UAE Music Licence Application 2026 | How to Apply for a Music Licence in Dubai & UAE | EMRA Music Licence Application | Music Nation Licensing | Commercial Music Licence for Cafés, Restaurants, Gyms, Hotels, Shops & Events
Last updated: 27 August 2026
If your business plays music for customers, members, guests or visitors, you may be wondering:
How do I get a music licence in the UAE?
The process is becoming more formal as the UAE introduces its new Collective Management in Music framework.
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.
The good news is that businesses do not need to approach thousands of individual musicians and rights holders themselves.
The authorised collective-management organisations — EMRA and Music Nation — are responsible for managing relevant rights and collecting applicable fees under the framework.
This guide explains the process in simple language.
How to Get a UAE Music Licence — The Short Answer
For most businesses, the process can be understood as:
1. Identify your business
Café? Restaurant? Gym? Hotel? Retail? Event?
2. Identify your music use
Background music? Streaming? DJ? Live music?
3. Identify your locations
How many premises and in which emirates?
4. Gather your business information
Trade licence, company details, locations and other requested information.
5. Provide your music-use information
Music areas, hours, streaming platforms, DJs and events.
6. Contact the appropriate authorised organisation
EMRA and/or Music Nation, depending on the applicable licensing arrangement.
7. Determine your applicable tariff
The fee depends on the nature and scale of the music use/business category.
8. Complete the licensing process
Follow the applicable application, agreement and payment process.
9. Receive and retain your documentation
Keep your licence, agreement, payment evidence and other records.
10. Renew when required
The Ministry says collective-management licences are issued for one year and are renewable under the applicable rules and conditions.
Who Needs to Apply for a UAE Music Licence?
The new framework specifically covers commercial users including:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Shopping malls
- Fitness centres
- Hotels
- Floating hotels
- Airlines
- Radio stations
- Television channels
- Concerts and similar events.
EMRA's current licensing system also accepts applications from categories including:
- F&B
- Gyms/fitness centres
- Hotels
- Beauty salons
- Spas
- Stores
- Supermarkets
- Department stores
- Hospitals
- Cinemas
- Event centres
- Convention centres
- Theatres
- Broadcasters
- Museums
- Parks
- Pharmacies.
The precise licensing requirement depends on the actual use and applicable framework.
Step 1 — Identify Your Business Category
The first thing to determine is:
What type of business are you operating?
For example:
F&B
Café, restaurant, coffee shop, food outlet.
Fitness
Gym, fitness centre, training studio.
Hospitality
Hotel, floating hotel.
Retail
Store, supermarket, department store.
Beauty & Wellness
Salon, spa.
Entertainment
Event centre, theatre, cinema, DJ venue.
Broadcasting
Radio or television.
This matters because the UAE music licensing framework uses different categories and tariff structures.
Step 2 — Identify How Your Business Uses Music
This is one of the most important steps.
Don't simply say:
"We play music."
Determine exactly what happens.
Background music
Music played through speakers to create atmosphere.
Streaming
Music accessed through services such as:
- Spotify
- YouTube
- SoundCloud
- Other platforms.
DJ
Music played by a DJ.
Live performance
Singer, band, pianist, guitarist, etc.
Events
Music used during special events or entertainment.
EMRA's current pre-application specifically asks businesses to identify these different types of use.
Step 3 — Count Your Music Areas
EMRA's current pre-application asks:
In how many areas is music played?
For example, a hotel might have:
- Lobby
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Spa
- Gym
- Pool
- Event area.
A gym might have:
- Main workout floor
- Group studio
- Cycling studio
- Reception.
Record the areas where music is actually used.
Step 4 — Estimate Your Daily Music Hours
The current EMRA pre-application asks for:
Average daily hours
for background music and streaming use.
Therefore, estimate your normal daily music use.
For example:
Background music: 12 hours/day
Streaming: 10 hours/day
DJ: 4 hours/event
Don't guess excessively.
Use a reasonable description of your actual business operation.
Step 5 — Identify Streaming Services
Does your business use:
- Spotify?
- YouTube?
- SoundCloud?
- Another streaming platform?
EMRA's current application specifically asks about streaming services.
This is important because a business may have several different music sources without realising it.
Step 6 — Identify DJs and Events
If your venue has a DJ, be prepared to provide information such as:
- Number of music areas
- Average daily hours
- DJ frequency
- Show timings
- Additional comments.
