Starting in December 2026, the UAE will implement a new regulatory framework requiring commercial establishments to pay licensing fees for playing music. This initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, covers a wide range of venues including hotels, malls, cafes, restaurants, airlines, and fitness centers. The fees will be managed by two authorized entities, the Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation, ensuring that songwriters, composers, and producers are fairly compensated. Licenses will be renewable annually, with costs scaled based on the size of the business and the specific nature of the music usage. Notably, government entities, educational institutions, and private, non-commercial events are exempt from these charges.

Beyond copyright management, the policy introduces a "Cultural Support Fund in the Field of Music," which will be financed by 10 percent of the collected fees. This fund is designed to nurture local talent, support emerging artists, and promote Emirati music on the global stage. To ensure transparency and compliance, the Ministry will conduct regular field inspections and maintain oversight of the licensing bodies. This framework serves as a major step toward standardizing intellectual property rights in the UAE, aiming to minimize copyright infringement while fostering a more robust and professional creative economy in line with the country’s 2031 vision.