Emirates Music Rights Association Granted First Collective Management License in UAE

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Significance of EMRA's License
4. The Growing Importance of the Music Sector
5. Support from the International Community
6. Enhancing the Local Artistry
7. Implications for the Future
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• The Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) has received the first-ever collective management license in the UAE, enabling royalty collection for music creators.
• This initiative is a major part of the UAE's Vision 2031 strategy, which aims to position the country as a hub for cultural creativity and innovation.
• The cultural and creative industries accounted for 3.5% of the UAE's GDP in 2022, reflecting the importance of this sector for local economic growth.
• EMRA's establishment has been praised by various music industry representatives for advancing the UAE's music landscape.

Introduction

On April 14, 2025, the United Arab Emirates took a monumental step toward advancing its music industry by awarding the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) the first collective management license in the nation. This strategic move, which comes within the context of the UAE's ambitious Vision 2031 framework, seeks to streamline the collection and distribution of royalties for music creators—ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their work. According to statistics from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the Middle East and North Africa region was the fastest-growing recorded music market globally in 2024, growing by 22.8% year-over-year. Such growth emphasizes the significance of establishing a structured rights management organization in this vibrant market.

As music becomes an integral part of cultural identity and economic growth in the UAE, the establishment of EMRA not only promises to enhance the landscape for local artists but also places the UAE firmly on the global music map. This article will delve into the implications of EMRA's license, explore its potential benefits for artists and the music industry, and examine the broader context within which this initiative has emerged.

The Significance of EMRA's License

The issuance of the collective management license to EMRA marks a noteworthy achievement for the UAE, particularly in terms of music rights management. The license allows EMRA to act as an intermediary, managing the rights of music creators and ensuring that media platforms fulfill their financial obligations toward these artists.

Legislative Framework

The permit was granted in accordance with the UAE's Federal Decree Law No. 38 of 2021, which governs copyright and neighboring rights. This legislation is a cornerstone of the UAE's legal framework for protecting intellectual property rights, which the government sees as vital for fostering innovation across creative sectors. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy, emphasized that the license reflects the nation’s commitment to building a comprehensive environment where creativity can thrive.

Collaborative Efforts

As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Economy will collaborate with EMRA to develop a digital platform for rights registration and revenue management. This platform is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in the royalty collection process, which has historically been fragmented.

The Growing Importance of the Music Sector

The cultural and creative industries contributed 3.5% to the UAE’s GDP in 2022, amounting to 54.4 billion dirhams (approximately $14.8 billion). This economic contribution underscores the growing influence of music on the local economy. Historically, the UAE has been known for its diverse cultural landscape, and this latest development indicates a concerted effort to not only preserve but enhance the cultural fabric of the nation.

Spotlight on the Region

The IFPI has ranked the MENA region as the fastest-growing market for recorded music globally. In 2024, the global recorded music industry grew by 4.8% year-over-year to reach $29.6 billion. This growth presents a significant opportunity for the UAE to solidify its position as a leader in the regional music industry.

Case Study: Global Music Market Trends

Other regions that have successfully established collective management organizations have seen positive outcomes. For instance, countries like Canada and the UK have implemented successful copyright frameworks that prioritize the rights of music creators, leading to increased revenues for artists and the growth of local music scenes.

Support from the International Community

The establishment of EMRA has garnered international applause. Notably, representatives from the IFPI and the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) were in attendance at the launch event. Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI, praised the initiative, stating, “The establishment of an effective, transparent and accountable rights management organization 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.”

This international recognition is crucial as it connects the UAE’s burgeoning music scene with a larger global framework, encouraging collaborations and exchanges that bolster the local industry.

Enhancing the Local Artistry

The new license will enable EMRA to fulfill a promise to local artists—ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their work. With the recent growth in digital streaming and social media, artists are often left navigating complex landscapes alone, struggling to receive proper royalties from their music.

Empowering Artists

To support this process, EMRA plans to conduct various workshops aimed at educating artists about their rights and the importance of music rights management. These initiatives could empower Emirati artists to leverage their creative output rightfully, thus fostering a healthier ecosystem for artistic expression.

A Shift in the Landscape

The landscape for music rights management is transforming in the UAE. Prior to EMRA's establishment, organizations like Music Nation and ESMAA were active in the music rights space. Music Nation has secured partnerships with notable entities like BMI and SoundExchange, enabling it to facilitate royalties distribution. Meanwhile, ESMAA, launched by PopArabia in 2020, represents global collecting societies and has made strides in ensuring artist rights. The presence of multiple organizations suggests a fragmented landscape that EMRA’s arrival aims to unify under a single, more transparent framework.

Implications for the Future

The creation of EMRA is not just about music rights; it symbolizes a turning point for the UAE’s ambition to emerge as a cultural hub. By establishing a collective management framework, the UAE is sending a clear message that it values creative industries and the contributions they make to the economy.

Vision 2031 and Beyond

The UAE’s ‘Vision 2031’ aims to position the country at the forefront of cultural development. Establishing a robust framework for music rights management aligns with these goals and has the potential to attract international talent and investment.

Potential Economic Growth

With the right support mechanisms in place, the music sector could lead to increased job creation, both directly in music and indirectly in related industries, such as event management, tourism, and digital marketing. Furthermore, a strong local music scene can enhance the country’s global brand as a destination for creativity and innovation.

Conclusion

The granting of the first collective management license to the Emirates Music Rights Association marks a pivotal milestone in the UAE's cultural journey. As the music sector continues to grow in importance, both economically and socially, EMRA's establishment signals a commitment to protecting the rights of music creators and fostering an environment where creativity can flourish. The collaboration between the government and EMRA offers exciting opportunities for local artists, setting the stage for an evolving and dynamic music landscape in the UAE.

As the nation moves toward fulfilling its Vision 2031 objectives, the emphasis on cultural and creative industries will likely play a crucial role in shaping its future.

FAQ

What is the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA)?

EMRA is the first collective management organization in the UAE, tasked with managing the rights of music creators and ensuring they receive royalties for their work performance.

Why was the collective management license significant?

The license allows EMRA to legally collect and distribute royalties on behalf of music creators, ensuring compliance and accountability within the music industry.

How does this initiative align with the UAE’s Vision 2031?

The establishment of EMRA supports the UAE's strategic goal to become a global hub for culture and creativity, creating an attractive regulatory and legislative framework for artists and producers.

How has the music industry performed in the UAE?

The cultural and creative industries contributed 3.5% to the UAE's GDP in 2022, highlighting the growing significance of music and arts to the national economy.

What are the anticipated benefits for local artists?

Local artists will benefit from better transparency in royalty collection, educational workshops, and a stronger support network for managing their rights and protections.

Are there other music rights organizations in the UAE?

Yes, organizations like Music Nation and ESMAA operate in the UAE, focusing on music rights management, but EMRA aims to unify and streamline these efforts under a single framework.