The UAE has just turned up the volume on music-rights regulation. With Ministerial Decision No. (136) of 2026 on the Adoption of the Collective Management in Music Guide, the country has officially approved the Collective Management in Music Guide, a move that does not just introduce tariffs, but establishes a framework for how music rights are licensed, managed and monetised. The Guide essentially sets out the fees for obtaining a licence to conduct collective management activities in the music sector, which are required to be paid by the relevant categories of entities and establishments in the UAE.
The Ministry has noted that the fees will take effect at the start of December 2026. Commercial music-use fees are set to commence on 1 December 2026, and both rights holders and businesses now face a fresh wave of practical and legal questions. From compliance to licensing strategy, the countdown has begun and businesses using music commercially will need to understand the new framework. Given below are some of the practical and legal questions based on the information available publicly.
What is Ministerial Decision No. (136) of 2026?
The Decision, issued on 11 August 2026, approves the UAE’s new Collective Management in Music Guide, establishing the framework for the collective administration of music-related copyright and neighbouring rights. The Guide implements Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2021 on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights and Cabinet Resolution No. (47) of 2022 on its Executive Regulations. The financial collection mechanism under the approved tariffs will commence on 1 December 2026, giving businesses time to prepare for the financial obligations arising from it.
What is the purpose of collective management?
The Collective Management in Music Guide facilitates the management of financial and artistic rights, reduces the risk of infringement of creators’ rights, and standardises fee structures and licensing mechanisms. This ensures the lawful and fair use of musical works while enabling authorised entities to monitor and assess the use of music in accordance with the highest standards of legal compliance, professional efficiency and rights protection.
Music can involve several different rights belonging to several different people. A single recording may involve the rights of the songwriter, composer, performer, music publisher and producer of the sound recording. Requiring every business that uses music to separately identify and obtain permission from every relevant rights holder would create considerable administrative difficulties. Collective management addresses this by allowing authorised organisations to manage rights on behalf of rights holders through a more centralised licensing, collection and distribution process.
Who can benefit from collective management?
The framework is relevant to different categories of music rights holders, including composers, lyricists, performers, producers of sound recordings and music publishers.
Music can involve several different rights belonging to several different people. A single recording may involve the rights of the songwriter, composer, performer, music publisher and producer of the sound recording. Requiring every business that uses music to separately identify and obtain permission from every relevant rights holder would create considerable administrative difficulties. Collective management addresses this by allowing authorised organisations to manage rights on behalf of these rights holders through a more centralised licensing, collection and distribution process.
Who is likely to be affected by the new licensing framework?
Businesses that use music as part of their commercial activities, including restaurants and cafés, shops and commercial establishments, shopping malls, gyms and fitness centres, hotels, floating hotels, airlines, radio stations, television broadcasters, and organisers of concerts and similar events.
Does every use of music result in a payment obligation?
No. The Guide provides for exemptions, so not every person or entity using music will necessarily fall within the tariff system. The Ministry has clarified that a number of uses and categories are exempt from the payment of these fees, including educational and academic institutions, government entities, uses occurring in national occasions, and non-commercial personal celebrations and events, as well as any other uses or categories that the Ministry may decide to exempt from such fees by way of a resolution issued to that effect.
When will businesses actually start paying?
The collection is scheduled to begin on 1 December 2026. Affected businesses should use the period leading up to that date to review their current arrangements, map out where and how music is currently being used and confirm whether existing licences already cover the relevant rights.
How are the fees calculated?
There is a Ministry-approved pricing matrix, annexed to the Guide, under which fees are calculated. These calculations are based on factors such as seating capacity, floor area, room count or a percentage of annual revenue, depending on the sector. Any change in this pricing matrix requires Ministry approval, and any fees to be charged should meet Ministry approval.
Depending on the nature of the business, the fee calculation may consider factors such as seating capacity, premises size, number of hotel rooms, hotel classification, annual revenue or aircraft seating capacity.
Which organisations are authorised to manage and collect music rights?
The Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation will be responsible for collecting the fees and managing the relevant rights efficiently, transparently and fairly. Both entities have been authorised by the Ministry to conduct collective management of music rights, including overseeing the collection and distribution of payments to music creators and rights holders in the UAE.
The UAE has authorised two entities to undertake collective management activities in the music sector: Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) and Music Nation.
Does a Spotify or other streaming subscription cover commercial use?
Consumer platforms like Spotify, or other streaming platforms such as Apple Music and YouTube Music, explicitly limit their licences to personal, private and non-commercial listening. Playing them in a business, such as a café, restaurant, hotel or gym, may violate the applicable user agreement.
Therefore, a subscription that gives an individual access to music does not automatically grant a business every right required to play or communicate that music publicly as part of a commercial operation.
Where does the money collected go?
Amounts collected in respect of music rights are intended to be administered and ultimately channelled towards the relevant rights holders in accordance with the applicable collective-management arrangements.
What powers does the Ministry have under the new framework?
The Ministry continues to oversee the regulatory framework for collective management, including monitoring compliance, supervising authorised entities and handling complaints related to the system’s operation.
What should businesses do before December 2026?
It is advisable that businesses operating in the affected sectors, such as retail, broadcasting, hospitality, digital platforms and aviation, review their current music licensing arrangements, budget for the applicable tariffs ahead of the December 2026 collection date and confirm the licensing status of any Collective Management Organisation from which they may receive collection notices.
Businesses should not wait until the collection date to assess their position. The period leading up to 1 December 2026 is an important opportunity to review how music is currently used and clarify whether existing arrangements adequately cover the required rights.
Conclusion
The UAE’s new music rights framework marks an important step towards clearer regulation and fairer compensation for creators. With fees taking effect on 1 December 2026, businesses should begin reviewing their music use and licensing arrangements now.
More than a compliance requirement, the Decision reflects the UAE’s wider commitment to strengthening its creative industries, building a sustainable music ecosystem and ensuring that royalty collection is fair and transparent to all stakeholders.
For advice on music licensing, copyright and collective management obligations in the UAE, please contact Rajiv Suri at r.suri@alsuwaidi.ae or Alivia Alabkal at a.alabkal@alsuwaidi.ae.