If your business plays music, whether it’s a playlist in a café, background music in a retail store, a DJ in a restaurant, or music in a hotel lobby, a major change is on the horizon.
From 1 December 2026, businesses across the UAE that use copyrighted music commercially may be required to obtain a licence and pay annual music licensing fees under the UAE’s new collective management framework. The new regime introduces fees ranging from approximately AED 1,500 to AED 50,000 per year, depending on the type and size of the business.
This is one of the most significant developments in the UAE’s copyright landscape in recent years and is expected to have a direct impact on businesses operating across the hospitality, retail, leisure and entertainment sectors.
What happens if a business does nothing?
At present, many of the practical enforcement details are still emerging, however, businesses should not assume that existing Spotify, Apple Music or other streaming subscriptions will satisfy the new licensing requirements. Consumer streaming subscriptions generally provide rights for personal use rather than public commercial use.
Failure to obtain the appropriate licence could expose businesses to:
- copyright infringement claims;
- royalty payment disputes;
- regulatory scrutiny;
- reputational risks; and
- potential enforcement action once the framework becomes fully operational.
The precise enforcement approach remains to be seen, but businesses would be well advised to address compliance proactively rather than waiting until December. The Ministry has indicated that it will oversee the operation of the new system and monitor licensed organisations.
How we can help
The new regime raises a number of commercial and legal questions:
- Does my business require a licence?
- Which entity should obtain it?
- Are existing agreements with DJs, entertainment providers and music vendors compliant?
- Who bears responsibility in a franchise or management arrangement?
- What internal processes should be implemented?
The bottom line
The UAE’s new music licensing framework is not just another regulatory change, it represents a major step forward in recognising and protecting the value of creative works, ensuring that artists, composers, performers and publishers are fairly rewarded when their music is used commercially. At the same time, it provides businesses with a clearer pathway to lawful music use.
If music forms part of your customer experience, now is the time to review your position, understand your licensing obligations and prepare for the new regime before it takes effect on 1 December 2026.