MENA: IFPI-UAE deal to support music industry

Held for the first time in the city, the meeting brought together industry players including senior executives from IFPI as well as major and independent record companies to discuss opportunities for the rapidly evolving music market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

The market is home to important music companies including the NASDAQ-listed Anghami and Saudi Arabian record label Rotana Music, which represents prominent artists across the Arab world including Mohammed Abdu, Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Amr Diab, and more.

The agreement is purposed to support the growth of recorded music in the local market. It will see the ministry, IFPI and its member record companies in the region working together to promote and protect the value of music, support the development of local artists and develop a robust and sustainable music ecosystem.

The MoU highlights a number of ways the partner bodies will work together, such as sharing relevant information, developing a copyright framework that aligns with international standards, and enforcing, collecting and protecting the rights of record producers. 

“There’s a saying that the future has already happened, unfolding one day at a time,” UAE Ministry of Economy’s assistant undersecretary for commercial affairs, Abdulaziz al-Nuaimi, said. “We believe the partnership with IFPI and its members shall unfold the music industry future the same way, as each day passes.”

IFPI CEO Frances Moore said: “This is a very exciting time for the music industry in the UAE and the MoU is an important next step to ensuring its future growth … Our priority is to develop an official music licensing company that will license the use of recordings for broadcast and public performance under UAE law.” 

IFPI regional director for MENA Rawan al-Dabbas said: “This marks a really important moment that will drive the development of a strong environment for recorded music in the UAE and support the next generation of artists here.” 

MENA is the fastest-growing recorded music market in the world, boasting a 35% increase last year, according to the IFPI’s recently published Global Music Report. Streaming revenue accounted for a significant portion of the growth. Meanwhile, the IFPI is working on introducing regional music charts.