EMRA Music Licence UAE 2026 | EMRA Licence Cost | EMRA Music Licensing Fees | EMRA Music Licence Price Dubai | Café, Restaurant, Gym, Hotel, Retail & Commercial Music Licence Fees
Last updated: 27 August 2026
If you own or operate a café, restaurant, gym, hotel, shop or another business that plays music in the UAE, you may have searched for:
How much does an EMRA music licence cost in 2026?
This is an important question because the UAE is introducing a formal nationwide framework for commercial music licensing.
The UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism launched the Collective Management in Music Guide on 11 August 2026 under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026. The Ministry says applicable fees will begin being collected from December 2026, with EMRA and Music Nation responsible for collecting fees and managing relevant rights.
But there is an important point to understand:
There is no single "EMRA fee" for every UAE business.
The applicable amount depends on the relevant business category, size and nature of music use.
This guide explains what businesses need to know.
EMRA Music Licence Cost — Quick Answer
For common commercial businesses, the reported 2026 tariff schedule includes starting annual amounts such as:
| Business category | Reported starting annual tariff |
|---|---|
| Café / restaurant — recorded background music | AED 1,500 |
| Café / restaurant — DJ/entertainment | AED 2,500 |
| Retail shop | AED 1,700 |
| Fitness centre / gym | AED 1,700 |
| Hotels | Depends on classification and rooms |
| Shopping malls | Area-based; reported ceiling up to AED 50,000 |
| Airlines | Reported tariffs up to AED 45,000 |
| Radio / TV | Percentage-based tariffs |
These are reported tariff figures associated with the Ministry's Collective Management in Music Guide, rather than a single flat EMRA price.
First: What Is EMRA?
EMRA — Emirates Music Rights Association is a UAE collective-management organisation focused on music and creative rights.
EMRA's current website describes its role as protecting the rights of music and arts creators and supporting the UAE's creative industries. It has a dedicated Music Users pathway for hotels, restaurants, cafés, gyms, stores, broadcasters, venues and other businesses.
EMRA is not the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism.
The Ministry establishes the regulatory framework, while EMRA operates as an authorised collective-management organisation within that framework.
Is EMRA the Government?
No.
This distinction is important.
UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism
Government authority responsible for the regulatory framework.
EMRA
Authorised collective-management organisation.
Music Nation
Another authorised collective-management organisation.
The Ministry says EMRA and Music Nation will be responsible for collecting applicable fees and managing relevant rights under the new framework.
Why Are EMRA Music Licence Fees Being Introduced?
The new framework is designed to establish a more structured system for managing music copyright and neighbouring rights when music is used commercially.
The Ministry says the framework is intended to protect:
- Authors
- Creators
- Composers
- Songwriters
- Singers
- Musicians
- Sound-recording producers
- Music publishers.
In simple terms:
When businesses commercially use music, the rights associated with that music need to be properly managed.
When Does the EMRA Music Licence Fee Start?
The Ministry says the new fees take effect at the start of:
December 2026
Current reporting identifies 1 December 2026 as the effective date for fee collection.
The Ministry also says the relevant licences are issued for:
One year
and can be renewed under the applicable rules and conditions.
Does EMRA Have One Fixed Licence Price?
No.
This is probably the most important answer on this page.
There isn't one:
"EMRA licence = AED X"
price for every business.
The tariff depends on factors including:
- Business category
- Size/scale
- Seating capacity
- Floor area
- Number of hotel rooms
- Revenue for certain broadcasters
- Nature of music use.
The Ministry itself says fees are structured according to the nature of music use and scale of economic activity.
EMRA Music Licence Cost for Cafés
For cafés and restaurants using recorded background music, the reported annual tariff is:
| Seating capacity | Reported annual fee |
|---|---|
| 1–50 seats | AED 1,500 |
| 51–100 seats | AED 2,700 |
| 101–200 seats | AED 4,800 |
| Over 200 | AED 4,800 + AED 20/additional seat |
| Reported maximum | AED 6,000 |
Example
A café with:
40 seats
and recorded background music would fall into the reported:
AED 1,500/year
category.
