Adopts Formal Collective Management Framework for Musical Works

By Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has adopted a Collective Management Guide for Music, introducing a licensing mechanism for the public commercial use of musical works and phonograms. The regime takes effect on 1 December 2026 and applies nationally.

Scope of Application

The licensing obligation attaches to commercial premises and services where music is used in connection with the operation of the business, including hospitality establishments (hotels, including floating hotels), food and beverage outlets, retail and shopping centers, fitness facilities, air carriers, broadcast media, and organized musical events. Licenses are valid for a one-year term, subject to renewal, and fees are assessed by reference to the type of use and the scale of the licensee’s commercial activity; the Ministry has not yet published a schedule of applicable rates.

Collecting Bodies and Rights Administration

Two collective management organizations, the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation, have been authorized by the Ministry to administer licensing, fee collection, and distribution of royalties to rights holders, including authors, performers, producers of phonograms, and music publishers.

Statutory Exemptions

The Guide exempts certain categories from the licensing requirement, including educational and academic institutions, government entities, activities connected with national occasions, and private, non-commercial events.

Ancillary Measure: Cultural Support Fund

The Guide additionally establishes a Cultural Support Fund for Music, to be financed by 10% of collected fees and administered jointly by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, in support of composition, production, and distribution activities within the domestic music sector.

Practical Note

Rights holders and commercial users with UAE operations should assess their current music licensing arrangements against the new framework in advance of the 1 December 2026 effective date, particularly given the introduction of a dedicated enforcement and inspection mechanism under the Guide.