ArtistDirect News
UAE Introduces Mandatory Music Licensing Fees for Commercial Venues, Launches Support Fund for Musicians
On August 20 2026, the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced a sweeping new music‑licensing regime that will take effect on 1 December 2026. The policy mandates that restaurants, cafés, hotels, malls, fitness centres and other commercial venues pay annual fees to legally play copyrighted music.
Issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, the framework is a key element of the UAE’s Vision 2031 strategy to diversify the economy and strengthen the creative sector. The Ministry said the new system will standardise fees, improve compliance with international copyright standards and curb unlicensed music use.
The “Collective Management in Music Guide” details the tariff structure. Fees vary by venue size and location, with a maximum annual charge of AED 50,000 for individual establishments. Educational institutions, government bodies, national events and personal, non‑commercial celebrations are exempt.
In addition to the fee schedule, the Ministry has created a “Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music.” Ten percent of all licensing fees will be allocated to the fund, which will provide financial, technical and artistic assistance to aspiring musicians. The fund will be jointly managed by representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture.
The new framework also expands the Ministry’s oversight of licensed collective management organisations (CMOs). Field inspections and reviews of CMO financial and technical practices will be conducted to ensure compliance with the UAE’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights law. The Ministry retains the authority to amend licence terms as needed.
The policy follows a broader trend in the UAE to strengthen intellectual‑property protection. In 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism was renamed from the former Ministry of Economy, reflecting a renewed focus on tourism and creative industries. Vision 2031 aims to double the country’s GDP to AED 3 trillion and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.
Industry observers note that the new licensing regime will align the UAE’s music‑rights system with practices used in many Western markets. By requiring venues to obtain a single, centrally managed licence, the Ministry hopes to simplify the process for businesses and create a reliable revenue stream for rights holders.
The Cultural Support Fund is intended to address a long‑standing gap in the UAE’s music ecosystem. Musicians have reported difficulties securing funding for production and distribution, especially for independent artists. The fund’s financial assistance will help cover studio costs, marketing and distribution expenses.
The Ministry’s announcement was accompanied by a press release that highlighted the importance of protecting creative works while supporting the growth of the local music industry. The release also referenced the UAE’s commitment to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s standards.
Licensing fees will be collected by the Ministry’s licensing office, which will issue licences and manage payments. Businesses that fail to obtain a licence or pay the required fee may face penalties, including fines and potential closure of the venue.
The policy is expected to generate significant revenue for the government. While exact figures are not yet available, the Ministry has indicated that the fund will receive a substantial portion of the collected fees.
The UAE’s music‑rights framework is part of a larger effort to position the country as a hub for creative industries in the Middle East. The Ministry’s initiatives are aligned with the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy and its goal of fostering a knowledge‑based economy.
Implementation will occur in phases, with the first round of licences issued in December 2026. The Ministry has announced that it will provide guidance and support to businesses during the transition.
In summary, the UAE’s new music‑licensing framework will require commercial venues to pay annual fees for the use of copyrighted music, exempt certain non‑commercial uses, and create a fund to support emerging musicians. The initiative is part of the UAE’s Vision 2031 economic diversification plan and aims to align the country’s music‑rights system with international standards.
Issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, the framework is a key element of the UAE’s Vision 2031 strategy to diversify the economy and strengthen the creative sector. The Ministry said the new system will standardise fees, improve compliance with international copyright standards and curb unlicensed music use.
The “Collective Management in Music Guide” details the tariff structure. Fees vary by venue size and location, with a maximum annual charge of AED 50,000 for individual establishments. Educational institutions, government bodies, national events and personal, non‑commercial celebrations are exempt.
In addition to the fee schedule, the Ministry has created a “Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music.” Ten percent of all licensing fees will be allocated to the fund, which will provide financial, technical and artistic assistance to aspiring musicians. The fund will be jointly managed by representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture.
The new framework also expands the Ministry’s oversight of licensed collective management organisations (CMOs). Field inspections and reviews of CMO financial and technical practices will be conducted to ensure compliance with the UAE’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights law. The Ministry retains the authority to amend licence terms as needed.
The policy follows a broader trend in the UAE to strengthen intellectual‑property protection. In 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism was renamed from the former Ministry of Economy, reflecting a renewed focus on tourism and creative industries. Vision 2031 aims to double the country’s GDP to AED 3 trillion and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.
Industry observers note that the new licensing regime will align the UAE’s music‑rights system with practices used in many Western markets. By requiring venues to obtain a single, centrally managed licence, the Ministry hopes to simplify the process for businesses and create a reliable revenue stream for rights holders.
The Cultural Support Fund is intended to address a long‑standing gap in the UAE’s music ecosystem. Musicians have reported difficulties securing funding for production and distribution, especially for independent artists. The fund’s financial assistance will help cover studio costs, marketing and distribution expenses.
The Ministry’s announcement was accompanied by a press release that highlighted the importance of protecting creative works while supporting the growth of the local music industry. The release also referenced the UAE’s commitment to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s standards.
Licensing fees will be collected by the Ministry’s licensing office, which will issue licences and manage payments. Businesses that fail to obtain a licence or pay the required fee may face penalties, including fines and potential closure of the venue.
The policy is expected to generate significant revenue for the government. While exact figures are not yet available, the Ministry has indicated that the fund will receive a substantial portion of the collected fees.
The UAE’s music‑rights framework is part of a larger effort to position the country as a hub for creative industries in the Middle East. The Ministry’s initiatives are aligned with the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy and its goal of fostering a knowledge‑based economy.
Implementation will occur in phases, with the first round of licences issued in December 2026. The Ministry has announced that it will provide guidance and support to businesses during the transition.
In summary, the UAE’s new music‑licensing framework will require commercial venues to pay annual fees for the use of copyrighted music, exempt certain non‑commercial uses, and create a fund to support emerging musicians. The initiative is part of the UAE’s Vision 2031 economic diversification plan and aims to align the country’s music‑rights system with international standards.