Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Ministry of Economy (MoE) on Thursday launched the first licensed cooperative management organisation for the UAE's music industry. Called Emirates Music Rights, this initiative will ensure musicians, producers, and artists properly receive their royalties in a streamlined process, an official from the ministry told Aletihad.
In a move to boost the UAE's creative economy and protect intellectual property, the ministry has officially granted the Emirates Music Rights a licence to collectively manage and safeguard the rights of musicians and creators.
Announced during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi held in cooperation with International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI ) and International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), the licence aims to regulate how music rights are collected and distributed across platforms, ensuring fair compensation and adherence to global standards - while fostering a sustainable, innovation-driven creative environment.
Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for Intellectual Property Rights at the MoE, said this initiative differs from previous intellectual property laws and it is set to change how music royalties are collected in the country.
"Previously, musicians and producers had to collect royalties from different sectors themselves. Now, this organisation will collect royalties on their behalf, ensuring a more efficient and direct process," Dr. Al Muaini told Aletihad. This move, he added, follows similar practices seen in Europe.
Ali Al Khawar, Vice Chairman of Emirates Music Rights, said "the core importance of this association lies in safeguarding the rights of those involved in music creation - from composers and authors to musicians and music makers".
"Preserving these rights is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of the music industry," Al Khawar added.
The establishment of Emirates Music Rights is a significant milestone in protecting the rights of authors, composers, artists, and music creators in the UAE, he told Aletihad.
"Founded by a group of esteemed Emirati artists, poets, composers, and music makers, this association aims to elevate the artistic scene in the UAE. We believe this is just the beginning, and with the support of various ministries and government institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, we are on the path to success," he said.
Long-Term Goal
In the long run, the cooperative plans to "open the door for any industry or private sector entity to apply", Dr. Al Muaini said.
"The government will ensure policies and regulations align with best practices, and we'll continuously gather feedback to improve the system," he added.
The Emirates Music Rights will also engage with private companies and other music organisations, Dr Al Muaini said. "We support their involvement and need to ensure we listen to their needs for this initiative to be effective."
Dr. Al Muaini believes the initiative will make the UAE more attractive to music talent.
"One of the key goals is to attract talent to the UAE. Artists will have an organisation working on their behalf to collect royalties and support their growth, making the UAE an ideal destination," he said.
With such initiatives, the MoE sees greater economic contribution from creative industries in the next few years.
"We are targeting a 5-percent contribution from the creative industries, including music, to the GDP by 2031. This is part of our long-term plan to strengthen the sector's economic impact."
