Music Nation UAE Licence: What Businesses Need to Know
Music Nation for Rights Management is the UAE’s second licensed collecting society, approved in June 2025. Unlike EMRA, Music Nation is a private entity, backed by BMI and SoundExchange, and primarily represents US-catalogue rights holders and internationally signed artists. This page sets out what a Music Nation licence covers, how it differs from EMRA, and what remains uncovered.
What the Music Nation licence covers
A Music Nation licence authorises public performance of composition and public performance of sound recording, for the repertoire assigned to Music Nation — primarily international, US-catalogue-weighted repertoire via its BMI and SoundExchange backing. Businesses playing a broad international playlist alongside local repertoire may need this licence in addition to an EMRA licence; see EMRA vs Music Nation for the full repertoire-split explanation.
| 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 structure
As with EMRA, fees vary by business type, venue size and manner of use, with live music and DJ performances attracting higher rates than background recorded music. Licences are annual and renewable, and administrative deductions are capped at 25% under Ministry oversight. See music licence cost in the UAE for the variables that shape your fee band.
What a Music Nation licence does not cover
A Music Nation licence, even alongside an EMRA licence, does not extend to reproduction of a sound recording, master (recording) rights, or publishing rights. These three rights sit outside the remit of either UAE collective management organisation and must be secured through direct rights holder agreements — which is exactly what MUSICVYBE’s licensing model provides in a single subscription.
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 Music Nation for Rights Management?+
Music Nation is the UAE’s second licensed collective management organisation, approved in June 2025, a private entity backed by BMI and SoundExchange, primarily representing US-catalogue and internationally signed rights holders.
Is Music Nation the same as EMRA?+
No. Both cover public performance rights, but for different repertoire pools — see our EMRA vs Music Nation comparison.
Do I need a Music Nation licence if I already have an EMRA licence?+
Possibly, if your playlist includes repertoire assigned to Music Nation rather than EMRA. Many commercial venues need both.
Does Music Nation cover reproduction rights?+
No. Music Nation’s licence, like EMRA’s, covers public performance only.
Is Music Nation a government body?+
No, Music Nation is a private entity, though it operates as an approved collective management organisation under Ministry oversight.
What determines whether I need Music Nation, EMRA, or both?+
The repertoire in your playlist. International, US-catalogue-heavy programming is more likely to require Music Nation; broader or locally weighted repertoire may sit with EMRA.
How does MUSICVYBE avoid the need for a separate Music Nation licence?+
MUSICVYBE’s library is licensed directly from rights holders across all five commercial rights, so content supplied through MUSICVYBE does not require a separate Music Nation licence.
Get compliant, fully managed background music
Speak to MUSICVYBE about your UAE licensing position.
Book a free consultation or email [email protected].