UAE introduces new music licensing fees for businesses effective December 1

UAE businesses must pay new annual licensing fees for playing copyrighted music starting on 1 December, with charges for large venues reaching up to Dh50,000 per year. The Ministry of Economy and the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) have established the new tariff structure to ensure local and international artists receive royalties for public performances of their work. Tariff structures for retail and dining Under the new regulations, annual fees for restaurants and cafes will start at a baseline of Dh1,500. Retail shops and outlets playing background music will face slightly higher entry-level costs, with fees starting at Dh1,700 per year. These rates apply to establishments across all seven emirates, standardising a system that previously saw varying levels of compliance and enforcement. The cost scales significantly based on the size of the venue and the nature of the music use. While small retail units pay the minimum, major entertainment venues, large-scale hotels, and multi-purpose event spaces could be liable for the maximum annual fee of Dh50,000. This fee covers the legal right to broadcast recorded music or host live performances of copyrighted material. Implications for UAE business owners The implementation follows a formal announcement aimed at bringing the UAE’s intellectual property framework in line with global standards. Businesses that fail to secure the necessary permits by the 1 December deadline may face inspections and…