Why Restaurant Music Licensing in the UAE Is a Two-Track Compliance Issue
UAE restaurants that play music — whether background tracks or live bands — must satisfy two separate regulatory frameworks: an entertainment performance permit issued by the relevant emirate tourism or economy authority, and a music copyright licence covering the public performance of protected works. Until April 2025, the second track had no formal enforcement body; the establishment of the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) changed that. Operators who conflate the two, or assume a trade licence covers entertainment activity, face compliance gaps that inspections are beginning to surface.
This guide walks through both tracks for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, then covers the noise, Ramadan, and alcohol-venue rules that overlay them. If you are still at the setup stage, our F&B business setup package includes an entertainment licensing review as part of the pre-opening compliance checklist.
Track 1 — The Entertainment Performance Permit
A live entertainer cannot legally perform in a UAE restaurant without a permit from the relevant authority; the permit covers the act of hosting a performer on your premises, regardless of whether you charge an entry fee. The granting body differs by emirate, as does the fee structure.
Dubai: Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
In Dubai, live entertainment permits — including those for restaurants, hotel F&B outlets, and standalone cafés — are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which absorbed the former DTCM function. The applicable instrument is the Entertainment Activity Permit, designed for recurring activations at a fixed venue, valid for up to three months and renewable. For one-off ticketed or public-facing events, a separate Event Permit (applied through the DET ePermit portal at visitdubai.com) is required instead.
The standard ePermit fee for a non-ticketed entertainment event is AED 200. Applications submitted fewer than five working days before the event attract an urgency surcharge of AED 700. Processing typically takes five to eight working days for routine submissions. Required documents include: copies of performer passports and photographs; the venue’s current trade licence; an NOC from the venue owner or management company; a written description of the entertainment type on company letterhead; and a confirmation of whether the event is private or public.
DET rules impose a minimum age of 21 for entertainers. Live performances without a valid permit — including resident DJs — constitute an unlicensed entertainment activity that can result in venue closure notices.
Abu Dhabi: Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) issues entertainment permits through its Events Licensing System (ELS), accessible via the TAMM platform (tamm.abudhabi). The fee structure differs meaningfully from Dubai:
- Per-performer monthly permit: AED 500 per entertainer, valid for one month and renewable. The typical route for restaurants with a resident band or solo artist.
- Temporary Entertainment Permit: AED 5,000 for up to seven days covering unlimited performers, renewable at AED 1,000 per additional week.
- Base application fee: AED 200 per event; urgency fee: AED 500 for applications submitted fewer than three working days before the event.
Documentation requirements track performer nationality: UAE nationals and residents need a recent photograph; GCC and foreign nationals require a passport copy plus photo; mission or visit-visa holders must also provide a UAE visa copy. Only licensed venues — hotels, licensed restaurants, resorts, and auditoriums — are eligible to host permitted performances. Content approval is part of the process: lyrics, costumes, and show themes are reviewed against cultural-suitability standards.
Sharjah: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)
Sharjah’s entertainment permit framework operates through the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The emirate applies stricter cultural norms than Dubai or Abu Dhabi: live music is generally restricted to licensed hotel venues, and standalone restaurants and cafés in Sharjah face a more conservative permission environment for entertainment, particularly for mixed-gender live performances. Operators should contact the SCTDA directly before planning any entertainment programme, as approval is subject to content review and venue classification. Note that Sharjah has a total alcohol ban, which intersects with (and generally restricts) the category of venues eligible for entertainment permits.
For a detailed walkthrough of how the F&B licensing process fits together across all three emirates, see our guide on UAE restaurant trade licences: DED vs free zone.
Track 2 — Music Copyright and Public Performance Royalties (EMRA)
The entertainment permit grants you the right to host a performer; it does not license the underlying music those performers play, nor the recorded tracks you stream through your sound system. That is governed by copyright law — Federal Decree Law No. 38 of 2021 on Intellectual Property Rights — and since April 2025, enforced through the UAE’s first licensed music collecting society.
The Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA)
On 10 April 2025, the UAE Ministry of Economy granted the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) the first Collective Management Organisation (CMO) licence in the country. EMRA administers both Musical Works rights and Sound Recording rights arising from public performances and broadcasts of music. In June 2025, a second CMO, Music Nation, also received a licence, creating a two-body collection ecosystem analogous to structures in the UK (PRS + PPL) or Australia (APRA AMCOS + PPCA).
