- August 18, 2026
- Posted by: axiom_admin
- Categories:
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced the launch of the ‘Collective Management in Music Guide’ to regulate the local music market and raise awareness of the framework for protecting the rights of music creators. The Guide establishes an integrated framework for collectively managing these rights, safeguarding musical works, fostering creativity and innovation and supporting the growth of creative industries in the UAE.
Key Features of the Framework
Scope of application. The framework covers a wide range of commercial settings, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centres, airlines, radio and television broadcasters, and concerts or similar events where music is linked to copyright and related rights.
Licensing bodies. EMRA and Music Nation are the two entities permitted by the Ministry to conduct collective management activities in music, including issuing licences and collecting fees.
Fee structure. Fees will vary according to the nature of the music use and the size of the economic activity concerned. As of this announcement, the Ministry has not published specific fee amounts for individual categories of business, so operators should confirm applicable rates directly with EMRA or Music Nation once these are released.
Licence duration. Licences will be issued for one year and can be renewed in line with the applicable rules and conditions at the time of renewal.
Implementation date. Collection of fees is set to begin at the start of December 2026
Who Is Exempt?
The framework sets out several categories of exemption. Educational and academic institutions, government entities, music used during national occasions, and personal celebrations or events of a non-commercial nature will not be subject to the licensing fees. The Ministry has indicated it may expand this exemption list through subsequent decisions, so businesses that believe they may qualify for an exemption should monitor further announcements rather than assume a permanent exclusion.
The Cultural Support Fund for Music
The framework also establishes a Cultural Support Fund for Music, which will receive 10% of the total amounts collected. The fund is intended to support music composition, production, distribution and live performance, as well as emerging talent within the UAE’s music sector. It will be overseen by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, managed through a joint committee with the Ministry of Culture, and administered through a separate bank account maintained by EMRA and Music Nation.
Common Mistakes Businesses Should Avoid
Assuming background music is exempt by default. The framework is built around commercial use, not the type or volume of music played. A business that plays music to enhance the customer experience even without charging separately for it is likely to fall within scope.
Waiting until December to act. With implementation from December 2026, businesses that operate multiple outlets or rely heavily on music (hotels, malls, fitness centres, hospitality venues) should begin reviewing their exposure now rather than after fees take effect.
Overlooking related copyright obligations. Licensing fees for commercial music use sit alongside broader copyright compliance considerations, including licensing agreements with venues, DJs, event organisers or streaming providers. Businesses should review existing arrangements to confirm they align with the new framework.
Treating this as a one-off requirement. Licences are valid for one year and require renewal. Businesses should build this into their annual compliance calendar alongside trade licence renewals and other regulatory obligations.
Who it benefits?
Music creator: Authors, music production companies, composers, songwriters, singers and musicians, sound recording producers, and music publishers Artist and Music companies.
Copyright and protect your music today with Axiommark, and commercialize it in UAE.
How Axiom Mark Can Help
Axiom Mark advises music creators and businesses across the UAE and wider GCC on copyright, licensing and broader intellectual property compliance matters. For businesses affected by the new music licensing framework, this can include reviewing existing licensing and supplier arrangements, assessing compliance exposure across multiple outlets, and advising on how the new requirements interact with broader IP and regulatory obligations.
Axiom Mark also supports businesses with related services, including franchising and licensing agreements, IP portfolio management and legal translation, which are often relevant when reviewing contracts and compliance documentation connected to copyright and related rights.
Are Your Venues Ready for the UAE Music Licensing Rules?
With fee collection beginning in December 2026, operating commercial premises without proper collective management licensing can lead to costly compliance issues.
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