EMRA Music Licence Cost for Restaurants
Restaurants are treated under the same reported restaurant/café tariff structure for the relevant background-music category.
For example:
75-seat restaurant
Reported tariff:
AED 2,700/year
150-seat restaurant
Reported tariff:
AED 4,800/year
subject to confirmation of the applicable classification.
EMRA Music Licence Cost for Restaurants With DJs
Restaurants and cafés with DJ or entertainment use have a separate, higher reported tariff structure:
| Seating capacity | Reported annual fee |
|---|---|
| 1–50 seats | AED 2,500 |
| 51–100 seats | AED 3,500 |
| 101–200 seats | AED 6,500 |
| Over 200 | AED 6,500 + AED 20/additional seat |
| Reported maximum | AED 8,000 |
This illustrates why businesses need to describe their actual music use rather than simply saying:
"We have music."
EMRA Music Licence Cost for Gyms
For fitness centres, the reported tariff is based on floor area.
| Floor area | Reported annual fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 300 m² | AED 1,700 |
| Above 300 m² | AED 1,700 + AED 5/additional m² |
| Reported maximum | AED 6,000 |
Example
A 250 m² gym:
AED 1,700/year
under the reported schedule.
A 500 m² gym would have an indicative calculation of:
AED 1,700 + 200 × AED 5
= AED 2,700/year
subject to confirmation of the applicable tariff.
EMRA Music Licence Cost for Retail Shops
The reported retail/commercial-shop tariff is based on floor area.
| Floor area | Reported annual fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 300 m² | AED 1,700 |
| 301–700 m² | AED 3,400 |
| Above 700 m² | AED 3,400 + AED 60/additional 25 m² |
| Reported maximum | AED 20,000 |
So a small 200 m² shop falls into the reported:
AED 1,700/year
category.
EMRA Music Licence Cost for Hotels
Hotel licensing uses a different calculation.
The reported tariff depends on:
- Hotel classification
- Number of rooms.
Reported rates include:
| Hotel category | Reported rate |
|---|---|
| 1–2 star | AED 50/room |
| 3 star | AED 120/room |
| 4–5 star | AED 150/room |
The reported tariff structure also contains annual bands/ceilings, with a reported maximum of AED 25,000 for the highest category.
A hotel should therefore not use the café or gym tariff to estimate its music licensing cost.
EMRA Music Licence Cost for Shopping Malls
Major shopping centres have an area-based structure relating to common/shared areas.
The reported tariff begins at:
AED 625
for the first 100 m²,
with additional charges for larger common areas.
The reported annual maximum is:
AED 50,000
This should not automatically be confused with the licensing position of an individual shop operating inside the mall.
EMRA Music Licence Cost for Radio Stations
Broadcasting has a different model.
Reported tariffs include percentage-of-income calculations.
For example:
General radio
1% of annual income
Music-focused radio
3% of annual income
with a reported minimum annual fee of AED 1,700.
EMRA Music Licence Cost for TV Channels
Reported television tariffs are also percentage-based.
Examples include:
General programming
1% of annual income
News channels
0.25% of annual income
with a reported minimum of AED 1,700.
EMRA Music Licence Cost for Airlines
Airlines with integrated entertainment services have a separate tariff.
Reported fees begin around:
AED 5,000/year
and can rise to a reported:
AED 45,000/year
depending on the applicable category and passenger-seat calculation.
Why Is There Such a Big Difference Between AED 1,500 and AED 50,000?
Because the UAE framework is not based on:
one music licence = one price.
It takes into account the scale and nature of commercial activity.
A small 40-seat café and a major shopping mall are completely different commercial environments.
The tariff system reflects that difference.
Does the Amount Depend on How Loud the Music Is?
Not in the sense of:
"Louder = automatically more expensive."
The tariff framework uses business/category and usage factors.
EMRA's current pre-application also asks businesses to describe:
- Music areas
- Average daily hours
- Streaming use
- DJs
- Live performances.
