EMRA Licence UAE: What Businesses Need to Know
EMRA, the Emirates Music Rights Association, is the UAE’s first licensed collecting society, approved by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in April 2025. It is a non-profit organisation representing music rights holders who have voluntarily assigned their rights to it, and it is already accepting individual and group licence applications through emraorg.ae. This page explains what an EMRA licence covers, what it does not, and how MUSICVYBE’s five-rights model relates to it.
What the EMRA licence covers
An EMRA licence authorises public performance of composition and public performance of sound recording, for the repertoire of rights holders who have assigned their rights to EMRA specifically. It does not automatically cover repertoire assigned to Music Nation — see EMRA vs Music Nation for the repertoire split.
| Licence / Right | Managing it yourself (EMRA + Music Nation) | Using MUSICVYBE |
|---|---|---|
| Public performance of composition | Covered, for repertoire assigned to EMRA and/or Music Nation | Covered |
| Public performance of sound recording | Covered, for repertoire assigned to EMRA and/or Music Nation | Covered |
| Reproduction of sound recording | Not covered by either CMO | Covered |
| Recording (master) rights | Not covered by either CMO | Covered |
| Publishing rights | Not covered by either CMO | Covered |
Fees and administration
Fees vary by business type, venue size and manner of use, with live music and DJ performances attracting higher fees than background recorded music. Licences are annual and renewable. Administrative deductions from collected fees are capped at 25% under Ministry oversight, and 10% of collections is allocated to the Cultural Support Fund for Music. For current rates, consult emraorg.ae directly — see our overview of UAE music licence cost for the factors that determine your fee band.
What an EMRA licence does not cover
An EMRA licence, even combined with a Music Nation licence, leaves reproduction of sound recording, recording (master) rights and publishing rights unaddressed. Playing music through an app or media player involves reproduction of the recording — a right neither CMO manages. MUSICVYBE’s direct-licensed library covers all five rights in one subscription, removing the need to separately track EMRA repertoire, Music Nation repertoire, and the three uncovered rights.
Explore further
EMRA Licence UAE
How the Emirates Music Rights Association licence works.
Music Nation UAE
How the Music Nation for Rights Management licence works.
EMRA vs Music Nation
The repertoire split explained, and why some businesses need both.
Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026
The Collective Management in Music Guide, explained in plain language.
Is Spotify Illegal for UAE Businesses?
Why consumer streaming apps do not meet commercial licensing requirements.
Music Licence Cost UAE
What determines licensing fees, and how to budget for compliance.
UAE Copyright Law for Businesses
Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 and what it means for commercial premises.
Frequently asked questions
What is EMRA?+
EMRA, the Emirates Music Rights Association, is the UAE’s first licensed collective management organisation, approved in April 2025, representing rights holders who have voluntarily assigned rights to it.
Is EMRA a government body?+
No, EMRA is a non-profit organisation approved and overseen by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, not a government department itself.
Does an EMRA licence cover all the music I might play?+
Only repertoire assigned to EMRA. Repertoire assigned to Music Nation requires a separate licence — see our EMRA vs Music Nation explainer.
How do I apply for an EMRA licence?+
Applications are made directly through emraorg.ae, where current rate cards and application processes are published.
Does EMRA cover reproduction of a sound recording?+
No. EMRA’s licence covers public performance only. Reproduction, master and publishing rights are outside its scope.
What happens if I only hold an EMRA licence but play international repertoire?+
You may still be exposed on repertoire assigned to Music Nation, and on reproduction, master and publishing rights regardless of which CMO licences you hold.
How does MUSICVYBE relate to EMRA?+
MUSICVYBE’s music is licensed directly from rights holders across all five commercial rights, so businesses using MUSICVYBE do not need a separate EMRA licence for MUSICVYBE-supplied content.
Get compliant, fully managed background music
Speak to MUSICVYBE about your UAE licensing position.
Book a free consultation or email [email protected].