The First License for Collective Administration in the UAE
The Ministry of Economics in the United Arab Emirates has issued its inaugural license for collective administration in the UAE through the Association of Emirates of Music (Emra).
This license empowers the association to collect and distribute royalties for music creators, ensuring that media channels and platforms meet their financial commitments.
According to Entarabi, the license was granted in accordance with Federal Law No. 38 of 2021 concerning copyright and neighboring rights in the UAE.
UAE Government Commitment to Music Industry Growth
The UAE government stated that the issuance of the Emra license signifies a commitment to the nation’s Vision 2031, aimed at establishing the UAE as a global creative hub through an attractive legislative and regulatory framework.
As per the official announcement, the Ministry of Economics will collaborate with the Association to develop a digital platform for rights registration and revenue management, as well as to organize awareness seminars for artists.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) witnessed the fastest growth in recorded music globally in 2024, with a 22.8% increase according to IFPI data. Revenue from the global music industry rose by 4.8% annually, reaching $29.6 billion in the same year.
As stated in the UAE government’s official press release, the Emra association contributed 3.5% to the UAE’s GDP in 2022, which equates to 54.4 billion dirhams (approximately 14.8 billion US dollars).
This announcement was made during a UAE event attended by representatives from the International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), who expressed their endorsement for this initiative.
“IFPI is proud to support this work, and I congratulate you all on a successful launch.”
Victoria Okley, IFPI
Victoria Okley, CEO of IFPI, remarked: “The establishment of a transparent and accountable organization for managing public work rights and broadcast rights further reinforces the UAE’s status as a vibrant and dynamic music market worldwide.
“By the findings of the IFPI Global Music report, this region was recognized as the fastest-growing music market in the world in 2024. IFPI proudly supports this initiative and congratulates everyone on a successful launch.”
“This represents a significant milestone for the local and international music sector.”
Gadi Oron, CISAC
In a LinkedIn post, CISAC’s Gadi Oron celebrated this development as a significant achievement for both the UAE and the Bay. He noted: “With the immense potential of this rapidly evolving economy, this marks a vital milestone for the local and international music industry. CISAC proudly participated in the collaborative efforts leading to this, alongside SACEM, IFPI, and others.”
“Our aim is to establish the UAE as a central hub for culture, talent, and creative content both regionally and globally.”
Abdulla bin Tou Al Marry, Minister of Economics
Abdulla Bin Tuk Al-Marri, Minister of Economics, emphasized the UAE’s successful establishment of a robust legislative framework to safeguard intellectual property rights, which enhances the cultural and creative sector’s competitiveness as a cornerstone of the national economy.
He stated: “Our goal is to position the UAE as a regional and global center for culture, talent, and creative content.”
“This is a pivotal moment in our cultural journey and demonstrates our commitment to fostering a future where creativity thrives.”
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid al-Kasimi, Minister of Culture
Sheikh Saleh Bin Khalid al-Kasimi, Minister of Culture, remarked: “The issuance of the first license for managing collective music rights reinforces the UAE’s leadership in protecting intellectual property, positioning the music industry as a vital component of the creative economy.”
He added: “This marks a significant milestone in our cultural trajectory and reflects our dedication to nurturing a future where creativity flourishes.
“Through initiatives like the national program for cultural and creative grants, we are supporting artists and enhancing creative production.
In another development, the Music National market serves as a music management organization that licenses the rights of authors, publishers, sound recording owners, and performers throughout the UAE. Music Nation has established partnerships with BMI and SoundExchange.
Additionally, the music rights management organization in Abu Dhabi, Esmaa, Poparabia was launched in 2020 and has since completed agreements to represent the rights of global societies, including SOCAN (Canada) and the PRS for Music (UK).
Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) granted first collective management license in the UAE
