Full Breakdown
UAE Introduces Annual Royalty Fees for Commercial Music Playback
8/11/2026, 11:44:59 PM
Core Policy Details
From December 1, 2026, restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centres, airlines and other commercial venues in the United Arab Emirates will be required to obtain an annual licence to play copyrighted music. The licence, valid for one year, will also cover television channels and radio stations. Fees will be scaled according to business size and the type of music used; live performances and DJ sets are expected to attract higher charges. Non-commercial entities such as government bodies, schools and charity events are exempt.
Administration and Rights Management
The Ministry of Economy has designated two authorised collective-management societies—Music Nation and the Emirates Music Rights Association—to collect and distribute the royalties. These organisations will manage the rights of composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalists, record producers and music publishers.
Cultural Support Fund
According to the *Collective Management in Music Guide* released by the Ministry, ten percent of all collected fees will be allocated to a newly created Cultural Support Fund for Music. The fund is intended to provide financial, technical and artistic assistance to musicians at every stage of production.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is in line with relevant legislation and international agreements, and further enhances the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for the creative economy and intellectual property protection,” — Mr bin Touq, Minister of Economy and Tourism