These are specifically requested in EMRA's current pre-application.
Step 7 — Identify Live Music
Does your business have:
- Singers?
- Bands?
- Pianists?
- Instrumentalists?
- Other live performers?
EMRA's current application separately asks about:
- Live performance
- Number of areas
- Average daily hours
- Frequency of live events.
Don't automatically assume that a background-music licence covers live performance.
Step 8 — Count Your Business Locations
If you operate more than one location, prepare the details.
For example:
Dubai — 3 branches
Abu Dhabi — 2 branches
Sharjah — 1 branch
EMRA's current licensing form asks for:
Total locations
and the music-user process asks for location/emirate information.
Step 9 — Gather Your Business Documents
Before starting an application, have your basic business information available.
EMRA's current licensing system asks for business information including:
- Company legal name
- Total locations
- Business type.
The pre-application also requests business information such as trade licence and VAT details.
So prepare:
Company legal name
Trade licence
VAT registration details, where applicable
Business address
Locations
Emirates
Business category
Step 10 — Check Whether You Already Have a Music Agreement
Don't start from zero if you already have an agreement.
EMRA's current pre-application asks:
Any existing agreements with music rights organisations?
If yes, you can specify the previous agreements.
Gather:
- Existing licence
- Agreement
- Invoice
- Payment receipt
- Music provider details
- Licence number
- Expiry date.
Step 11 — Understand What Music You Actually Play
This is an important step that businesses often overlook.
Make a simple list.
| Music source | Example |
|---|---|
| Streaming | Spotify |
| Streaming | YouTube |
| Streaming | SoundCloud |
| Downloaded music | MP3 library |
| DJ | DJ playlist |
| Live | Local performer |
| Direct provider | Commercial music service |
| AI catalogue | AI-generated music |
You may discover that your business uses several different music sources.
Step 12 — Don't Assume "Royalty-Free" Means You're Done
If someone tells you:
"Our music is royalty-free."
ask:
"What commercial licence do I receive?"
Royalty-free does not automatically mean:
- Copyright-free
- Licence-free
- Free for public playback
- Exempt from UAE requirements.
The actual licence matters.
Step 13 — Don't Assume Spotify Gives You a Commercial Music Licence
A consumer streaming subscription and a commercial music licence are not automatically the same thing.
If you use Spotify in your business, identify that use when completing your music licensing information.
EMRA specifically asks about Spotify and other streaming platforms.
Step 14 — Don't Assume YouTube Gives You Commercial Music Rights
The same principle applies to YouTube.
Being able to watch or play a video does not automatically establish that your business has every right associated with commercial public music use.
Step 15 — What About AI-Generated Music?
AI-generated music should be assessed according to:
- Source
- Platform
- Terms
- Rights
- Commercial permissions
- Applicable UAE requirements.
There is currently no blanket UAE government rule stating that all AI-generated music is automatically exempt from music licensing.
For a business using an AI music catalogue, document the provenance and commercial rights.
Step 16 — Contact the Authorised Music Rights Organisation
The UAE Ministry identifies:
EMRA
and:
Music Nation
as the authorised collective-management organisations responsible for collecting applicable fees and managing relevant rights under the framework.
The correct organisation and licensing arrangement may depend on the relevant rights and repertoire.
Applying Through EMRA
EMRA currently provides a dedicated:
Music User / Licensing
process.
Its application includes business categories such as:
- F&B
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Hotel
- Spa
- Store
- Supermarket
- Department Store
- Beauty Salon
- Event Centre
- Cinema
- Broadcaster
- TV
- Theatre
- Other.
EMRA — Music Licensing Application
EMRA's Current Music-User Pre-Application
EMRA also provides a pre-application process.
This is particularly useful because it collects information about actual music use.
It asks about:
Background music
- Music areas
- Average daily hours
Streaming
- Streaming services
- Music areas
- Average daily hours
Live performance
- Areas
- Daily hours
- Event frequency
DJ/events
- Areas
- Daily hours
- DJ frequency
- Show timings
Existing agreements
- Previous music-rights agreements.
EMRA — Music User Pre-Application Form
What Happens After You Submit Your Information?
The precise process can depend on the organisation and category.
