The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for the collective management of music rights. Under the new “Collective Management in Music Guide,” commercial establishments that play music will be required to pay licensing fees starting in December 2026. This initiative aims to standardize copyright protections and support the nation’s creative economy.
The mandate applies to a wide range of venues and services, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, fitness centers, airlines, radio and television stations, as well as concert organizers. Fees will be determined based on the scale of the business and the specific nature of the music usage. These annual, renewable licenses will be managed by two authorized entities: the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation. These organizations represent the interests of songwriters, composers, performers, record producers, and publishers.
Several sectors are exempt from these requirements, including government entities, educational and academic institutions, and national events. Additionally, personal, non-commercial celebrations are excluded from the fee structure, and the Ministry retains the authority to grant further exemptions in the future.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated that the policy is a strategic move to bolster the competitiveness of the UAE’s creative industries and support economic diversification. He noted that the framework aligns with the goals of UAE Vision 2031 by creating a robust system for governing copyright and related rights, while simultaneously reducing instances of intellectual property infringement.
A key component of the new guide is the creation of the “Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music.” This fund is designed to provide artistic, technical, and financial assistance for music production, composition, and live performances. It will specifically target emerging talent, including youth and people of determination, while promoting Emirati music on the global stage. Ten percent of all collected licensing fees will be directed into this fund, which will be managed by a joint committee representing the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture.
To ensure compliance with the UAE’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights law, the Ministry will conduct regular field inspections and audits of financial and technical records held by the collective management entities. The Ministry is also empowered to handle disputes between rights holders and stakeholders, aiming for amicable resolutions. Furthermore, the government reserves the right to adjust licensing terms to serve the public interest or meet regulatory needs, with businesses expected to adhere to any updates immediately.
He described the guide as a step towards an integrated system for governing copyright and related rights in the country, in line with the objectives of the UAE Vision 2031.
The framework is intended to reduce copyright violations, standardise licensing fees and mechanisms, and allow licensees to monitor compliance according to international best practice.
A statement released on Tuesday said 10 per cent of total fees collected will go toward the fund, which will be overseen by a joint committee from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture.
Licences granted to establishments will be valid for one year and renewable, with fee brackets determined by the nature of use and the size of the business.
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Source: Khaleej Times