Venues within EMRA’s enforcement scope explicitly include hotels, restaurants, cafés, gyms, spas, and retail outlets — any customer-facing space where music is audible to the public. This means that playing a Spotify playlist, Anghami stream, or background music service without a business-grade public performance licence is a copyright infringement under UAE law, not merely a terms-of-service issue with the streaming platform.
As of mid-2026, EMRA’s formal tariff schedules for the hospitality sector have not yet been published, but spot-check audits of commercial venues have begun. Restaurants should contact EMRA directly (membership@emiratesmusic.ae) to register ahead of tariff publication. A digital licensing platform is being developed in partnership with the Ministry of Economy.
What About Background Recorded Music Before EMRA Tariffs Are Published?
Operators can use commercial background music services with UAE-compliant licensing agreements, or royalty-free and original music. A personal Spotify subscription routed through restaurant speakers is not a licensed public performance under either the platform’s terms or UAE law. The legal obligation to licence exists now; until EMRA publishes a formal tariff, enforcement risk is highest for venues that have been audited.
If acoustics are part of your venue planning, our restaurant acoustics design guide covers speaker placement, zoning, and sound level management alongside the compliance context.
Noise Limits and Sound Level Rules
Beyond the entertainment and copyright permit tracks, restaurants hosting amplified music must comply with Dubai Municipality noise regulations under Article 75 of Local Order No. 61/1991, and equivalent municipality rules in other emirates.
Permitted ambient noise limits in Dubai are:
- Daytime (7 am–8 pm): 40–50 dB(A) in residential zones; 45–55 dB(A) in commercial areas such as Downtown Dubai.
- Nighttime (8 pm–7 am): 30–40 dB(A) residential; 35–45 dB(A) commercial.
- Post-10 pm: Outdoor music must be substantially reduced at all venue types.
These limits apply to all outdoor events and venues with amplified music. For indoor restaurants, the practical application is that sound must not transmit beyond the venue boundaries at levels exceeding the above thresholds — this drives requirements for acoustic treatment, particularly for rooftop venues or ground-floor restaurants adjacent to residential buildings. Dubai Police (999) and the Dubai Municipality app are the reporting channels for noise complaints.
Getting the acoustic envelope right from the design phase is significantly cheaper than retrofitting sound insulation after a complaint. Our restaurant concept design service incorporates acoustic zoning to meet municipality compliance from the outset.
Ramadan Music Restrictions for UAE Restaurants
During Ramadan, UAE restaurants must significantly reduce or eliminate music during daylight fasting hours, with outdoor venues bearing the strictest requirements. The specific rules have evolved considerably over recent years and vary by emirate.
Current Ramadan Rules (2025 Framework)
In Dubai, restaurant operations during Ramadan have been substantially liberalised since 2021: food service is permitted throughout the day without screens or partitions, and malls operate normally. However, music restrictions remain:
- Outdoor venues: Music must be turned off or kept at minimal ambient levels during fasting hours (from Fajr until sunset/Maghrib). Outdoor concerts are prohibited throughout Ramadan.
- Indoor venues: Low background music is generally tolerated; DJ sets and live bands are typically suspended for daytime service.
- After sunset (post-Iftar): Normal entertainment resumes, including live music for licensed venues.
- Private hotel events (ballrooms): Live music is permitted subject to standard permits.
In Abu Dhabi, similar rules apply; music-free daytime operation for outdoor spaces is the standard expectation. In Sharjah, Ramadan restrictions are stricter: entertainment is not permitted at standalone F&B venues during daylight hours, and Sharjah City Municipality issues specific food-sales permits (AED 3,000) and food-display permits (AED 500) applicable during Ramadan. Confirm Ramadan-specific rules with your relevant municipality each year — guidance is re-issued annually and should not be assumed to carry over unchanged.
Alcohol-Licensed Venues and Entertainment Overlaps
Restaurants with a liquor licence in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (issued by DTCM/DET in Dubai, and under a separate liquor licensing framework in Abu Dhabi) typically operate within hotel complexes or specifically licensed standalone venues. These venues face an additional layer of entertainment compliance because their operating licence conditions often specify permitted entertainment categories. Key overlaps to understand:
- A liquor licence and an entertainment permit are separate instruments and must both be current. Holding one does not imply the other.
- Many liquor-licensed outlets (bars, nightclubs, hotel lounges) have entertainment conditions built into their operating permit from the outset. Restaurants should verify whether their existing venue approval already covers recurring live music or whether a separate DET Entertainment Activity Permit is required.
