In April 2025, the UAE Ministry of Economy granted the first collective management license for music rights to the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA). This major step aims to regulate the collection and distribution of music royalties, ensuring artists and rights holders are fairly compensated across broadcasting and digital platforms.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the UAE’s creative economy and align with international best practices in intellectual property protection. Speaking of the growth of the creative economy in the UAE, His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, stated at the licence announcement that:
“It is part of our broader vision for the UAE to become a regional and global hub for culture, talent, and creative content.”
The licence was issued under Federal Law No. (38) of 2021 on Copyright and Neighboring Rights and key highlights include:
- EMRA will manage music rights on behalf of creators, streamlining royalty collection and distribution.
- A digital platform is being developed to facilitate rights registration and efficient revenue management.
- The initiative supports the UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, aiming to position the UAE as a global hub for culture and creative industries.
- International organizations such as International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) and International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) have praised the UAE’s leadership in advancing music rights and creative sector governance.
Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI, stated:
“The establishment of an effective, transparent and accountable rights management organisation for public performance and broadcast rights is a further step that will cement UAE as one of the most dynamic and exciting music markets in the world”.
Strategic Impact:
According to the IFPI Global Music Report, the MENA region was the fastest-growing recorded music market in the world in 2024, expanding by 22.8%.
The initiative:
- Enhances protections for authors, artists, and producers.
- Stimulates innovation and investment in the music and cultural industries.
- Contributes to a sustainable, rights-based creative ecosystem that boosts confidence and opportunities for both Emirati and global talent.
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, stated that the grant of the licence
“…contributes to providing a sustainable environment that supports artists and authors, preserves their material and moral rights, and ensures the continuity of creative production, enhancing the confidence of talented individuals that their creations are protected by fair laws that stimulate innovation”.
The new licensing system aims to support authors, artists, and producers by ensuring fair compensation while offering legal and financial protection for their creations. This initiative aligns with the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries, which seeks to enhance the contribution of creative sectors to the UAE's national GDP.
The Ministry of Economy will partner with EMRA to create an advanced digital platform that will simplify rights registration and optimize revenue management. As part of this effort, workshops will be offered to assist in educating artists and authors, and increase awareness of their rights and the available protection for their works. Additionally, the Ministry plans to strengthen collaborations with international copyright organisations, adopting best legal and technical practices in the field.
The grant of this licence is a further example of the UAE’s goal to enhance its position as a leading destination for music and creative innovation, while also empowering artists and innovators.