UAE Introduces Landmark Federal Law to Revolutionize Arts Sector

The UAE Government has recently issued a Federal Decree-Law to govern art related centers and open up unprecedented advantages for the arts and related persons or artists offered through non-profit organizations. These new pieces of legislation establish the system of national funding for arts institutions but at the same time stimulate the process of art making and attract international talent.

Its main objectives are the strengthening of the creative economy, legal tolerance, and development of cultural interplay through art. It also envisages rules for local and foreign individuals and companies to open private museums, art shows and theater performances with permissions.

According to this new decree, art institutions in the UAE will be tax exempted corporate taxation and will be allowed to accept endowment, grants, donation and sponsorships subject to legal provisions of the country. Special temporary relief of customs measures will be given on movable cultural goods exhibited in permanent collections.

The law also reforms the licensing procedures that will be handle by the local authorities or Ministry of Culture. It provides legal framework on creation of art organisations, formation of the boards of trustees, and performance of arts events in various forms that include, visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, theater, Music arts among others . Institutions can also present academic lectures, courses and movies and/or make use of new technologies creating online access to collections.

Prohibited are other unauthorized artistic activities and – institutions may not advocate hatred, sectarianism or religious strife in the works they produce. This wide-ranging strategy is a major advance toward establishing the UAE as a destination for art and culture in the world.