Businesses Playing Music in the UAE Face New Licensing Rules

Playing music in commercial venues across the UAE will soon require an annual licence, under a new framework introduced by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism to regulate music rights and copyright compliance.

From December 2026, businesses including restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centres, airlines, radio stations, television channels and organisers of concerts and similar events will be required to obtain licences based on how they use music and the size of their operations.

Under Ministerial Resolution No. (136) of 2026, licences will be issued through two Ministry-approved collective management organisations—the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation—which represent composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalists, record producers and music publishers. Licences will remain valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

The framework exempts educational and academic institutions, government entities, national events, and personal, non-commercial celebrations, with the Ministry retaining the authority to add further exemptions where appropriate.

According to Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, the framework is intended to strengthen the UAE's music and creative industries by standardising licensing procedures, reducing copyright infringements and aligning the country's intellectual property system with international best practices under UAE Vision 2031.

Alongside the licensing system, the Ministry has established a Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music, which will receive 10% of all licensing fees collected. The fund will provide financial, technical and artistic support for music composition, production, distribution and live performance, while also backing emerging talent and promoting Emirati music internationally.