The United Arab Emirates government has given the green light to rights management company Music Nation to operate a collective management organization (CMO) in the country. Music Nation says the move will deliver “a vital new source of revenue for music rights holders”.
The UAE’s Ministry of the Economy issued Music Nation formal approval to license, collect and distribute royalties from public performance, mechanical and neighboring rights, Music Nation said in a statement on Tuesday (June 3).
Music Nation Chairwoman Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak called the development “a pivotal moment” for the UAE and Music Nation.
“After years of careful planning, Music Nation is positioned to become a cornerstone of music licensing, empowering the Emirates’ vibrant creative industry,” she said.
In a note to Music Nation stakeholders, obtained by MBW, Al Mubarak added that the authorization to operate a CMO is “not just an industry milestone, it is a personal one. As an Emarati and someone who cares deeply about the creative future of my country and our region, I am honored to play a role in creating a sustainable future for artists, composers, songwriters, and the entire music community here and abroad.”
Music Nation will now begin collecting royalties in the UAE for more than 2 million songwriters, composers, publishers, artists, sound recording owners, and others, in partnership with US-based performance rights org BMI and digital collective management org SoundExchange, with which Music Nation partnered in March.
Licensing CMOs is part of a long-term initiative by the UAE to become a creative industry hub. In April, the Ministry of the Economy certified the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) as the country’s first CMO.
Music Nation is also one of the partners working to build “the world’s first purpose-built music city” in the UAE, a hub that will include recording studios and music academies. The city’s mission is “to build sustainable careers in the international music industry and export the region’s signature sound.”
That effort is being guided by Dubai Global Music City (DGMC), where Al Mubarak also serves as Chair. Last year, DGMC Productions launched a joint venture label with Universal Music Group to sign and develop local artists.
The Middle East/North Africa was the fastest-growing region for recorded music globally in 2024, growing by 22.8% YoY, according to IFPI figures. By comparison, overall global recorded music industry revenues grew by 4.8% YoY, to $29.6 billion, in 2024.
“After years of careful planning, Music Nation is positioned to become a cornerstone of music licensing, empowering the Emirates’ vibrant creative industry,”
Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Music Nation
The UAE government “continues its efforts to develop an advanced system for the governance of copyright and related rights, based on global best practices,” His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said on the occasion of the Music Nation announcement.
“This is achieved by developing regulatory and legislative frameworks, stimulating investment in creativity, and supporting effective collective management systems that ensure the protection of rights and enhance the confidence of creators and musicians in the country’s creative climate.”
“This is a major milestone and a vote of confidence from the UAE Ministry of Economy in the combined abilities of Music Nation, SoundExchange, and BMI.”
Michael Huppe, Sound Exchange
BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill said his organization is “thrilled” to partner with Music Nation.
“BMI has always been an unwavering advocate for the songwriters, composers and rights holders behind the songs the world loves, and we’re excited to provide our music licensing infrastructure, expertise and deep experience fostering career development to benefit the region’s incredible creators,” he said.
Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange, added: “This is a major milestone and a vote of confidence from the UAE Ministry of Economy in the combined abilities of Music Nation, SoundExchange, and BMI. We’re excited to get to work establishing the region’s premier collective management organization and serving creators with the same level of excellence we have for more than two decades in the US.”Music Business Worldwide
