain the current tariff applicable to their activity from the authorised music rights organisations rather than relying on unofficial online fee estimates.

Who Collects Music Licensing Fees in the UAE?

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has authorised two organisations to carry out collective management of music rights in the UAE:

These organisations manage music rights, collect applicable royalties and distribute payments to the composers, songwriters, performers, producers, publishers and other rights holders they represent.

How Long Is a UAE Music Licence Valid?

A music licence issued to an establishment under the new framework will be valid for one year and renewable.

Businesses that remain within the licensing requirement should therefore expect music licensing to become an annual operating cost rather than a one-time fee.

Who Is Exempt From the UAE Music Licensing Fees?

The framework provides exemptions for certain organisations and non-commercial uses.

The announced exemptions include educational and academic institutions, government entities, national events and personal non-commercial celebrations.

The Ministry can also exclude additional categories in the future. A commercial business should not assume that it is exempt simply because music is not its main activity.

UAE Music Licensing for Restaurants and Cafés

Restaurants and cafés are specifically included in the new framework because copyrighted music is commonly played as part of the customer experience.

Operators should check whether each location uses recorded background music, live musicians, DJs or other music-based entertainment. The type of use matters because it can affect the applicable licensing category and fee.

UAE Music Licensing for Hotels

Hotels may use copyrighted music in several parts of the same property, including receptions, restaurants, lounges, bars, pool areas and other guest spaces.

A hotel may also host weddings, conferences, DJ nights and live entertainment. Hotel operators should therefore identify the different ways music is used at the property when checking the applicable licence and fee category.

UAE Music Licensing for Shopping Malls and Retail Stores

Shopping malls and retail businesses are also covered where copyrighted music is used commercially.

A shopping centre may operate music in common areas while individual tenants play separate music inside their stores. Mall operators and retailers should check the music use for which their own business is responsible instead of assuming that another party has covered the requirement.

UAE Music Licensing for Gyms and Fitness Centres

Gyms and fitness centres are specifically included in the new licensing framework.

This can include copyrighted music played across the gym as well as music used during fitness classes and other organised activities. Operators should check how music is used at each location and obtain the appropriate licensing information before the new fees take effect.

What Should UAE Businesses Do Before 1 December 2026?

Businesses that use copyrighted music should first identify where and how music is being played across their operations.

Multi-location businesses should check each outlet or premises. The review should distinguish recorded background music from live music, DJ performances and other entertainment because different forms of use can attract different fee categories.

Businesses should also confirm which company or legal entity operates each location and who is responsible for music arrangements where premises are shared with landlords, hotel operators, event organisers or other parties.

Once the correct licensing position and tariff have been confirmed, the business can include the annual fee in its operating budget and maintain the licence and payment records with its normal company documents.

Can Businesses Arrange a Music Licence Before December 2026?

Businesses do not necessarily need to wait until 1 December to start checking their licensing position.

EMRA is already accepting music-user enquiries, and individual and group licensing arrangements have been made available ahead of the implementation date. Businesses with several outlets should check whether an appropriate group arrangement is available instead of assuming that every licence must be handled in the same way.

Why Is the UAE Introducing Music Licensing Fees?

The new framework forms part of the UAE’s system for protecting copyright and neighbouring rights under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021.

Collective management allows licensed organisations to manage music rights and collect royalties on behalf of creators and other rights holders. This provides businesses with a structured licensing system instead of requiring rights to be dealt with separately with large numbers of composers, performers, producers and publishers.

The 2026 guide is intended to standardise licensing criteria, reduce copyright infringements and provide a clearer process for collecting and distributing payments when copyrighted music is used commercially in the UAE.

10% of Collected Fees Will Support the UAE Music Sector

The Collective Management in Music Guide also establishes a Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music.

Under the announced framework, 10% of the total music licensing fees collected will be allocated to the fund.

The fund is intended to support music composition, production, distribution and live performance, as well as emerging talent and initiatives that promote Emirati music internationally.

How Credora Can Help UAE Businesses Prepare

The new music licensing fees may affect annual budgets, accounting records and the way responsibilities are managed across branches, outlets and operating companies.

Credora Consultancy LLC can assist businesses with reviewing the operational and accounting impact of new UAE compliance requirements, including identifying the locations and entities affected and preparing the related records for internal control and budgeting purposes.

Music licence eligibility, repertoire coverage and the applicable tariff should be confirmed with the Ministry-authorised music rights organisations. Credora can support the business with the surrounding accounting, budgeting and compliance process.

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