Copyright Protection vs Digital Infringement

Authors of copyright works and holders of neighboring rights enjoy protection under the UAE Federal Law No. 7 of 2002 Concerning Copyrights and Neighboring Rights (the "UAE Copyright Law"). In line with the laws of most countries, protection is provided to authors of works, which include literary works, computer software, databases, lectures/speeches, plays, musical works, plans, drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographic works, broadcasting and other intellectual works.

In fact, using, copying and downloading software, downloading materials from websites on the internet or distributing any material in any manner, for any purpose, commercial or personal, without the author's written permission, constitutes copyright infringement - with limited exceptions.