UAE: New association to protect copyrights of content creators

The UAE witnessed the official launch of the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) - a first-of-its-kind association in the region.

The launch aligns with the UAE’s mandate to protect copyrights of content creators and safeguard the rights of authors and publishers through appropriate laws and legislations.

The launch ceremony, at the House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah, was held in the presence of Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) and Honorary President of ERRA; Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth; and Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, and high-level officials representing various entities in the publishing sector.

In her opening address at the launch ceremony, Bodour Al Qasimi said: “We are proud to launch the pioneering Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association, a first-of-its kind initiative in the region that bolsters the position and role of the UAE in stimulating and encouraging creative industries as a fundamental pillar of the modern economy.

"The launch also reflects the growing dependence on intangible assets or intellectual capital as exemplified by the rapid expansion of the cultural and creative industries in the UAE’s digital economy.”

Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised that the establishment of ERRA is a major step in the right direction and gives a clear signal that the UAE spares no efforts in protecting the copyrights of authors and publishers.

Strengthening knowledge economy

For his part, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said: “We thank Bodour Al Qasimi for establishing and launching this association, and for her ongoing efforts and pioneering initiatives that foster the development of knowledge, culture and creative environment in Sharjah and the UAE.

"Under the forward-looking vision of the wise leadership, the UAE has focused on building a knowledge-based economy and is developing its legislative ecosystem to create the best society and economy, as well as become the best destination for trade, businesses, investments, talents and creative people.”

In her speech during the ceremony, HE Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, congratulated Bodour Al Qasimi, Honorary President of ERRA, for launching the first-of-its-kind association in the Middle East, adding that it marks yet another significant achievement for the creative community in the UAE.

ERRA’s current board is comprised of Dr. Alyazia Khalifa, President; Dr. Afra Atiq, Vice President; Majd Al Shehhi, Director; Dr. Abdelrahman Al Muaini, Secretary; Ali Bin Hatem, Board Member; and Saleha Obaid, Treasurer.