Back to Intellectual Property Intellectual Property

Copyright in the UAE: What Is Protected and Who Owns It

Copyright protects original creative works such as writing, software, designs, music, photographs and films. In the UAE it is governed by the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021).

This guide covers the basics for creators and businesses commissioning creative work.

What is protected

Protection generally covers the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. Original works in literary, artistic and technical fields can qualify, including software and databases, subject to the law.

Who owns the work

The author is usually the first owner, but ownership can be transferred or may be shared depending on the circumstances, such as employment or commissioned work. Contracts should state who owns what. See IP agreement review.

Registration and evidence

Protection does not depend on registration, but UAE offers a deposit or registration mechanism that can help prove authorship and date. Keep drafts, source files and dated records, which are useful evidence.

Duration

Copyright lasts for a set period under the law, generally linked to the author's life or the date of publication, depending on the type of work. Check the current term for your case.

Using other people's work

Using copyrighted material generally needs permission or a licence, with limited exceptions. See licensing agreement review.

Moral rights

Authors may have rights to be credited and to object to distortion, which may be hard to waive fully, so agreements should be drafted with care.

Businesses and freelancers

When commissioning content, ensure the agreement assigns or licenses the rights you need. A payment alone may not transfer copyright.

How a consultation can help

A consultation can help you understand ownership and licensing questions and organise evidence. It does not guarantee that a particular work is protected or that infringement claims will succeed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register to have copyright?

Protection generally arises automatically, though registration can help with proof.

Who owns work created by an employee?

It depends on the employment contract, the nature of the work and the law.

Does copyright protect a business idea?

No, ideas themselves are generally not protected. The form of expression may be.

Related guides and services

General information only. Please read our Legal Disclaimer.