EMRA vs Music Nation: The UAE Repertoire Split Explained
The single most misunderstood point in UAE music licensing is that EMRA and Music Nation do not divide rights by type — they divide them by repertoire. This is a critical departure from how collective rights management works in comparable markets, and it means many UAE businesses need licences from both organisations to cover a single mixed playlist. This page explains the distinction clearly, with worked examples.
Not a rights split — a repertoire split
Both EMRA and Music Nation cover the same two rights: public performance of composition and public performance of sound recording. They differ only in which rights holders have assigned their catalogue to each. EMRA, approved April 2025, is the broader domestic first-mover; Music Nation, approved June 2025, is backed by BMI and SoundExchange and primarily represents US-catalogue and internationally signed artists.
Why this differs from Singapore and Malaysia
In Singapore, COMPASS covers composition and MRSS covers sound recording — a split by rights type. In Malaysia, MACP covers composition and PPM covers recordings and reproduction — again by rights type. In the UAE, both CMOs can in principle license the same type of use; the deciding factor is whose catalogue the specific track belongs to.
Why many businesses need both licences
A hotel lobby or retail store playing a mixed programme of local Arabic-language repertoire and international pop is very likely drawing on catalogue assigned to both organisations. Holding only one licence leaves the other portion of the playlist unlicensed for public performance — and neither licence, individually or combined, addresses reproduction, master or publishing rights.
| 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 |
Related reading
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
Do EMRA and Music Nation cover different rights?+
No, both cover public performance of composition and public performance of sound recording. The difference is which rights holders’ catalogue each represents.
Why would my business need both licences?+
If your playlist includes repertoire assigned to both organisations — common with mixed local and international programming — you need coverage from both to be fully licensed for public performance.
Is this the same system as Singapore or Malaysia?+
No. Singapore and Malaysia split licensing by rights type (composition vs recording). The UAE splits by repertoire ownership across two organisations covering the same rights types.
How do I know which repertoire is assigned to which CMO?+
Current repertoire lists are maintained by each organisation; emraorg.ae is the primary reference point for EMRA’s assigned catalogue.
Does holding both licences make my business fully compliant?+
It addresses public performance only. Reproduction, master and publishing rights remain uncovered by either organisation.
Which organisation should a new business apply to first?+
Businesses should assess the composition of their playlist. Many venues ultimately need both; MUSICVYBE removes this assessment entirely by supplying pre-cleared repertoire.
How does MUSICVYBE handle the repertoire split?+
MUSICVYBE licenses its library directly from rights holders across all five rights, so the EMRA/Music Nation repertoire question does not arise 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].