So businesses should describe their actual music use accurately.
Does the Amount Depend on How Many Speakers I Have?
Not as a simple:
"AED X per speaker"
calculation.
The important information is the business category and actual music use.
Does the Amount Depend on How Many Songs I Play?
There is no simple:
"AED X per song"
tariff.
The framework uses category/scale/use criteria.
Does the Amount Depend on How Many Hours I Play Music?
EMRA's current pre-application asks for average daily hours and music areas.
However, businesses should not assume that the final tariff is simply calculated as:
hours × price.
The applicable tariff should be confirmed through the licensing process.
What Information Does EMRA Ask For?
EMRA's current music-user pre-application requests business information including:
- Company legal name
- Trade licence number
- VAT registration number
- Main address
- Holding-group information, where applicable
- Total locations
- Business type.
It then asks about actual music use.
EMRA Background Music Information
For background music, the current form asks:
Does the outlet play background music?
In how many areas?
Average daily hours?
Additional comments?
This is why a business should know its music-use details before beginning the licensing process.
EMRA Streaming Music Information
The current EMRA form asks:
Does the outlet play music through streaming services?
It specifically gives examples including:
- Spotify
- YouTube
- SoundCloud.
It also asks for:
- Number of music areas
- Average daily hours.
EMRA DJ / Event Information
If the venue has a DJ, EMRA's current form asks about:
- Whether there is a DJ
- Number of areas
- Average daily hours
- DJ frequency
- Show timings
- Additional comments.
EMRA Live Music Information
The form separately asks about:
- Live music
- Number of areas
- Average daily hours
- Frequency of live events.
This reinforces that:
Background music, DJ entertainment and live performance should not automatically be treated as identical uses.
Does EMRA Ask About Existing Music Agreements?
Yes.
The current pre-application asks whether the business has:
existing agreements with music rights organisations
and provides space to specify previous agreements.
This is important.
If your business already has a music licence, don't simply assume you need to start again.
Show the agreement and ask how it fits into the current framework.
How Do I Apply for an EMRA Music Licence?
EMRA currently provides a dedicated licensing form.
The form begins with:
Registration Details
including:
- Company legal name
- Total locations
- Business type.
EMRA Music Licensing Application
EMRA Music Licence Application — Step by Step
Step 1
Identify your business category.
Step 2
Identify your locations.
Step 3
Gather your trade licence and business information.
Step 4
Identify background music.
Step 5
Identify streaming services.
Step 6
Identify DJs and events.
Step 7
Identify live music.
Step 8
Identify existing agreements.
Step 9
Submit the requested information.
Step 10
Review the applicable licensing arrangement and fee.
Step 11
Complete the agreement/payment process.
Step 12
Keep your licence documentation.
Do I Have to Apply to EMRA Specifically?
This requires an important qualification.
The UAE Ministry has authorised two collective-management organisations:
EMRA
and
Music Nation.
The Ministry says both will be responsible for collecting fees and managing relevant rights.
Therefore, businesses should not interpret this page as saying:
"Every business must always pay EMRA and nobody else."
The relevant rights, repertoire and licensing arrangement matter.
EMRA vs Music Nation — Are They the Same?
No.
They are separate authorised collective-management organisations.
The Ministry has authorised both within the UAE's collective-management framework.
For a business, the important question is:
Which licensing arrangement applies to the music and rights I am using?
Do I Pay EMRA and Music Nation Separately?
Don't automatically assume that.
The answer can depend on:
- Rights
- Repertoire
- Representation
- Existing agreements
- Music use.
Businesses should obtain confirmation for their specific circumstances.
Can I Just Pay EMRA and Forget About My Music?
No.
A licence is only useful if your actual music use is consistent with the applicable licence.
For example, if your business:
- Licences one catalogue
- Then plays Spotify
- Then adds YouTube
- Then hires a DJ
you should review whether the original arrangement covers those additional uses.
What If I Already Have an EMRA Licence?
Keep it.
Check:
- Licence number
- Licence period
- Premises
- Business
- Permitted music use
- Repertoire/rights
- Renewal date.
