UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism Issues Commercial Music Licensing Framework to Protect Creator Rights Across Malls, Hotels, and Restaurants

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET) has officially announced a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the commercial use of musical works across the nation. Introduced under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, the newly published Collective Management in Music Guide establishes a standardized, transparent national licensing system designed to safeguard intellectual property, protect music copyright, and ensure fair compensation for composers, lyricists, performers, and music publishers. Beginning December 1, 2026, commercial venues and commercial entities operating across the UAE will be required to hold a valid, renewable one-year license to play recorded or live music on their premises. The regulatory scope encompasses a broad array of public and commercial settings, including shopping malls, hotels, floating hotels, restaurants, cafes, fitness centers, sports gyms, commercial airlines, television channels, radio broadcasts, and live cultural events. To maintain equity and support public institutions, specific non-commercial exemptions have been established. Schools, academic institutions, government entities, non-profit charitable events, and official national celebrations will not be subject to licensing fees. Licensing administration and fee collection will be managed by two non-profit collective management organizations officially accredited by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism: the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) and Music Nation. Both…