Page 177 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - APRIL 2025

"Previously, musicians and producers had to collect royalties from different sectors themselves.
Now, this organisation will collect royalties on their behalf, ensuring a more efficient and direct
process," Dr. Al Muaini told Aletihad. This move, he added, follows similar practices seen in
Europe.

Ali Al Khawar, Vice Chairman of Emirates Music Rights, said "the core importance of this
association lies in safeguarding the rights of those involved in music creation - from composers and
authors to musicians and music makers".

"Preserving these rights is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of the music
industry," Al Khawar added.

The establishment of Emirates Music Rights is a significant milestone in protecting the rights of
authors, composers, artists, and music creators in the UAE, he told Aletihad.

"Founded by a group of esteemed Emirati artists, poets, composers, and music makers, this
association aims to elevate the artistic scene in the UAE. We believe this is just the beginning, and
with the support of various ministries and government institutions, including the Ministry of Culture,
we are on the path to success," he said.

Long-Term Goal

In the long run, the cooperative plans to "open the door for any industry or private sector entity to
apply", Dr. Al Muaini said.

"The government will ensure policies and regulations align with best practices, and we'll
continuously gather feedback to improve the system," he added.

The Emirates Music Rights will also engage with private companies and other music organisations,
Dr Al Muaini said. "We support their involvement and need to ensure we listen to their needs for this
initiative to be effective."

Dr. Al Muaini believes the initiative will make the UAE more attractive to music talent.

"One of the key goals is to attract talent to the UAE. Artists will have an organisation working on their
behalf to collect royalties and support their growth, making the UAE an ideal destination," he said.

With such initiatives, the MoE sees greater economic contribution from creative industries in the
next few years.

"We are targeting a 5-percent contribution from the creative industries, including music, to the GDP
by 2031. This is part of our long-term plan to strengthen the sector's economic impact."

https://en.aletihad.ae/news/culture/4565703/emirates-music-rights-launched-to-streamline-
royalty-collect