If the new framework changes the applicable arrangement, seek confirmation from the relevant organisation.
What If I Already Pay Another Music Company?
Don't automatically cancel it.
First determine:
What rights does that company licence?
What catalogue?
Does it cover commercial public playback?
Does it cover UAE?
Does it cover your premises?
Does it cover the relevant rights?
How does it interact with the new UAE framework?
This is particularly important for businesses using specialist commercial background-music providers.
What If I Use Royalty-Free Music?
Royalty-free does not automatically mean:
No music licence required.
The business should examine the actual licence.
Ask:
- Who owns the music?
- What rights are granted?
- Is commercial public playback permitted?
- Is UAE use covered?
- Is the licence current?
What If I Use Spotify?
Don't assume a consumer subscription is a commercial music licence.
EMRA's current application specifically asks businesses about Spotify use.
What If I Use YouTube?
The same principle applies.
Being able to stream a video does not automatically establish that the business has all rights necessary for commercial public playback.
What If I Use AI-Generated Music?
There is no blanket UAE rule identified that says:
AI-generated music = no licensing requirement.
A business should consider:
- AI platform
- Subscription/plan
- Terms
- Output rights
- Commercial-use rights
- Third-party material
- Provenance
- Applicable UAE requirements.
What If I Own the Music Myself?
That can change the analysis.
If the business genuinely controls the relevant rights, document:
- Composition ownership
- Recording ownership
- Contributors
- Rights
- Commercial permissions.
Ownership and licensing are different concepts.
Does VENUORA Replace an EMRA Music Licence?
VENUORA does not make that blanket claim.
This distinction is essential.
VENUORA is designed as a commercial background-music service with a controlled catalogue and defined commercial licence.
A VENUORA licence covers eligible VENUORA catalogue music according to the rights expressly granted.
It does not automatically mean:
"You no longer have any UAE music licensing obligations."
Why Is This Important?
Suppose a café uses:
70% VENUORA
and:
30% Spotify.
A VENUORA licence can document the rights associated with the VENUORA catalogue.
It does not automatically resolve the rights associated with the Spotify music.
Therefore:
The business needs to know its complete music environment.
Can VENUORA Help Businesses Simplify Their Music?
Potentially.
VENUORA's model is based on:
Controlled catalogue
Documented provenance
Commercial licence
Business-focused background music.
Instead of sourcing music from numerous unknown places, a business can use a defined commercial catalogue.
What Should a Business Keep as Proof?
Create a simple:
Music Rights File
Keep:
Business licence
Music licence
Licence agreement
Payment receipt
Catalogue information
Music-provider terms
Existing CMO agreements
Branch information
Renewal date.
For AI-generated catalogues, also retain provenance evidence.
What Is Music Provenance?
Music provenance means:
Being able to show where the music came from and how you obtained the rights to use it.
For example:
Creation/source → rights review → catalogue → commercial licence → business
This can be particularly valuable for businesses using independent or AI-generated catalogues.
Should UAE Businesses Apply Now or Wait Until December?
Start preparing now.
The fee framework begins in December 2026, but EMRA already has an active licensing system and music-user pre-application.
Businesses can use this time to:
- Audit music
- Identify rights
- Gather documents
- Understand tariffs
- Clarify questions
- Budget
- Prepare staff.
Why Early Preparation Makes Sense
Imagine two cafés.
Café A
Waits until late November.
They discover:
- Three Spotify accounts
- YouTube playlists
- A DJ twice a month
- An old music agreement
- Two branches.
Now they have to untangle everything quickly.
Café B
Starts now.
They:
- Audit music
- Identify sources
- Gather licences
- Contact the relevant organisation
- Decide what music to use
- Organise documentation.
Which business has the easier December?
Clearly:
Café B.