- For venues in free zones such as DMCC (Jumeirah Lakes Towers), a separate DMCC Live Entertainment Policy applies, requiring compliance with the DMCC Retailers Live Entertainment Policy guidelines in addition to DET permits. DMCC permit fees range from AED 500 to AED 5,000 depending on event scope.
- Sharjah’s total alcohol ban means there is no overlap with liquor licences there; entertainment in Sharjah is assessed purely on cultural and venue-type grounds.
For a full picture of how alcohol licensing and F&B compliance intersect, see our dedicated article on restaurant alcohol licences in the UAE.
If you want an independent audit of whether your current venue is fully compliant across all entertainment, copyright, and operational permit categories, our restaurant compliance audit service provides a structured gap analysis with a prioritised remediation plan.
Step-by-Step: What a Restaurant in Dubai Needs to Play Music Legally in 2026
- Confirm your venue classification — is it a licensed restaurant, hotel F&B outlet, or free-zone retail unit? Each has a different primary authority.
- Recurring live entertainment: Apply for a DET Entertainment Activity Permit (up to 3 months) via the DET ePermit portal. Submit at least 8 working days before the first performance to avoid the AED 700 urgency fee. Include performer passports, venue NOC, and entertainment programme description.
- One-off public or ticketed events: Apply for a DET Event Permit at least 15 days before the promotion start date.
- Background recorded music: Register with EMRA (membership@emiratesmusic.ae) to queue for licensing ahead of formal tariff publication. Avoid routing personal streaming accounts through venue speakers.
- Noise compliance: Measure outdoor sound against Dubai Municipality thresholds (Article 75 of Local Order No. 61/1991) — critical for rooftop and terrace venues.
- Ramadan protocol: Update your music schedule each Ramadan per the current-year municipality guidance. Outdoor music off during fasting hours; indoor background at low levels only.
- Free-zone check: If operating in DMCC or another free zone, obtain zone-specific entertainment approval in addition to DET permits.
For an end-to-end compliance walkthrough covering trade licences, food safety, and entertainment permits, explore our essential services for UAE restaurant operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UAE restaurant need a permit just to play background music through a speaker?
Yes, under UAE Federal Decree Law No. 38 of 2021, playing copyrighted music publicly in a commercial space requires a public performance licence. Since April 2025, the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) is the authorised body to issue these licences. Formal tariffs for restaurants are not yet published, but the legal obligation exists and audits have begun.
Which authority issues the live entertainment permit in Dubai?
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as DTCM, issues live entertainment permits in Dubai. For recurring venue entertainment, the relevant instrument is the Entertainment Activity Permit (valid up to 3 months). For one-off events, a DET Event Permit is required, applied through the ePermit portal.
Can a standalone restaurant in Sharjah host live music?
This is significantly restricted. Sharjah applies conservative content standards, and live entertainment permits are generally limited to hotel venues. Standalone restaurants must consult the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) before planning any live performance programme, as approval is not guaranteed and content is reviewed for cultural suitability.
Are there specific Ramadan rules for music in UAE restaurants?
Yes. During Ramadan, outdoor music must be turned off or minimised at all UAE venues during fasting hours (sunrise to sunset). Outdoor concerts are prohibited throughout Ramadan in Dubai. Indoor restaurants may play low-level background music. After Iftar, normal entertainment resumes for licensed venues. Sharjah enforces stricter Ramadan entertainment restrictions than Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Is a liquor licence the same as an entertainment permit in Dubai?
No. A liquor licence and an entertainment permit are separate regulatory instruments issued under different frameworks. Holding a valid alcohol licence does not automatically grant the right to host live performers. Conversely, many entertainment permits are issued to venues that do not serve alcohol. Both must be current and in scope for the activities taking place.
Related guide: This article is part of our complete restaurant compliance and food safety guide.
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Why Restaurant Music Licensing in the UAE Is a Two-Track Compliance Issue
UAE restaurants that play music — whether background tracks or live bands — must satisfy two separate regulatory frameworks: an entertainment performance permit issued by the relevant emirate tourism or economy authority, and a music copyright licence covering the public performance of protected works. Until April 2025, the second track had no formal enforcement body; the establishment of the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) changed that. Operators who conflate the two, or assume a trade licence covers entertainment activity, face compliance gaps that inspections are beginning to surface.
This guide walks through both tracks for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, then covers the noise, Ramadan, and alcohol-venue rules that overlay them. If you are still at the setup stage, our F&B business setup package includes an entertainment licensing review as part of the pre-opening compliance checklist.
