Music Nation will now administer public performance and mechanical rights across the UAE, drawing on its partnership with US-based PRO Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Additionally, US-based CMO SoundExchange provides Music Nation with neighboring rights administration.
As part of the launch, Amer M. Samhoun has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, James K. Petrie as Chief Operating Officer, and Ali Dee as Chief Creative Officer.
They report to Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Founder and Chairwoman of Music Nation, and will work from offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
In a note sent to publishers, rights societies, and industry partners regarding the launch, Al Mubarak, noted that “with the tireless support of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and in partnership with BMI and SoundExchange, beginning today, Music Nation is licensing, collecting, distributing, and protecting royalties across public performance, mechanical, and neighboring rights”.
Al Mubarak added: “This means creators, songwriters, composers, publishers, artists, and sound recording owners will finally be fairly and transparently compensated, in line with the UAE’s legislative framework, for the use of their work in the Emirates.”
“Our mission is clear: make licensing simple and provide accurate and timely royalty distributions to creators and rightsholders.”
Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak
Elsewhere in the note, Al Mubarak said: “By building a modern rights infrastructure, we’re also laying the foundation for local creatives to establish lasting careers in music. Around the world, rights organizations serve as the heart and soul of a thriving music economy and Music Nation will proudly fill that role for the UAE, ensuring our artists are both recognized and rewarded for their creativity.
“Our mission is clear: make licensing simple and provide accurate and timely royalty distributions to creators and rightsholders. To deliver on that promise, some of you have already met my leadership team with many decades of experience in business and music.”
Music Nation launches with what it claims to be “advanced song matching accuracy by integrating with the global databases of BMI and SoundExchange, reducing unmatched royalties and accelerating payouts”.
The company claims to be the first rights organization in the region to provide a “single platform uniquely capable of combining streamlined licensing for public venues, broadcasters, and events, with transparent reporting and on-time distributions for creators”.
Music Nation offers multilingual support and outreach, and says it “will continue to serve as an education and onboarding partner, helping businesses obtain proper licenses and enrolling rightsholders to receive comprehensive royalty payments”.
“Today marks the start of a new era for artists in the UAE,” said Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Founder and Chairwoman of Music Nation.
“With Music Nation’s technology and a leadership team that understands both the UAE’s cultural fabric and global music operations, we’re delivering a simple, transparent, and modern licensing solution that easily licenses businesses and quickly pays creators.”
“BMI is proud to partner with Music Nation as it builds the foundation for a thriving, transparent music rights ecosystem in the UAE.”
Mike O’Neill, BMI
Said Michael O’Neill, President & CEO, Broadcast Music, Inc: “BMI is proud to partner with Music Nation as it builds the foundation for a thriving, transparent music rights ecosystem in the UAE.
“Our shared mission is to ensure that songwriters, composers, and publishers are properly compensated for the use of their music—wherever it’s played. Music Nation’s launch represents a major step forward in expanding that mission globally and empowering creators across the region.”
“SoundExchange shares Music Nation’s mission to build a fair and efficient rights management system for recording artists and rights holders in the UAE.”
Michael Huppe, President & CEO, SoundExchange, added: “SoundExchange shares Music Nation’s mission to build a fair and efficient rights management system for recording artists and rights holders in the UAE.
“We’re proudly partnering with Music Nation and BMI to ensure artists and rights holders everywhere are properly compensated for the value their music creates in the global marketplace.”
“Music Nation’s mandate is clear: make licensing easy for businesses and ensure artists are paid quickly and fairly.”
Amer M. Samhoun
“Music Nation’s mandate is clear: make licensing easy for businesses and ensure artists are paid quickly and fairly,” Samhoun said.
“With our ongoing hands-on education for the business and creative communities, an artist-first mentality and best-in-class partnerships and data, Music Nation stands ready to deliver on day one.”Music Business Worldwide
