The UAE will require a music licence from December 1. The Ministry of Economy confirmed this week that commercial premises will need to obtain a music licence from December 1. Restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, airlines and fitness centres are among those in scope, and the fees will be managed by two authorised bodies: Music Nation and the Emirates Music Rights Association.
The cost structure has not yet been published but will be scaled by business size and the type of music used, with live music and DJ performances attracting higher rates. Non‑commercial settings – schools, government entities and charity events – are exempt.
Business sector prepares for new music licence
Owners of venues such as Cassette in Dubai say the new framework simply adds a line item to their budgets. Haider Madani, co‑founder and managing partner of the venue, noted that music is part of the brand’s DNA and welcomed a system that puts value back in the hands of artists. Hakim Abderrazek, co‑founder of Raw Music Store, echoed the sentiment, adding that any measure that genuinely supports musicians and helps develop the music ecosystem in the UAE is something he would back.
"I have always been incredibly thankful for the work that the Performing Right Society did in collecting royalties on my behalf," — Tariq Al Nasrawi, co‑founder of Peninsula Records.
Artists set to benefit from Cultural Support Fund
The announcement also established a Cultural Support Fund for Music, which will receive 10 per cent of all fees collected to provide financial, technical and artistic backing for musicians across all stages of their careers. Abdullah bin Touq, the UAE's Minister of Economy and Tourism, described the guide as "an important step in enhancing rights management in line with international practice," highlighting the move toward transparency and fairness.
While the fee schedule remains unpublished three months before the deadline, business owners expect the law to be implemented without major disruption to daily operations.
Frequently asked questions
When do commercial venues in the UAE need to obtain a music licence? Commercial venues must secure a UAE music licence starting from 1 December, as confirmed by the Ministry of Economy.
What percentage of the music licence fees will be allocated to the Cultural Support Fund? Ten percent (10 %) of all music licence fees collected will be earmarked for the Cultural Support Fund to support musicians.
Which types of businesses are required to obtain a music licence in the UAE? Restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, airlines, fitness centres and other commercial premises are required to obtain a music licence.
Are schools, government entities and charity events required to pay for a music licence in the UAE? No—non‑commercial settings such as schools, government entities and charity events are exempt from the music licence requirement.
Who will manage the collection of music licence fees in the UAE? The fees will be managed by two authorised bodies: Music Nation and the Emirates Music Rights Association.
