UAE Ministry Of Economy Grants Second Collective Music Management Licence To Music Nation

The UAE Ministry of Economy has issued its second collective music management licence to 'Music Nation'. This licence allows the organisation to oversee rights distribution for music creators and performers, ensuring compliance across music platforms nationwide. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Dubai, attended by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh and Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini from the Ministry of Economy.

Al Saleh highlighted the UAE's strategic focus on boosting its cultural and creative industries. He stated, "Under the vision of our wise leadership, the UAE has placed strategic emphasis on enhancing the competitiveness of its cultural and creative industries, driving their growth both regionally and globally. Recognising their vital role in national economic growth, we are 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, we aim to expand the private sector’s participation in it, in line with the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries 2031."

The Ministry confirmed that this licence aligns with Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on copyright and related rights. It continues efforts to bolster intellectual property frameworks following a similar licence granted to the Emirates Music Rights Association in April 2025. The initiative aims to enhance the UAE's music industry by establishing transparent revenue systems and fair compensation mechanisms.

Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini noted significant growth in the music sector due to a thriving ecosystem of creative enterprises and events. He mentioned that Dubai hosts 350 live music venues, while national streaming revenues reached US$841.9 million in 2024, with projections nearing US$2.3 billion by 2030.

The Under-Secretary emphasised that awarding this licence is a strategic milestone for fostering creativity in the UAE. It opens new opportunities for artists, writers, and producers while strengthening rights protection. This move leverages creative-economy tools to position the sector as a key driver of national economic growth.

Dr. Al Muaini added that building on last month's inaugural licence for Emirates Music Rights Association, today's authorisation of Music Nation is another significant step forward. The Ministry collaborates with local and global partners to share best practices that drive sector growth while expanding awareness initiatives for artists.

Empowering Local Artists

Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak expressed excitement about Music Nation's role in empowering the Emirates' creative industry. She stated, "Today marks a pivotal moment for the UAE and Music Nation," adding that their technology will protect music rights holders while showcasing Emirati musical heritage globally.

The Ministry remains dedicated to creating a world-class copyright governance system using international best practices. This involves strengthening legal frameworks, fostering investment in creative sectors, and implementing effective collective management systems to safeguard intellectual property rights.

This initiative is seen as a catalyst for cultural innovation while protecting artists' intellectual property rights. By establishing fair compensation mechanisms, it enhances global competitiveness and positions the UAE as a hub for creative enterprises.

With inputs from WAM