Today, on June 4, Music Nation Copyrights Management, a leading entity in music rights management within the United Arab Emirates, officially announced that it has obtained formal approval to license, collect, and distribute royalties associated with public performance and neighboring rights. This significant approval is expected to provide a crucial new revenue stream for music rights holders, as highlighted by Music Nation, marking a transformative moment for the entire music industry landscape in the region.
By collaborating with established entities such as the performing rights organization BMI and the globally recognized collective management organization SoundExchange, Music Nation is poised to become the first rights management organization in the industry capable of seamlessly collecting a comprehensive range of rights, including performance, mechanical, and neighboring rights. This advancement not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly benefits the diverse array of music creators in the UAE.
“Today is a landmark occasion for both the UAE and Music Nation,” stated Music Nation chairwoman Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak in an official statement. “After extensive planning and deliberation, Music Nation is now well-positioned to serve as a foundational pillar of music licensing, empowering the vibrant creative industry of the Emirates. As an Emirati, I take immense pride in establishing a world-class music rights infrastructure that not only uplifts local artists but also celebrates our rich musical heritage and cultural traditions on a global stage.”
Music Nation is an integral part of a broader initiative in the UAE aimed at fostering a flourishing music ecosystem while enhancing the region’s music industry by safeguarding the rights of music creators and ensuring they are fairly compensated for the commercial utilization of their artistic work. This initiative is expected to drive significant advancements in the industry, promoting creativity and innovation across the UAE.
“The Ministry [of Economy] is dedicated to developing an advanced governance system for copyright and related rights, founded on globally recognized best practices,” emphasized the undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, in a release. “Our efforts include the creation of regulatory and legislative frameworks, encouraging investment in creativity, and fostering effective collective management systems that protect rights and instill confidence among creators and musicians in the nation’s creative climate.”
He added, “The collective management license for music plays a pivotal role in nurturing a vibrant creative culture within society. This initiative provides comprehensive protection for the intellectual property rights of musicians and artists while ensuring financial justice in the distribution of revenues and transparency in the collection and allocation of copyrights. Such measures will enhance the competitiveness of the music industry in our country, making it an appealing destination for creative and cultural works from around the globe.”
Music Nation is set to commence the collection of royalties in the UAE for over 2 million songwriters, composers, publishers, artists, sound recording owners, and various other music creators. This impressive figure reflects the collective copyrights held by clients of BMI and SoundExchange, positioning Music Nation as a key player in the efficient collection and distribution of royalties on their behalf across the UAE, ensuring that all contributors receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
“We are excited to collaborate with Rasha, the talented Music Nation team, and SoundExchange to ensure that music creators in the UAE can transform their passion into sustainable careers through fair compensation for their creative efforts,” stated BMI president and CEO Mike O’Neill in a release. “BMI has consistently been a staunch advocate for the rights of songwriters, composers, and rights holders behind the beloved songs of the world. We are eager to leverage our music licensing infrastructure and expertise to support the incredible creators in this region, paving the way for countless opportunities. Together, we envision a prosperous future.”
The UAE and the larger Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continue to emerge as the fastest-growing music market globally, with the IFPI reporting a decade of consistent growth that extended into 2024. The music revenue in MENA surged by 22.8% last year, significantly surpassing the global average growth rate of 5.9%, showcasing the dynamic potential of the region’s music industry.
“This achievement marks a significant milestone and reflects a strong endorsement from the UAE Ministry of Economy regarding the combined capabilities of Music Nation, SoundExchange, and BMI,” expressed SoundExchange president and CEO Michael Huppe in a release. “We are enthusiastic about the prospect of establishing the region’s leading collective management organization and are committed to serving music creators with the same dedication and excellence that has characterized our operations in the U.S. for over two decades.”