EMRA Music Licence Cost — Practical Examples
40-seat café
Recorded background music:
Reported AED 1,500/year
80-seat café
Recorded background music:
Reported AED 2,700/year
150-seat restaurant
Recorded background music:
Reported AED 4,800/year
40-seat café with DJ
Reported DJ/entertainment category:
AED 2,500/year
250 m² gym
Reported fitness category:
AED 1,700/year
200 m² shop
Reported retail category:
AED 1,700/year
These are indicative examples based on the reported 2026 tariff schedule and should be confirmed against the applicable licensing arrangement.
What Is the Minimum EMRA Music Licence Cost?
For the principal commercial categories in the reported tariff schedule:
AED 1,500/year
is the lowest commonly reported starting tariff, applying to restaurants/cafés with up to 50 seats using recorded background music.
This should not be described as a universal minimum for every possible business or use.
What Is the Maximum EMRA Music Licence Cost?
The reported tariff reaches:
AED 50,000/year
for major shopping-centre common areas.
Airline tariffs have a reported ceiling of AED 45,000.
Again, these are category-specific reported tariff ceilings, not a universal "EMRA maximum."
Are EMRA Fees Monthly or Annual?
The reported venue tariffs are:
Annual
The Ministry states that the relevant licences are issued for one year and renewable under the applicable rules and conditions.
Are EMRA Fees the Same in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
The framework is nationwide.
The tariff is based on the applicable business category and scale rather than simply being a "Dubai price" or "Abu Dhabi price."
Is EMRA Music Licensing Mandatory?
The Ministry's framework establishes licensing requirements and fees for the specified categories of commercial music use.
Businesses falling within the relevant categories should therefore treat the framework as a compliance matter rather than assuming it is optional.
What Businesses Are Exempt?
The Ministry identifies exemptions including:
- Government entities
- Educational and academic institutions
- Music used during national occasions
- Personal celebrations/events of a non-commercial nature.
Businesses should confirm whether their specific activity falls within an exemption.
Is a Private Birthday Party the Same as a Restaurant Event?
No.
A private, non-commercial personal celebration is different from a commercial restaurant event.
Don't assume the exemption applies simply because an event is small.
Is a School Café Exempt?
Don't automatically extend an institutional exemption to every activity operating inside an institution.
The specific entity and use should be considered.
Does the Music Licence Protect Me From Every Copyright Claim?
Not necessarily.
A licence addresses the rights and repertoire covered by that licence.
Businesses should understand:
- What is covered
- What isn't
- Which rights are included
- Which catalogue is represented.
What Is the Most Important Question to Ask EMRA?
Instead of asking only:
"How much is the licence?"
ask:
"Based on my business category and actual music use, what licensing arrangement and tariff apply to me?"
Give EMRA the information it requests.
For example:
"We operate a 60-seat café in Dubai. We play recorded background music for approximately 12 hours per day in one area. We do not have a DJ or live music. We currently use [music source]. What licensing arrangement applies?"
That is much more useful than:
"How much is EMRA?"
EMRA Music Licence — Business Preparation Checklist
Before contacting EMRA, prepare:
Business
☐ Legal company name
☐ Trade licence
☐ VAT details, where applicable
☐ Business category
☐ Main address
☐ Number of locations
Music
☐ Background music
☐ Streaming
☐ Spotify
☐ YouTube
☐ SoundCloud
☐ DJ
☐ Live music
☐ Events
Usage
☐ Number of music areas
☐ Daily hours
☐ DJ frequency
☐ Live-event frequency
Existing rights
☐ Existing music licences
☐ Music-provider agreements
☐ CMO agreements
☐ Payment records.
EMRA Music Licence Cost — Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an EMRA music licence in UAE?
There is no single price. Reported tariffs start at AED 1,500/year for certain small cafés/restaurants using recorded background music and vary by category and scale.
How much does an EMRA licence cost for a café?
Reported background-music tariffs range from AED 1,500 to AED 6,000 depending on seating capacity.
How much does an EMRA licence cost for a restaurant?
The same reported café/restaurant schedule applies to the relevant background-music category, with higher reported tariffs for DJ/entertainment use.
How much does an EMRA licence cost for a gym?
Reported fitness-centre fees start at AED 1,700/year and vary with floor area.
