Guide · 5 November 2026
Live music permits in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar
Do you need a permit to have musicians at your event? It depends on where the event is, what kind of venue it is in, whether it is private or open to the public, and the act itself. This guide explains who licenses live entertainment in each country we cover, who usually handles the paperwork, and the questions to ask so nothing is left to the last minute. It is general information as of November 2026, not legal advice — rules change, so always confirm with your venue and the official authority.
The short answer
For most private events at a hotel or licensed venue, the host does not apply for anything personally: the venue and the entertainment provider deal with the authorities. What matters is agreeing in writing who is responsible. Extra approvals are more likely for public, ticketed or advertised events, for outdoor locations such as beaches and public spaces, and for special acts involving fire, drones or pyrotechnics.
Dubai
Events and entertainers in Dubai are licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as DTCM, through its e-Permit system. Licensed venues such as hotels submit the details of the functions they host, and professional entertainers are permitted through the same system.
For a wedding or private party at a hotel, the venue normally coordinates this with the entertainment provider. Ask your venue early what it needs from the musicians and by when.
Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Events in Abu Dhabi are licensed by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi), with applications made through the TAMM government services platform.
DCT’s Event Licensing Manual (2024) states that its Temporary Entertainment Permit applies to events involving more than ten entertainers or performers, and that wedding, engagement, henna and condolence events are excluded. Entertainers themselves may still need their own entertainer permits, which the provider arranges — see Khaleej Times’ explainer.
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah)
Entertainment in Saudi Arabia is regulated by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). Public events, concerts and ticketed shows need GEA approval, and venues may also need municipal and Civil Defense clearances. For private celebrations, requirements depend on the venue and the format, so confirm with the venue and the event organiser before the line-up is finalised.
Read more on music for events in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Qatar (Doha)
In Qatar, cultural and artistic events with live entertainment are licensed by the Ministry of Culture, and venues need the relevant Civil Defense and security approvals, as reported by Qatar News Agency. Public and tourism events also involve Qatar Tourism. For a private event at a hotel, the venue is the first place to ask.
Read more on music for events in Doha.
What to ask your venue and your agency
- Does the event need any permit, and who applies for it — the venue, the agency or you?
- What does the venue need from the musicians (names, passport or ID copies, permit details) and by when?
- Are there limits on volume or a time when amplified music must stop?
- Is the performance area indoors, outdoors, or in a public space?
- Do any acts involve fire, pyrotechnics or drones that need separate approval?
- If the event is ticketed or advertised publicly, has the organiser applied for the event permit?
When you enquire with us, mention the venue and whether the event is private or public, so the paperwork can be checked early.
Questions, answered
Do I need a permit for musicians at my wedding in Dubai?
For a wedding at a hotel or licensed venue, the venue normally coordinates any notification with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and the entertainment provider supplies the performers’ details. You should not have to apply yourself, but confirm in writing who is responsible.
Do weddings in Abu Dhabi need an entertainment permit?
DCT Abu Dhabi’s 2024 Event Licensing Manual excludes weddings, engagements, henna and condolence events from its Temporary Entertainment Permit. Individual entertainers may still need their own permits, which the provider arranges.
Who licenses entertainment in Saudi Arabia and Qatar?
The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in Saudi Arabia, and the Ministry of Culture in Qatar, with Civil Defense and venue approvals in both. Requirements for private events depend on the venue and format, so confirm with the venue.
