In a landmark move for the Middle East's creative economy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has officially authorized Music Nation to operate as a Collective Management Organization (CMO). This decision, announced on June 3, 2025, marks a transformative shift in the UAE’s music rights landscape—one that promises new revenue streams for songwriters, composers, publishers, performers, and recording owners across the region.
Music Nation Secures Government Approval to Collect and Distribute Royalties
With formal approval from the UAE Ministry of Economy, Music Nation is now empowered to license, collect, and distribute royalties for public performance, mechanical rights, and neighboring rights. This includes royalties for more than 2 million music creators worldwide, in collaboration with leading rights organizations BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and SoundExchange.
“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, Chairwoman, Music Nation
A New Era for Music Royalties in the UAE and the MENA Region
This development follows a long-term UAE initiative to position itself as a global hub for the creative industries. In April 2025, the country certified its first CMO, the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA). Now, with Music Nation joining the effort, the infrastructure for copyright and royalty governance is becoming more robust and aligned with international best practices.
“This is not just an industry milestone; it is a personal one,” said Al Mubarak. “As an Emirati, I’m proud to support the future of our artists and composers by helping create a sustainable, transparent royalties system.”
Global Expertise Meets Local Ambition
Music Nation’s CMO rollout is being supported by two of the most respected names in global music rights:
BMI, the U.S.-based performance rights giant
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SoundExchange, the digital rights management authority
Both organizations bring decades of expertise in royalty tracking, copyright compliance, and rights holder support, enhancing the credibility and capability of Music Nation's operations in the region.
“This is a major milestone and a vote of confidence from the UAE Ministry of Economy,”
— Michael Huppe, President & CEO, SoundExchange
“We’re thrilled to help empower MENA creators through Music Nation,”
— Mike O’Neill, President & CEO, BMI
Pioneering a Purpose-Built Music Ecosystem in the UAE
Music Nation’s ambitions go beyond licensing. It is a strategic partner in the development of the world’s first purpose-built music city in the UAE, led by Dubai Global Music City (DGMC). The city aims to provide a comprehensive ecosystem with recording studios, music academies, and career development platforms designed to export the region’s signature sound internationally.
Al Mubarak, who also chairs DGMC, emphasized the project’s mission to “build sustainable careers in the international music industry” while highlighting regional diversity and talent.
The UAE and MENA: The World’s Fastest-Growing Music Market
The UAE’s push toward music infrastructure comes as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continues its explosive growth. According to the IFPI Global Music Report 2025, MENA recorded a 22.8% increase in music revenues year-on-year in 2024—outpacing global music revenue growth, which stood at 4.8%.
This momentum underscores the urgency and impact of Music Nation’s mission: creating a reliable, scalable, and fair system for royalty distribution and copyright governance in a rapidly maturing regional market.
Empowering Music Creators with Rights and Revenues
With this move, the UAE joins a global community of countries with functioning collective rights management systems—further protecting artists, stimulating local investment, and encouraging cultural exports.
“This is achieved by developing regulatory and legislative frameworks, stimulating investment in creativity, and supporting effective collective management systems.”
— H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Economy
