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UAE introduces new music management license to boost creative industries

The UAE Ministry of Economy has issued its second collective music management license to Music Nation, authorizing the organisation to manage rights distribution for music creators and performers and ensure compliance across platforms nationwide.
The move, announced during a ceremony at the Ministry’s Dubai headquarters, supports the country’s growing creative economy. The regional streaming market is projected to surge to $2.3 billion by 2030. Music Nation follows the Emirates Music Rights Association, which received the first license in April 2025.
The licence was granted under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on copyright and related rights. Officials at the event included Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, and Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Under-Secretary for Intellectual Property.
Al Saleh said the initiative aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries 2031, which aims to elevate the sector’s global competitiveness.
“The Ministry remains committed to establishing a world-class copyright governance system, through strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, fostering investment in creative sectors, and implementing robust collective management systems,” he said.
Dr. Al Muaini noted that the UAE’s music scene is thriving, with Dubai alone hosting 350 live music venues. The national streaming market reached $841.9 million in 2024 and is expected to nearly triple by 2030. He stressed the importance of robust legislation and global partnerships in driving further growth and protecting artists’ rights.
Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairwoman of Music Nation, highlighted the organization’s collaboration with international rights bodies BMI and SoundExchange, stating, “Our cutting-edge technology and services will protect music rights holders and propel the UAE’s music economy to new frontiers.”