Track 1 — The Entertainment Performance Permit
A live entertainer cannot legally perform in a UAE restaurant without a permit from the relevant authority; the permit covers the act of hosting a performer on your premises, regardless of whether you charge an entry fee. The granting body differs by emirate, as does the fee structure.
Dubai: Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
In Dubai, live entertainment permits — including those for restaurants, hotel F&B outlets, and standalone cafés — are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which absorbed the former DTCM function. The applicable instrument is the Entertainment Activity Permit, designed for recurring activations at a fixed venue, valid for up to three months and renewable. For one-off ticketed or public-facing events, a separate Event Permit (applied through the DET ePermit portal at visitdubai.com) is required instead.
The standard ePermit fee for a non-ticketed entertainment event is AED 200. Applications submitted fewer than five working days before the event attract an urgency surcharge of AED 700. Processing typically takes five to eight working days for routine submissions. Required documents include: copies of performer passports and photographs; the venue’s current trade licence; an NOC from the venue owner or management company; a written description of the entertainment type on company letterhead; and a confirmation of whether the event is private or public.
DET rules impose a minimum age of 21 for entertainers. Live performances without a valid permit — including resident DJs — constitute an unlicensed entertainment activity that can result in venue closure notices.
Abu Dhabi: Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) issues entertainment permits through its Events Licensing System (ELS), accessible via the TAMM platform (tamm.abudhabi). The fee structure differs meaningfully from Dubai:
Documentation requirements track performer nationality: UAE nationals and residents need a recent photograph; GCC and foreign nationals require a passport copy plus photo; mission or visit-visa holders must also provide a UAE visa copy. Only licensed venues — hotels, licensed restaurants, resorts, and auditoriums — are eligible to host permitted performances. Content approval is part of the process: lyrics, costumes, and show themes are reviewed against cultural-suitability standards.
Sharjah: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)
Sharjah’s entertainment permit framework operates through the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The emirate applies stricter cultural norms than Dubai or Abu Dhabi: live music is generally restricted to licensed hotel venues, and standalone restaurants and cafés in Sharjah face a more conservative permission environment for entertainment, particularly for mixed-gender live performances. Operators should contact the SCTDA directly before planning any entertainment programme, as approval is subject to content review and venue classification. Note that Sharjah has a total alcohol ban, which intersects with (and generally restricts) the category of venues eligible for entertainment permits.
For a detailed walkthrough of how the F&B licensing process fits together across all three emirates, see our guide on UAE restaurant trade licences: DED vs free zone.
Track 2 — Music Copyright and Public Performance Royalties (EMRA)
The entertainment permit grants you the right to host a performer; it does not license the underlying music those performers play, nor the recorded tracks you stream through your sound system. That is governed by copyright law — Federal Decree Law No. 38 of 2021 on Intellectual Property Rights — and since April 2025, enforced through the UAE’s first licensed music collecting society.
The Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA)
On 10 April 2025, the UAE Ministry of Economy granted the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) the first Collective Management Organisation (CMO) licence in the country. EMRA administers both Musical Works rights and Sound Recording rights arising from public performances and broadcasts of music. In June 2025, a second CMO, Music Nation, also received a licence, creating a two-body collection ecosystem analogous to structures in the UK (PRS + PPL) or Australia (APRA AMCOS + PPCA).
Venues within EMRA’s enforcement scope explicitly include hotels, restaurants, cafés, gyms, spas, and retail outlets — any customer-facing space where music is audible to the public. This means that playing a Spotify playlist, Anghami stream, or background music service without a business-grade public performance licence is a copyright infringement under UAE law, not merely a terms-of-service issue with the streaming platform.
As of mid-2026, EMRA’s formal tariff schedules for the hospitality sector have not yet been published, but spot-check audits of commercial venues have begun. Restaurants should contact EMRA directly (membership@emiratesmusic.ae) to register ahead of tariff publication. A digital licensing platform is being developed in partnership with the Ministry of Economy.
What About Background Recorded Music Before EMRA Tariffs Are Published?
Operators can use commercial background music services with UAE-compliant licensing agreements, or royalty-free and original music. A personal Spotify subscription routed through restaurant speakers is not a licensed public performance under either the platform’s terms or UAE law. The legal obligation to licence exists now; until EMRA publishes a formal tariff, enforcement risk is highest for venues that have been audited.
If acoustics are part of your venue planning, our restaurant acoustics design guide covers speaker placement, zoning, and sound level management alongside the compliance context.