How much does an EMRA licence cost for a shop?
Reported retail fees start at AED 1,700/year and vary with floor area.
How much does an EMRA licence cost for a hotel?
Reported rates depend on hotel classification and room count.
Is there an EMRA Dubai fee?
There is no separate universal "Dubai EMRA fee"; the UAE framework is nationwide and the applicable tariff depends on the business/use.
When do EMRA fees start?
The Ministry says fees begin from December 2026.
Does EMRA charge monthly?
The reported venue tariffs are annual.
Do I pay EMRA and Music Nation?
Do not automatically assume that every business pays both for every use. The applicable rights, repertoire and licensing arrangement need to be considered.
Can I use Spotify instead?
Using Spotify does not automatically resolve commercial music-rights requirements.
Is royalty-free music exempt?
No blanket exemption should be assumed.
Is AI-generated music exempt?
No blanket exemption has been identified.
Can VENUORA replace EMRA?
VENUORA makes no blanket claim that its licence replaces EMRA or Music Nation.
Can I start the process before December?
Yes. EMRA already operates a music-user pre-application and licensing process.
EMRA Music Licence vs VENUORA Commercial Music Licence
These are two different concepts.
EMRA
A UAE-authorised collective-management organisation managing relevant rights under the collective-management framework.
VENUORA
A commercial background-music provider offering a controlled catalogue under a defined commercial licence.
The key distinction is:
EMRA operates within the UAE collective-management system; VENUORA licenses eligible music from its own catalogue.
A business should not assume that one automatically cancels the other.
Why VENUORA Is Building a Different Model
The traditional business-music problem is often:
Where did this song come from?
Who owns it?
Can I play it commercially?
Does my licence cover it?
Can I prove it?
VENUORA is designed around a simpler model:
Known catalogue
↓
Documented provenance
↓
Defined commercial rights
↓
Business licence
↓
Retained evidence.
This is particularly relevant for businesses that want predictable commercial background music.
The Bottom Line on EMRA Music Licence Cost
If you're searching for:
"EMRA music licence cost UAE 2026"
don't look for one number.
The correct question is:
"What tariff applies to my business and music use?"
For reported 2026 tariffs:
Café/restaurant background music
AED 1,500–AED 6,000/year
Café/restaurant with DJ/entertainment
AED 2,500–AED 8,000/year
Fitness centre
AED 1,700–AED 6,000/year
Retail
AED 1,700–AED 20,000/year
Major shopping centre
Up to a reported AED 50,000/year
Hotel
Based on classification and room count
Broadcasting
Percentage-based
Airlines
Reported up to AED 45,000/year.
The framework begins in:
December 2026
and businesses should begin preparing their music-use information now.
Start Your Music Rights Audit Today
Before December, ask yourself:
What music do we play?
Where does it come from?
Do we use Spotify?
Do we use YouTube?
Do we use SoundCloud?
Do we have a DJ?
Do we have live music?
How many music areas do we have?
How many hours per day?
How many branches?
Do we already have a music licence?
Can we prove our rights?
Once you have these answers, the UAE music licensing process becomes much easier to understand.
Important Licensing Disclaimer
This page is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism's official announcement confirms the Collective Management in Music Guide, Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, the covered commercial categories, the December 2026 commencement and the roles of EMRA and Music Nation.
The detailed AED amounts on this page are reported tariff figures published by UAE media and other sources referring to the Ministry's tariff schedule. The Ministry's public announcement itself does not reproduce the individual tariff amounts. Businesses should confirm the exact applicable tariff and licensing arrangement with the relevant authorised organisation before relying on a figure for payment or compliance.
No blanket exemption is claimed for:
- Spotify
- YouTube
- SoundCloud
- Royalty-free music
- Creative Commons music
- Public-domain recordings
- Independently licensed music
- AI-generated music
- VENUORA music.
VENUORA does not claim that purchasing a VENUORA licence automatically replaces or exempts a business from EMRA, Music Nation or any other applicable UAE music-rights requirement.
