The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new licensing fee for businesses that play music publicly, with the measure set to take effect from December as authorities move to regulate commercial use of copyrighted music.
The new system will apply to a wide range of commercial establishments, including cafes, hotels, shopping malls and other business locations where music is played for customers.
Under the new rules, businesses using music as part of their commercial environment will be required to obtain a valid music licence. Authorities said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that artists, singers, composers and other copyright holders receive proper protection for their creative work.
The licence will remain valid for one year, meaning businesses covered by the regulation will have to renew their licences annually if they wish to continue playing music publicly.
Commercial Venues to Require Licence
The new requirement is primarily focused on commercial establishments where music is played publicly as part of the customer experience.
Cafes and restaurants that use background music, hotels that provide music in common areas, and shopping malls that play music for visitors are among the types of venues expected to fall under the new licensing system.
Other businesses and commercial locations where music is publicly played may also be required to obtain the licence, depending on the nature of their operations and how copyrighted music is used.
The introduction of the fee represents a move toward more structured management of music rights in commercial spaces across the UAE.
Authorities have stressed that the system is designed to protect intellectual property and ensure that rights holders are not deprived of compensation when their music is used commercially.
Annual Renewal Required
Businesses that fall under the new rules will receive licences that remain valid for one year.
After the licence expires, establishments will need to renew it if they intend to continue playing music publicly.
The annual renewal system is intended to provide authorities with a consistent framework for monitoring commercial music use while also helping rights holders manage and protect their intellectual property.
Businesses are therefore expected to review the new requirements ahead of the December implementation date and ensure that they comply with the licensing rules.
Exemptions Announced
Not every organisation or event will be required to pay the new fee.
According to authorities, educational institutions and government offices will be exempt from the licensing fee. Non-commercial events will also remain outside the scope of the new requirement.
The exemptions mean that the new system is primarily focused on businesses using music in commercial settings rather than organisations or events where music is not being used for commercial purposes.
This distinction is intended to ensure that the regulations target commercial exploitation of copyrighted music while limiting the impact on educational, governmental and non-commercial activities.
Action Against Unlicensed Venues
Authorities have also issued a warning to businesses that fail to comply with the new rules.
Venues that publicly play music without obtaining a valid licence could face action under the new regulatory framework.
Businesses are therefore expected to obtain the necessary licence before continuing to use music in their commercial premises once the system comes into effect.
The warning highlights the importance of compliance, particularly for establishments where music forms an important part of the atmosphere and customer experience.
Protecting Artists and Copyright Holders
The UAE authorities said one of the key objectives of the new licensing system is to protect the copyright rights of singers and other music rights holders.
Music used in public commercial spaces can involve the rights of performers, composers, producers and other creators. A licensing framework allows businesses to legally use such content while providing a mechanism through which copyright interests can be recognised and protected.
The move is also part of a broader effort to strengthen intellectual property protection and establish clearer rules around the commercial use of creative content.
For cafes, hotels, malls and other businesses, the introduction of the annual licence means music will now become another area where regulatory compliance must be considered alongside other business requirements.
With implementation scheduled for December, affected businesses will have time to understand the licensing process and make the necessary arrangements before enforcement begins.
The UAE’s new policy is expected to bring greater structure to the use of music in commercial venues while reinforcing the importance of copyright protection for artists and other rights holders.
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