Generally, expect the process to involve:
Review of your business information
↓
Review of your music use
↓
Determination of applicable category/tariff
↓
Licensing/payment information
↓
Licence agreement/process
↓
Licence documentation.
EMRA's current published licensing process describes the basic sequence as:
Contact EMRA → provide music-use information → receive a quote → sign the licence agreement → use music under the licence.
Step 17 — Receive Your Quote / Applicable Fee
The amount is not necessarily the same for every business.
The Ministry says fee categories are based on:
Nature of music use
and:
Scale of economic activity.
For example:
Small café
and:
large hotel
will have different tariff structures.
Step 18 — Review the Licence Before Signing
Don't simply look at the price.
Check:
Licensee
Is the correct business named?
Premises
Are the correct locations included?
Catalogue/repertoire
What music is covered?
Permitted use
Background music?
DJ?
Events?
Duration
How long is it valid?
Renewal
What happens next year?
Restrictions
What uses are excluded?
This is especially important if your business uses music in several ways.
Step 19 — Pay the Applicable Fee
Once you understand the applicable licensing arrangement and fee, follow the payment instructions provided by the authorised organisation.
Keep:
Invoice
Payment receipt
Licence agreement
Licence certificate/documentation
Licence number/reference.
Step 20 — Keep Your Music Licence on File
Don't simply pay and forget about it.
Create a:
Music Rights Folder
Keep:
- Licence
- Agreement
- Invoice
- Payment receipt
- Catalogue information
- Existing agreements
- Music-provider contracts
- Renewal date
- Branch information.
Step 21 — Make Sure Your Staff Know the Rules
A common problem is:
Management obtains a licence.
Then:
An employee connects a personal Spotify account.
Or:
A DJ brings an unrelated playlist.
Or:
Someone downloads music from YouTube.
Your licensing process is only useful if your actual music use remains within the applicable arrangement.
Step 22 — Review New Music Sources
If your business starts using:
- New streaming service
- New music provider
- DJ
- Live performer
- New catalogue
review whether the existing licensing arrangement covers it.
Don't assume that a licence obtained for one music source automatically covers every other source.
Step 23 — Renew Your Licence
The Ministry states that collective-management licences are issued for:
One year
and are renewable under the applicable rules and conditions.
Put the renewal date in your:
- Calendar
- Compliance system
- Finance system
- Business records.
How Much Does a UAE Music Licence Cost?
There is no single price.
Reported tariffs include:
Small café / restaurant
From approximately:
AED 1,500/year
for reported recorded-background-music use.
Small gym
From approximately:
AED 1,700/year
Small retail store
From approximately:
AED 1,700/year
Restaurant/café with DJ
From approximately:
AED 2,500/year
Other categories have different structures.
The exact fee should be confirmed through the applicable official licensing process.
For the full breakdown:
UAE Music Licence Cost 2026 — How Much Does a Music Licence Cost?
When Does the UAE Music Licence Become Necessary?
The Ministry says the new fee framework begins from:
December 2026
More specifically, current reporting identifies 1 December 2026 as the commencement date for collection.
Businesses should nevertheless begin preparing before that date.
Do I Have to Wait Until December 2026 to Apply?
No.
EMRA already has an active music-user licensing process.
Businesses can begin understanding and organising their music use now.
This is particularly useful for businesses that:
- Have multiple branches
- Use DJs
- Have live music
- Use multiple streaming services
- Have existing music agreements.
Why Apply Early?
Starting early gives you time to:
Understand your obligations
Budget for the licence
Audit your music
Replace unsuitable music sources
Organise documentation
Train staff
Resolve questions.
It is much easier to address uncertainty before the implementation date than during a last-minute rush.
What If I Don't Know Which Licence I Need?
Start with your music-use audit.
Write down:
Business type
Locations
Music areas
Daily hours
Music source
Streaming services
DJ use
Live music
Events
Existing agreements.
Then provide that information to the relevant licensing organisation.
What If I Use Only Background Music?
Tell the licensing organisation that.
Background music is specifically identified in EMRA's current music-user application.
What If I Use Only Spotify?
Tell them.
Streaming services are specifically addressed in the current EMRA application.
What If I Use Spotify + YouTube?
List both.
Don't assume that one platform's use covers the other.
What If I Use My Own Music?
Explain that you control the music yourself.
Be prepared to establish:
- Ownership
- Rights
- Recordings
- Contributors
- Commercial permissions.