A VENUORA licence applies to eligible VENUORA catalogue music and the rights expressly granted under the applicable VENUORA commercial licence.
Businesses with specific legal or rights questions should confirm their position with the relevant authorised organisation or a qualified UAE legal adviser.
Official Sources
UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism — Collective Management in Music Guide
The Ministry's official announcement confirms the regulatory framework, Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, covered categories, December 2026 commencement, annual licensing and the roles of EMRA and Music Nation.
UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism — Collective Management in Music Guide
EMRA — Music Licensing
EMRA's official licensing page allows businesses to submit company and location information and select applicable business types.
EMRA — Music Licensing Application
EMRA — Music User Pre-Application
The current pre-application asks about trade licence details, business type, locations, background music, streaming services, Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, DJs, live performances and existing rights agreements.
EMRA — Music User Pre-Application
Related UAE Music Licensing Guides
UAE Music Licensing Guide 2026 — Complete Guide
UAE Music Licensing Fees 2026 — Café, Restaurant, Gym, Hotel & Retail Tariffs
Do Cafés & Restaurants Need a Music Licence in UAE?
UAE Music Licence for Restaurants & Cafés
UAE Music Licence for Gyms & Fitness Centres
UAE Music Licence for Hotels
UAE Music Licence for Shops & Retail Businesses
EMRA Music Licence UAE Explained
Music Nation UAE Music Licensing Explained
Collective Management in Music UAE Explained
Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026 Explained
Background Music Licence UAE
Playing Music in a Café in Dubai — What Licence Do You Need?
Spotify, YouTube & Background Music in UAE Businesses
AI-Generated Music & UAE Music Licensing
Royalty-Free Music vs Licensed Music in UAE
Commercial Music Licence UAE — Complete Guide
UAE Music Licensing FAQ
UAE Music Licence Cost 2026 — How Much Does a Music Licence Cost?
How to Get a Music Licence in UAE — Step-by-Step Guide
One-Minute Answer
How much does an EMRA music licence cost?
There is no single EMRA music licence price.
Reported 2026 annual tariffs include:
Café/restaurant background music: from AED 1,500
Café/restaurant with DJ: from AED 2,500
Gym: from AED 1,700
Retail shop: from AED 1,700
Hotel: based on classification and rooms
Major mall: potentially up to AED 50,000
Airline: potentially up to AED 45,000
The exact amount depends on your business category, size and music use.
The new UAE framework begins collecting applicable fees in:
December 2026
If you operate a UAE business that plays music, start preparing your music-use information now rather than waiting until December.
Know your music. Know your rights. Know your licence.
VENUORA — Commercial Background Music for UAE Businesses
Controlled catalogue + documented provenance + commercial licence.
No meaningful new official or highly credible development was found since the UAE’s 11 August 2026 announcement.
The current position remains:
- The Collective Management in Music Guide, issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, remains the governing framework announced by the Ministry of Economy & Tourism.
- Applicable commercial music-licensing fees are scheduled to begin in December 2026; licences are described as one-year and renewable.
- EMRA and Music Nation remain the two Ministry-authorised collective-management organisations responsible for collection and rights management.
- The reported tariff figures circulating in Gulf News, Khaleej Times and other credible UAE coverage have not been superseded by a newer official fee schedule.
- I found no new official clarification during this check specifically addressing independently licensed catalogues, AI-generated music, royalty-free music, Spotify/YouTube commercial use, or whether a commercial background-music provider's own licence substitutes for a collective-management licence.
- One potentially important structural detail reported after the announcement is the Cultural Support Fund for Music, which is to receive 10% of licensing fees collected and support music creation, production, distribution and live performance. This is a development around the framework, but it does not change the business licensing requirement or tariff position.
Practical implication for VENUORA: there is still a meaningful opportunity to position VENUORA around documented commercial rights, catalogue provenance and clear licence terms, but it would be premature to market it as a replacement for EMRA/Music Nation fees. The unresolved question around independently licensed/AI-generated catalogues remains particularly important and is worth watching for an official clarification.
UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism — Collective Management in Music Guide
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