UAE Tariff Schedule Officially Published

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has officially published the tariff schedule for the licensing of music rights in the United Arab Emirates, with effect from 1 December 2026. The schedule sets out the framework required for the licensing of public performance and broadcasting uses of music, and it gives the UAE market a defined and internationally aligned basis for how music is used commercially. Its publication is a significant milestone for the UAE music industry, marking the point at which formal licensing of music rights becomes established practice in the country.

The tariff schedule applies to a broad range of sectors that use music as part of their commercial activity. These include shops and commercial complexes, fitness centres and gyms, restaurants and cafés, venues offering DJ services and similar entertainment, shopping centres, hotels, television channels and radio stations, and airlines.

For creators, rights holders, music publishers, record labels and performers, the schedule is an important step toward the licensing of their work and the distribution of royalties for its use in the UAE. For businesses that use music, it provides certainty over the basis on which licences are issued, allowing them to plan for and meet their licensing obligations with confidence.

EMRA will soon commence its licensing activities in line with the published schedule. Members, rights holders and partners will be kept informed of any developments in due course.