Starting December 1, 2026, businesses across the UAE will be subject to a new standardized tariff for playing copyrighted music. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced this "Collective Management in Music Guide" to ensure creators, composers, and producers receive fair royalties. For restaurants and cafes, the annual fees are tiered based on seating capacity, starting at Dh1,500, while venues featuring DJs or live entertainment face a higher scale reaching up to Dh8,000 annually. Meanwhile, retail shops and commercial complexes will see their charges calculated based on floor area, with large shopping malls facing a maximum annual cap of Dh50,000 for common spaces.

The comprehensive framework extends beyond dining and retail to include fitness centers, hotels, broadcasters, and even airlines. Hotel fees are determined by star ratings and room counts, whereas radio and television stations will pay a percentage of their annual revenue. To maintain transparency, the ministry has established strict oversight of Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), prohibiting them from changing these mandated rates without permission. While most commercial entities must comply, the policy provides exemptions for educational institutions, government bodies, and private, non-commercial celebrations. Furthermore, a portion of the collected royalties will contribute to a new Cultural Fund, designed to provide financial and technical support to local artists and bolster the presence of Emirati music on the global stage.