Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026: The Collective Management in Music Guide
Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026 is the operative framework governing collective management of music rights in the United Arab Emirates, published under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 and its 2022 implementing regulations. Known as the Collective Management in Music Guide, it sets out how EMRA and Music Nation operate, how fees are structured, and what businesses are expected to do ahead of enforcement from 1 December 2026.
What the Guide establishes
The Guide confirms the operating basis for EMRA and Music Nation, caps administrative deductions from collected fees at 25% under Ministry oversight, and allocates 10% of all collections to a Cultural Support Fund for Music supporting emerging UAE artists and Emirati music internationally, overseen jointly by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture.
Businesses named in the framework
The framework explicitly names restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centres, gyms, airlines, floating hotels, radio stations, television channels, and concerts and similar events as within scope.
Exemptions
Government entities, educational and academic institutions, national occasions, personal celebrations and non-commercial events, and certain non-commercial charitable events are exempt. The Ministry may add further exemptions by subsequent decision.
Enforcement timeline
Enforcement begins 1 December 2026. Businesses playing commercial music before this date should treat the intervening period as a compliance window, not an extension. See our guide to UAE copyright law for businesses for the underlying legislation.
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Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026
The Collective Management in Music Guide, explained in plain language.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Ministerial Resolution No. 136 of 2026?+
It is the Collective Management in Music Guide, the regulation operationalising how EMRA and Music Nation licence and collect music rights fees in the UAE.
When does enforcement begin?+
Enforcement is active from 1 December 2026.
What legislation underpins the Resolution?+
Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 (Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law) and Cabinet Decision No. 47 of 2022 (Implementing Regulations).
Are any businesses exempt?+
Yes — government entities, educational institutions, national occasions, personal celebrations and non-commercial events, and certain charitable events are exempt.
What is the Cultural Support Fund for Music?+
A fund receiving 10% of all collections under the framework, supporting emerging UAE artists and Emirati music internationally, jointly overseen by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture.
Are administrative fees capped?+
Yes, administrative deductions from collected fees are capped at 25% under Ministry oversight.
How does MUSICVYBE help businesses prepare for enforcement?+
MUSICVYBE’s direct-licensed model covers all five rights ahead of the 1 December 2026 enforcement date, without requiring separate EMRA or Music Nation applications.
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