The UAE continues to strengthen its regulatory framework to protect intellectual property, improve financial-market transparency and promote responsible business practices.
Businesses should take note of three important regulatory developments:
What businesses should do: Review the use of background music, live entertainment and music at events, and determine the applicable licensing requirements.
What businesses should do: Confirm that the necessary regulatory approvals are in place before launching or continuing campaigns.
Affected entities should review their licensing status, governance arrangements, internal controls and regulatory responsibilities to ensure alignment with the new framework.
Our support may include:
▪️ Regulatory compliance assessments
▪️ Licensing readiness and regulatory change management
Early preparation can help businesses reduce regulatory exposure and manage change in a structured and sustainable manner.
To discuss how these developments may affect your organisation, please contact the BDO UAE team.
Disclaimer: This post provides general information only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Businesses should consult the relevant regulator or a qualified legal adviser regarding requirements applicable to their activities.
Businesses should take note of three important regulatory developments:
Commercial music licensing
From 1 December 2026, eligible businesses using music may be required to obtain the appropriate license and pay applicable fees under the UAE’s collective music rights framework. This may affect restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping malls, fitness centres, airlines, broadcasters and event organisers. Fees will depend on factors such as the nature and size of the establishment and how music is used.What businesses should do: Review the use of background music, live entertainment and music at events, and determine the applicable licensing requirements.
Advertising crypto and financial products
From 21 October 2026, businesses advertising cryptocurrency exchanges, software wallets, contracts for difference, or rolling spot foreign exchange products to UAE audiences must comply with Google’s updated eligibility requirements. Depending on the product, advertisers may need to hold authorisation from an eligible regulator, comply with applicable UAE laws.What businesses should do: Confirm that the necessary regulatory approvals are in place before launching or continuing campaigns.
Financial and insurance regulatory framework
Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 introduces a unified framework covering the Central Bank of the UAE, regulated financial institutions and insurance businesses.Affected entities should review their licensing status, governance arrangements, internal controls and regulatory responsibilities to ensure alignment with the new framework.
How can BDO UAE support?
BDO UAE supports organisations in understanding regulatory obligations, identifying compliance gaps and strengthening governance and internal controls.Our support may include:
▪️ Regulatory compliance assessments
▪️ Licensing readiness and regulatory change management
Early preparation can help businesses reduce regulatory exposure and manage change in a structured and sustainable manner.
To discuss how these developments may affect your organisation, please contact the BDO UAE team.
Disclaimer: This post provides general information only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Businesses should consult the relevant regulator or a qualified legal adviser regarding requirements applicable to their activities.