The launch of the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA) marks a pivotal advancement in the UAE’s intellectual property (IP) framework. As the country’s first licensed Collective Management Organization (CMO) for music, EMRA was established under Federal Decree Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighboring Rights to address the longstanding absence of a structured system for licensing and royalty collection in the music sector.
EMRA provides a centralized mechanism to manage and enforce copyright, ensuring music creators, such as composers, performers, and producers, receive fair compensation for the use of their works. A digital platform is also being developed to facilitate rights registration and revenue management, promoting transparency and modern IP administration.
Developed in collaboration with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), EMRA aligns with international standards and signals the UAE’s commitment to global best practices.
This initiative reinforces the country’s vision to foster a sustainable, innovation-driven creative economy, establishing a robust institutional IP infrastructure and advancing the UAE’s leadership in regional copyright reform.