What If I Use Royalty-Free Music?
Tell the licensing organisation what catalogue/provider you use.
Keep the actual commercial licence.
"Royalty-free" is not enough information by itself.
What If I Use AI-Generated Music?
Keep:
- AI platform
- Plan
- Generation information
- Terms
- Commercial-use evidence
- Catalogue
- Licence.
And do not assume AI-generated music is automatically outside the UAE framework.
What If I Already Have a Music Licence?
Don't automatically purchase another one.
Review:
Who issued it?
What rights does it cover?
Which catalogue?
Which locations?
Which territory?
What duration?
What business use?
Then determine whether it remains sufficient under the applicable UAE framework.
EMRA's current application specifically asks about existing agreements.
What If I Use Music From Several Providers?
Create a music-rights inventory.
For example:
| Source | Use | Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Background | Review |
| YouTube | Background | Review |
| VENUORA | Background | VENUORA licence |
| DJ | Events | Review |
| Live singer | Events | Review |
This gives you a much clearer picture.
Can One Music Licence Cover Multiple Branches?
Potentially, depending on the applicable licensing arrangement.
But don't assume.
Declare your:
- Locations
- Emirates
- Business units.
EMRA's application asks for total locations.
Can One Licence Cover Background Music and DJ Events?
Don't assume.
The current framework distinguishes between different types of use, and EMRA's application separately asks about background music, DJs/events and live performances.
Clarify the applicable coverage.
Can One Licence Cover Music in My Hotel, Gym and Restaurant?
Don't assume.
A hotel may have several different music environments.
Identify:
- Hotel
- Restaurant
- Gym
- Spa
- Lobby
- Event space.
Then confirm the applicable arrangement.
What Happens If I Change Business Location?
Notify the relevant licensing organisation.
Your existing licence may need to be updated depending on the licensing terms.
What Happens If I Open Another Branch?
Again, don't automatically assume your existing licence covers it.
Update your licensing information.
What Happens If I Add a DJ?
Review your music licence.
DJ/entertainment use can fall under a different tariff category from ordinary recorded background music.
What Happens If I Start Hosting Live Music?
Review your licensing arrangement before doing so.
Live performance can involve additional rights and licensing considerations.
What If I Stop Playing Music?
If your business stops using music, inform the relevant licensing organisation and review the applicable cancellation/expiry procedure.
Don't simply ignore an existing licence.
Is the Music Licence the Same as a DJ Licence?
Not necessarily.
A music-use licence addresses relevant music rights.
A DJ may also have other business, event or professional requirements.
These should not be confused.
Is the Music Licence the Same as an Event Permit?
No.
An event may have separate:
- Venue permissions
- Event permits
- Municipality requirements
- Entertainment requirements
- Music-rights licensing.
A music licence should not automatically be treated as an event permit.
Is the Music Licence the Same as a Trade Licence?
No.
Your trade licence permits your business activity.
Music licensing addresses relevant rights associated with music use.
What About Government Entities?
The Ministry states that government entities are among the categories exempt from the applicable fees.
What About Schools and Academic Institutions?
Educational and academic institutions are listed among the exemptions.
What About Personal Non-Commercial Celebrations?
The Ministry lists non-commercial personal celebrations and events among exempt uses.
A commercial event should not automatically be treated as a personal non-commercial celebration.
What About National Occasions?
The Ministry identifies uses occurring during national occasions among the exemptions.
The exact circumstances should be confirmed for the particular event.
A Simple UAE Music Licence Application Checklist
Before applying, prepare:
Business Information
☐ Legal company name
☐ Trade licence
☐ VAT information, where applicable
☐ Business type
☐ Business address
☐ Number of locations
☐ Emirates
Music Information
☐ Background music
☐ Streaming
☐ Spotify
☐ YouTube
☐ SoundCloud
☐ DJ
☐ Live music
☐ Events
Usage Information
☐ Number of music areas
☐ Average daily hours
☐ DJ frequency
☐ Live-event frequency
☐ Show timings
Existing Rights
☐ Existing music licence
☐ Music-provider agreement
☐ Previous CMO agreement
☐ Invoice/payment evidence.
UAE Music Licence Application — A Simple Example
Imagine:
Business
Dubai café
Seating
60
Music
Recorded background music
Streaming
None
DJ
No
Live music
No
Locations
1
The café can prepare its:
- Trade licence
- Company details
- Location
- Music-use information
and submit the required information through the relevant licensing process.
