Story perspectives

UAE to Impose Music Royalties on Restaurants, Hotels by 2026

8/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

UAE Ministry of Economy announced that, starting 1 December 2026, restaurants, cafés and hotels must pay a royalty fee to play music.
Music Nation and the Emirates Music Rights Association will collect the fees for commercial venues such as malls and gyms.
Non-commercial sites—including government entities, schools and charity events—are exempt, with 10 % of royalties earmarked for a Cultural Support Fund for Music, according to Minister Abdullah bin Touq.

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Story summary

UAE Ministry of Economy announced that, starting 1 December 2026, restaurants, cafés and hotels must pay a royalty fee to play music.
Music Nation and the Emirates Music Rights Association will collect the fees for commercial venues such as malls and gyms.
Non-commercial sites—including government entities, schools and charity events—are exempt, with 10 % of royalties earmarked for a Cultural Support Fund for Music, according to Minister Abdullah bin Touq.