The United Arab Emirates has entered a new chapter in music rights management with the launch of Music Nation Copyrights Management. The UAE government approved the organization earlier this year. Now, with offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Music Nation is ready to change how artists and businesses handle rights.
Fairness, Transparency, & Global Partnerships
From the start, the company has focused on fairness and transparency. Founder and Chairwoman Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak stressed that creators will finally receive fair compensation for their work. To deliver on this promise, Music Nation partnered with two major U.S. organizations. Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) brings expertise in public performance rights, while SoundExchange supports neighboring rights. Together, they provide access to global databases and advanced song-matching tools. As a result, unmatched royalties will decrease and payouts will speed up.
The leadership team adds further strength. Amer M. Samhoun serves as CEO, with James K. Petrie as COO and Ali Dee as Chief Creative Officer. They report directly to Al Mubarak and bring decades of experience in music and business. Their mission is clear: simplify licensing, deliver timely royalty payments, and build a modern rights system. As Samhoun explained, “Music Nation’s mandate is clear: make licensing easy for businesses and ensure artists are paid quickly and fairly.”
Industry Support & Global Recognition
Industry partners have also welcomed the move. Michael O’Neill, President and CEO of BMI, called the launch a “major step forward” for fair compensation worldwide. Likewise, Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange, said the partnership will create a “fair and efficient rights management system” for UAE artists. These endorsements highlight the global importance of Music Nation’s work.
In conclusion, Music Nation represents more than a new company. It marks a cultural and economic milestone for the UAE. By combining international expertise with local leadership, the organization is building a transparent, sustainable music ecosystem. For artists, songwriters, and businesses, this launch signals the start of a fairer and more rewarding future.
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