The applicable tariff/classification can then be determined.
Another Example — Gym
Business
Fitness centre
Size
500 m²
Music
Background music
Streaming
Yes
Music areas
3
Daily use
12 hours
DJ
No
The gym should provide those details rather than simply saying:
"We need a music licence."
The more accurately the business describes its use, the easier it is for the licensing organisation to determine the appropriate arrangement.
Another Example — Hotel
Hotel
4-star
Rooms
150
Music areas
Lobby + restaurants + gym + spa
Streaming
Yes
Live music
Occasional
Events
Yes
This is much more complex than a small café.
The hotel should prepare a complete music-use inventory before applying.
Commercial Music Licence vs UAE Collective-Management Licence
This distinction is important.
The Ministry's Guide establishes the framework for collective management of music rights and the applicable fees for relevant users.
A separate commercial music provider may also grant a direct licence for its own catalogue.
These are not automatically identical arrangements.
What About VENUORA?
VENUORA is designed as:
Commercial Background Music for UAE Businesses
The model is based on:
Controlled catalogue
Documented provenance
Defined commercial licence
Business-focused background music.
A VENUORA customer receives rights to use eligible VENUORA catalogue music according to the applicable VENUORA licence.
Does a VENUORA Licence Replace EMRA or Music Nation?
No blanket claim is made.
This is deliberately important.
A VENUORA licence covers:
Eligible VENUORA catalogue music + the rights expressly granted under the VENUORA commercial licence.
It does not automatically resolve the licensing position of:
- Spotify music
- YouTube music
- DJ music
- Live performances
- Other catalogues
- Other copyrighted music.
The treatment of independently controlled catalogues under the UAE collective-management framework should be assessed according to the relevant rights and repertoire.
Why VENUORA Can Make the Music Audit Easier
Instead of a business having an unknown collection of:
- YouTube tracks
- Spotify playlists
- Downloaded MP3s
- Random royalty-free music
- DJ libraries
a business can choose a controlled catalogue where:
The source is known.
The catalogue is known.
The licence is documented.
The permitted use is defined.
That is the basic VENUORA proposition.
How VENUORA's Licence Documentation Should Work
For each customer:
Business name
Licensed location
Licence ID
Licence start date
Licence expiry date
Catalogue
Permitted use
Restrictions
The business should be able to retain this documentation for its records.
Should a Business Start With EMRA or Music Nation?
There is no need to guess blindly.
Start by identifying:
What music you use
What rights are involved
Whether you already have an agreement
Which organisation's repertoire/mandate is relevant.
The UAE Ministry has authorised both organisations for collective management.
If you are uncertain, contact the relevant organisation and provide your actual music-use details.
The Biggest Mistake Businesses Can Make
It is not:
"I forgot to pay."
It is:
"I never understood what music I was using or what rights I had."
A simple music audit solves much of this problem.
Don't Wait Until December 2026
The UAE's new fee framework begins in December.
But businesses can start preparing today.
Audit your music.
Identify your rights.
Organise your documents.
Contact the relevant organisation.
Choose appropriate commercial music.
Train your staff.
Keep your records.
How to Get a Music Licence in UAE — 10 Steps
1. Identify your business.
Café, restaurant, gym, hotel, retail, salon, event, etc.
2. Identify your music.
Background, streaming, DJ, live or event music.
3. Identify your locations.
How many branches and which emirates?
4. Gather documents.
Trade licence, business details, existing agreements.
5. Record your music usage.
Areas, daily hours, frequency.
6. Identify existing licences.
Don't duplicate what you already have without checking.
7. Contact the relevant authorised organisation.
EMRA and/or Music Nation, as applicable.
8. Determine your tariff.
Based on the relevant category and use.
9. Complete the licence/payment process.
Retain all documentation.
10. Monitor and renew.
Review your music use and renew the licence when required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a UAE music licence online?
EMRA currently provides online music-user pre-application and licensing forms.
What documents do I need?
The current EMRA process requests business information such as legal company name, locations, business type and, in the pre-application, trade licence/VAT information. Music-use information is also required.
Do I need to list every song?
The current EMRA pre-application focuses on the nature and extent of music use, such as background music, streaming, DJs and live performance. It does not simply ask a business to manually list every song.
