The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has announced the launch of the “Collective Management Guide for Music,” aimed at regulating the local music market and enhancing community awareness of copyright protections for composers, creators, and music production companies, including songwriters, performers, sound recording producers, and music publishers. This initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for managing these rights, ensuring the protection of musical works, fostering a creative environment for talent and innovation, and supporting the growth of the music and creative industries in the UAE.
Introduction of Licensing Fees
Under Ministerial Decision No. (136) of 2026, the guide specifies licensing fees for collective management activities in music across various involved sectors in the country. These include restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, fitness centres, hotels, cruise ships, airlines, radio stations, television channels, concert events, and similar activities. The guide outlines these fees due to the connection of music usage in these establishments with copyright and adjacent rights.
Implementation Timeline and Oversight
The application of these fees will commence at the beginning of December 2026. The Emirates Music Rights Association and Music Nation have been granted permits by the ministry to effectively and transparently collect these fees and manage these rights, including organizing the collection and distribution of rights for music creators within the nation.
Commitment to Creative Industries
During this announcement, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasised the UAE’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the music and creative industries. He reiterated their role as a vital sector supporting the growth of the national economy. He noted that the ministry continues its efforts to create a stimulating environment for talent and innovation, protect their rights, and elevate the legislative and regulatory framework for the creative economy in line with the “We are UAE 2031” vision.
Establishing a Comprehensive Governance System
The introduction of the “Collective Management Guide for Music” is a significant step towards developing a governance system for copyright and neighbouring rights in the UAE. It aims to improve the efficiency of managing these rights, ensuring transparency and fairness in their distribution, while elevating the organization of the music sector to foster growth and prosperity. This initiative aligns with relevant international laws and agreements, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading global center for creativity and intellectual property protection.
Facilitating Rights Management
The “Collective Management Guide for Music” will facilitate the management of financial and artistic rights, reducing opportunities for violations of creators’ rights. It standardises fees and licensing procedures to ensure the legal and fair use of musical works, enabling licensed entities to monitor and assess performance according to the highest standards of compliance and professionalism.
Duration and Exemptions
The Ministry will grant the collective management activity license for one year to the relevant entities, which can be renewed under established rules and conditions. Various categories that may be exempted from these fees include educational and academic institutions, government entities, and uses related to national events, personal non-commercial celebrations, or any other categories deemed appropriate by the ministry.
Support for Cultural Development
Additionally, the guide proposes the establishment of a “Cultural Support Fund for Music,” aimed at providing financial, technical, and artistic support in music composition, production, distribution, and live performances. The fund will empower creators and talents while supporting the growth of cultural and musical industries and enhancing the presence of Emirati music on regional and international stages through support for export activities and participation in global festivals and events. It will also foster knowledge infrastructure and skills in the musical system through training programmes, workshops, and artistic grants.
Community and Inclusivity
The fund aims to promote cultural diversity and inclusion by supporting emerging talents, particularly among children, youth, and individuals of determination. It will encourage innovative integration of music with other art forms, promote the sustainability of the cultural music system through multi-stakeholder partnerships, and ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of resources.
Oversight and Compliance
The Ministry will oversee the activities of authorized entities managing collective activities, including monitoring their compliance with copyright laws and regulatory frameworks. This includes conducting field inspections and reviewing related records, documents, and technology and financial systems.
Complaint Management
The ministry is also responsible for receiving complaints from rights holders, users, or concerned entities regarding any violations related to collective management obligations, and will work towards amicable resolutions or take necessary regulatory actions.
Additionally, the Ministry may modify any conditions, regulations, or obligations associated with the licensing of collective management activities as necessary, ensuring that licensed entities implement such changes promptly upon approval.