As the United Arab Emirates continues to evolve its cultural landscape, Music Nation has emerged as a significant force in transforming the country’s music-licensing infrastructure. The organization, which launched recently with offices in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, aims to streamline royalty payments and guarantee fair compensation for rights holders throughout the region.
Music Nation represents the UAE’s first collective management organization approved by the Ministry of Economy, operating under the legal framework established by Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 and its Implementing Regulations No. 47 of 2022. This development marks a notable milestone for the country’s creative economy, potentially accelerating growth across the broader Middle Eastern music ecosystem.
Led by CEO Amer M. Samhoun, COO James K. Petrie, and Chief Creative Officer Ali Dee, Music Nation has secured strategic partnerships to enhance its operational capabilities. The organization’s state-of-the-art technology delivers song matching accuracy that significantly reduces unmatched royalties in the region. The collaboration with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) focuses on managing public performance rights, while SoundExchange provides vital support for neighboring rights administration through advanced technological integration.
“Our mission is to make licensing straightforward for businesses while guaranteeing creators receive fair and timely compensation,” the leadership team has emphasized in their communications. This approach addresses longstanding challenges in the UAE’s music industry, where creators have historically struggled with complex licensing procedures and delayed payments.
Music Nation operates under a voluntary delegation model, allowing rights holders to choose their preferred collective management organization. This flexibility, combined with the organization’s dual-city presence, enables extensive service delivery across the Emirates. The initiative is further strengthened by the leadership of Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak who serves as Chairwoman and Founder of Music Nation.
For songwriters, performers, and copyright holders throughout the UAE, Music Nation’s emergence signals a potential transformation in how musical works are valued and monetized. Artists can now focus on creating quality music and developing strategic release plans rather than navigating complex royalty systems. By developing modern licensing solutions that align with global standards while respecting local cultural contexts, Music Nation is positioning the UAE as an increasingly attractive market for musical innovation and investment.
The organization’s focus on transparency and efficiency could ultimately strengthen the foundation of the UAE’s music industry, creating sustainable opportunities for both established and emerging artists in the years ahead. Creators will also benefit from gaining access to distribution channels similar to those offered by global streaming platforms, opening new revenue streams for the region’s musicians.