Do I need to tell EMRA that I use Spotify?
Yes. The current pre-application specifically asks about streaming services including Spotify, YouTube and SoundCloud.
Can I use my existing music licence?
Possibly. Provide details of existing agreements and determine whether they cover your current use.
Do I need a new licence every year?
The Ministry says the relevant collective-management licence is issued for one year and is renewable under applicable conditions.
Can I get licensed before December?
EMRA already has an active music-user licensing process. Businesses can begin the process of understanding and organising their licensing now.
What if I have several branches?
Provide the total number of locations and relevant emirates.
What if I have a DJ?
Declare the DJ/entertainment use.
What if I have live music?
Declare the live performance use.
What if I use only background music?
Declare the background-music use, including music areas and average daily hours.
Does royalty-free music mean I don't need a licence?
No.
Does AI-generated music automatically avoid licensing?
No blanket exemption has been identified.
Does VENUORA replace EMRA or Music Nation?
VENUORA makes no blanket claim that its licence replaces either organisation.
Your UAE Music Licence Preparation Checklist
Before you apply, make sure you know:
Business: What type of business?
Locations: How many?
Emirates: Where?
Music: What type?
Areas: Where is it played?
Hours: How long each day?
Streaming: Which platforms?
DJ: Yes/no?
Live: Yes/no?
Events: How often?
Existing agreements: What do you already have?
Documentation: Can you prove it?
If you can answer these questions, you are well prepared to begin the licensing process.
Final Takeaway
Getting a music licence in the UAE does not have to be complicated.
Start with the facts.
1. Know your business.
2. Know your music.
3. Know how you use it.
4. Know your locations.
5. Know your existing rights.
6. Contact the appropriate authorised organisation.
7. Determine your applicable tariff.
8. Complete the licence process.
9. Keep your documentation.
10. Renew when required.
The UAE Ministry's new framework begins collecting applicable fees in:
December 2026
and the Ministry has authorised EMRA and Music Nation to collect applicable fees and manage relevant rights under the collective-management framework.
So the best time to understand your music licensing position is:
Now — not the day before the deadline.
VENUORA — Commercial Background Music for UAE Businesses
If your business wants to simplify its music sourcing and commercial background-music management, VENUORA is being developed around:
Controlled catalogue
Documented provenance
Defined commercial licence
Business-focused background music.
VENUORA does not position itself as a way to bypass UAE music law.
Instead, the objective is to give businesses a clearer, more structured way to source and licence eligible commercial background music.
Know the music. Know the rights. Keep the licence.
Important Licensing Disclaimer
This page is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The UAE Ministry's official announcement confirms the Collective Management in Music Guide, Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, the covered categories, the December 2026 commencement and the roles of EMRA and Music Nation.
The exact application procedure, applicable tariff, repertoire, rights and licensing arrangement may depend on the business, music use, catalogue and relevant rights.
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 licensing questions should confirm their position with the relevant authorised organisation or qualified UAE legal adviser.
Official Sources
UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism — Collective Management in Music Guide
The Ministry's official announcement confirms the framework, Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026, commercial categories, December 2026 fee collection, one-year renewable licences, exemptions and the roles of EMRA and Music Nation.
UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism — Collective Management in Music Guide
EMRA — Music Licensing
EMRA's current licensing application allows businesses to identify their business category, company details and number of locations.
EMRA — Music Licensing Application
EMRA — Music User Pre-Application
The current pre-application asks businesses about background music, streaming services, Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, DJs, live performances, music areas, daily hours and existing music-rights agreements.
EMRA — Music User Pre-Application
Music Nation — UAE Collective Management
The Ministry's announcement confirms Music Nation's collective music-management licence and role in managing rights on behalf of music creators and performers.
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?
One-Minute Answer
How do I get a music licence in the UAE?
Identify your business → identify your music use → identify your locations → gather business documents → disclose background/streaming/DJ/live use → provide existing licence information → contact the relevant authorised organisation → determine your applicable tariff → complete the licensing/payment process → retain your licence documentation.
EMRA already provides an online music-user pre-application and licensing process.
The new UAE collective-management framework begins collecting applicable fees in:
December 2026
So:
Start preparing now.
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026
VENUORA — Commercial Background Music for UAE Businesses
Controlled catalogue + documented provenance + commercial licence.
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