Noise Limits and Sound Level Rules
Beyond the entertainment and copyright permit tracks, restaurants hosting amplified music must comply with Dubai Municipality noise regulations under Article 75 of Local Order No. 61/1991, and equivalent municipality rules in other emirates.
Permitted ambient noise limits in Dubai are:
These limits apply to all outdoor events and venues with amplified music. For indoor restaurants, the practical application is that sound must not transmit beyond the venue boundaries at levels exceeding the above thresholds — this drives requirements for acoustic treatment, particularly for rooftop venues or ground-floor restaurants adjacent to residential buildings. Dubai Police (999) and the Dubai Municipality app are the reporting channels for noise complaints.
Getting the acoustic envelope right from the design phase is significantly cheaper than retrofitting sound insulation after a complaint. Our restaurant concept design service incorporates acoustic zoning to meet municipality compliance from the outset.
Ramadan Music Restrictions for UAE Restaurants
During Ramadan, UAE restaurants must significantly reduce or eliminate music during daylight fasting hours, with outdoor venues bearing the strictest requirements. The specific rules have evolved considerably over recent years and vary by emirate.
Current Ramadan Rules (2025 Framework)
In Dubai, restaurant operations during Ramadan have been substantially liberalised since 2021: food service is permitted throughout the day without screens or partitions, and malls operate normally. However, music restrictions remain:
In Abu Dhabi, similar rules apply; music-free daytime operation for outdoor spaces is the standard expectation. In Sharjah, Ramadan restrictions are stricter: entertainment is not permitted at standalone F&B venues during daylight hours, and Sharjah City Municipality issues specific food-sales permits (AED 3,000) and food-display permits (AED 500) applicable during Ramadan. Confirm Ramadan-specific rules with your relevant municipality each year — guidance is re-issued annually and should not be assumed to carry over unchanged.
Alcohol-Licensed Venues and Entertainment Overlaps
Restaurants with a liquor licence in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (issued by DTCM/DET in Dubai, and under a separate liquor licensing framework in Abu Dhabi) typically operate within hotel complexes or specifically licensed standalone venues. These venues face an additional layer of entertainment compliance because their operating licence conditions often specify permitted entertainment categories. Key overlaps to understand:
For a full picture of how alcohol licensing and F&B compliance intersect, see our dedicated article on restaurant alcohol licences in the UAE.
If you want an independent audit of whether your current venue is fully compliant across all entertainment, copyright, and operational permit categories, our restaurant compliance audit service provides a structured gap analysis with a prioritised remediation plan.
Step-by-Step: What a Restaurant in Dubai Needs to Play Music Legally in 2026
For an end-to-end compliance walkthrough covering trade licences, food safety, and entertainment permits, explore our essential services for UAE restaurant operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UAE restaurant need a permit just to play background music through a speaker?
Yes, under UAE Federal Decree Law No. 38 of 2021, playing copyrighted music publicly in a commercial space requires a public performance licence. Since April 2025, the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) is the authorised body to issue these licences. Formal tariffs for restaurants are not yet published, but the legal obligation exists and audits have begun.
Which authority issues the live entertainment permit in Dubai?
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as DTCM, issues live entertainment permits in Dubai. For recurring venue entertainment, the relevant instrument is the Entertainment Activity Permit (valid up to 3 months). For one-off events, a DET Event Permit is required, applied through the ePermit portal.
Can a standalone restaurant in Sharjah host live music?
This is significantly restricted. Sharjah applies conservative content standards, and live entertainment permits are generally limited to hotel venues. Standalone restaurants must consult the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) before planning any live performance programme, as approval is not guaranteed and content is reviewed for cultural suitability.
Are there specific Ramadan rules for music in UAE restaurants?
Yes. During Ramadan, outdoor music must be turned off or minimised at all UAE venues during fasting hours (sunrise to sunset). Outdoor concerts are prohibited throughout Ramadan in Dubai. Indoor restaurants may play low-level background music. After Iftar, normal entertainment resumes for licensed venues. Sharjah enforces stricter Ramadan entertainment restrictions than Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Is a liquor licence the same as an entertainment permit in Dubai?
No. A liquor licence and an entertainment permit are separate regulatory instruments issued under different frameworks. Holding a valid alcohol licence does not automatically grant the right to host live performers. Conversely, many entertainment permits are issued to venues that do not serve alcohol. Both must be current and in scope for the activities taking place.
Related guide: This article is part of our complete restaurant compliance and food safety guide.
Make My Restaurant is a UAE-based turnkey restaurant-services company — design, fit-out, MEP, compliance, cleaning and back-office support across all seven emirates.