UAE to charge cafes, malls for playing music from December under new rights guide

The United Arab Emirates is introducing new regulations to manage music rights and collect fees from businesses that play music. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has released a guide to collective music rights management, aiming to create a structured system for protecting creators and producers.

This framework is designed to ensure the rights of authors, composers, songwriters, singers, instrumentalists, and music publishers are safeguarded. It also seeks to foster a creative environment that supports the growth of the music and creative industries within the country.

Starting in December, establishments like cafes, restaurants, and malls will be required to pay fees for playing music. The ministerial resolution specifies the licensing requirements and fees for these collective management activities, marking a significant step in formalizing the local music market.