Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Economy has awarded its second collective music management licence to 'Music Nation' during a ceremony held at its headquarters in Dubai. The licence authorises the organisation to manage the distribution of rights on behalf of music creators and performers, while also ensuring nationwide compliance among music platforms.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made during an event attended by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, and Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Under-Secretary for Intellectual Property. The licence was issued in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 concerning copyright and related rights. This marks the continuation of the Ministry's efforts to strengthen intellectual property frameworks in the UAE, following the first collective management licence awarded to the Emirates Music Rights Association in April 2025.
Al Saleh stated that under the vision of the UAE's leadership, there is a strategic emphasis on enhancing the competitiveness of cultural and creative industries, aiming for growth both regionally and globally. Recognising their role in national economic growth, the Ministry is committed to fostering public-private collaboration to cultivate an enabling environment for talent and innovation. By elevating the creative economy's legislative framework to world-class standards, the Ministry seeks to expand the private sector's participation in alignment with the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries 2031.
In his speech, Al Saleh highlighted the Ministry's commitment to establishing a world-class copyright governance system by strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, fostering investment in creative sectors, and implementing robust collective management systems. These measures aim to safeguard intellectual property rights and build creators' trust in the nation's creative ecosystem.
The collective music management licence is seen as a catalyst for cultural innovation while safeguarding artists' intellectual property rights. By establishing transparent revenue distribution systems and fair compensation mechanisms, it aims to enhance the UAE's music industry and position the nation as a premier hub for creative enterprises.
Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini noted the remarkable growth of the music industry, driven by an expanding ecosystem of creative enterprises and world-class events. With Dubai hosting 350 live music venues and the national streaming market generating US$841.9 million in 2024, projected to nearly triple by 2030, the Ministry prioritises robust legislative frameworks to catalyse the creative economy and foster artistic innovation.
He further added that the authorisation of Music Nation marks another significant milestone, building on the inaugural licence granted to the Emirates Music Rights Association. The Ministry collaborates with local and global partners to share best practices that drive sector growth, expanding awareness initiatives to ensure artists, composers, and producers fully leverage these licences.
Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Music Nation, expressed honor in establishing a world-class music rights infrastructure. This initiative aims to elevate local artists and showcase the UAE's rich musical heritage and cultural traditions globally. In partnership with industry leaders BMI and SoundExchange, Music Nation's cutting-edge technology and services will protect music rights holders and propel the UAE's music economy to new heights.