Bodour Al Qasimi Highlights the Crucial Role of Intellectual Property in Fostering Innovation and Creativity During a Meeting with the ‘IFRRO’ Delegation

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA), emphasised the crucial role of intellectual property in stimulating the creative and cultural industries both in the UAE and globally. She highlighted the continuous efforts made by Sharjah and the UAE to protect the creative rights of authors and publishers by establishing a comprehensive legislative framework that fosters innovation and creativity throughout the country.

This statement was made during a meeting between Sheikha Bodour and a delegation from the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) led by CEO Anita Huss. Majd Al Shehhi, Director of the ERRA, and representatives from the association attended the meeting. They discussed strategies to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in establishing a robust foundation for protecting intellectual property rights, which will positively impact economic growth and societal prosperity worldwide.

As part of the IFRRO delegation’s visit to the UAE, the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association, in collaboration with the visiting delegation, held a meeting with representatives from the UAE Ministry of Economy. HE Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector at the Ministry, was present. This meeting aimed to enhance efforts to protect intellectual property rights and support the creative economy in the country. The discussion focused on exchanging knowledge and expertise. It introduced the delegation to the secure legislative environment the UAE provides for innovators and creators, which aligns with best international practices while exploring ways to strengthen partnerships in this area.

The meeting held great significance in light of recent advancements within the UAE’s intellectual property sector, including updates to legislation and policy, such as the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law. Earlier this year, a comprehensive intellectual property framework was launched to further stimulate innovation and safeguard creators’ rights across various sectors, including technology and the creative industries.

This meeting was part of a broader programme for the IFRRO delegation, which included discussions with the University of Sharjah, cultural tours throughout the country, and a special reception at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. The reception, held on 31 October, brought together representatives from the publishing and education sectors in the UAE to share insights and explore collaborative opportunities to enhance copyright and intellectual property protections for authors and publishers.

The event was attended by Majd Al Shehhi and Anita Huss and representatives from universities, libraries, authors, publishers, and other rights holders across the UAE. Notably, experts from local and international organisations dedicated to copyright management contributed their insights, underscoring the importance of sustaining this crucial sector.

In her opening address, Al Shehhi emphasised the vital role of educational institutions and collective management organisations in safeguarding intellectual property and supporting the creative economy. She stated: “We all recognise the fundamental role of educational institutions in fostering and sharing knowledge, as well as in creating an environment that nurtures creativity and innovation. Protecting the rights of authors and creators within academia is essential for these institutions to fulfil their roles comprehensively.”

She further elaborated: “Integrating the concept of intellectual property into academic settings not only protects creators’ rights but also nurtures a generation that values and contributes to the protection of creative works. This is where copyright management organisations play a crucial role — facilitating licences for copying works in universities, schools, public libraries, and copy centres.”

Al Shehhi continued: “The Emirates Reprographic Rights Association represents authors and publishers, assisting educational institutions by providing licenses for printed and digital works. This approach supports the dissemination of knowledge while respecting copyright and intellectual property. By achieving this balance, we foster creativity, protect intellectual property, and ensure all stakeholders benefit from cultural and literary content.”

Al Shehhi reiterated the importance of copyright and intellectual property rights for original creative works under the UAE’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law. She emphasised that these protections are essential for sustaining creative and cultural production, calling for unified efforts and stronger strategic partnerships between academic and publishing communities to foster a culture of copyright compliance and advance the UAE’s creative economy.

For her part, Anita Huss praised the inspiring model demonstrated by the UAE in safeguarding the rights of authors and publishers. She acknowledged the significance of their intellectual and literary contributions. She highlighted the UAE’s efforts to ensure creators benefit from their creative assets and receive the recognition and rewards they deserve. Huss stressed the need for enhanced coordination and collaboration at a global level in the realm of effective collective rights management, given its crucial role in enriching the publishing process and increasing investment in creative content.

The event featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Yasmin Aissaoui, with contributions from James Alexander, Consultant at IFRRO; HE Fahad Al Mamari, President of the Emirates Library and Information Association; author Shaikha Al Mteiri; and publisher Mohamed Kandil. The panel explored the economic impact of intellectual property protection, with participants sharing insights and discussing potential future collaborations.