MusicNation Becomes First Middle East Signatory of Human Artistry Campaign on Responsible AI

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Launched at SXSW in 2023, the campaign advances principles focused on consent, transparency, accountability, respect for copyright and intellectual property, and the irreplaceable role of human artistry in culture.

The UAE-based music rights management organization joins more than 200 members across the creative and technology sectors, including music, film, publishing, journalism, photography and other fields, in advocating for AI frameworks built around transparency, consent and respect for intellectual property.

The move comes as questions around AI, copyright ownership and the use of creative works continue to intensify globally.

The Human Artistry Campaign has been pushing for protections around unauthorized use of creative content, including deepfakes, voice cloning and digital replicas, while supporting licensing models that allow creators and technology companies to collaborate.

For MusicNation, the partnership aligns with the UAE’s broader focus on AI development and its efforts to strengthen copyright infrastructure across the creative economy. The organization aims to contribute to the development of clearer licensing systems and rights management practices as technology reshapes how music is created, distributed and monetized.

Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, MusicNation’s Founder and Chairwoman, said, “The UAE has quickly established itself as one of the world’s most forward-looking markets for AI, innovation and the creative economy. As that momentum accelerates, MusicNation and our allies in the Human Artistry Campaign seek to support the next phase of growth on trust, transparency and respect for human creativity. We are proud to join the Human Artistry Campaign to support responsible AI, clear licensing frameworks and protections that ensure creators and technology companies can thrive together.”

Amer M. Samhoun, MusicNation’s CEO, said, “Human creativity is the foundation of music. As new technologies emerge, our goal is not to impede innovation, but to help ensure it develops on a foundation of respect for creators, clear licensing, transparency and trust. That is essential for artists, for technology companies and for the future of the creative economy.”

Dr. Moiya McTier, Human Artistry Campaign senior advisor, said, “MusicNation’s support reflects the growing global recognition that responsible AI must be built with respect for human creativity. Innovators and policymakers around the world are working to embrace powerful new technologies while preserving the uniquely human artistry, identity and rights that fuel culture..."

Founded to support music copyright protection and royalty management in the UAE, MusicNation works with rights holders including authors, publishers, performers and sound recording owners. The organization has established industry partnerships with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) and SoundExchange, both of which are also members of the Human Artistry Campaign.

Through these partnerships and its technology infrastructure, MusicNation is developing systems for the collection and distribution of music royalties across the UAE, with ambitions to support a stronger rights ecosystem in the wider MENA region.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in creative industries, the debate around ownership, licensing and consent is expected to remain central. MusicNation’s entry into the Human Artistry Campaign places a regional music rights organization within that global conversation.

With AI rewriting the rules of creativity, MusicNation’s move signals the Middle East’s growing presence in the global debate over who owns, protects and profits from human-made content.