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Rasha Al Mubarak on Empowering UAE Creators: Redefining Music Rights in Hospitality and Beyond

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7 months ago

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Rasha Al Mubarak, Founder and Chairwoman of Music Nation, portrait in black abaya against modern office interior background.

By: Rasha Al Mubarak, the visionary Founder & Chairwoman of Music Nation

  1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what drew you to the world of music rights?

I was fortunate to grow up in a family that deeply valued culture, justice, and humanitarian work. At the same time, I have always been passionate about music, art and storytelling as powerful ways to share our heritage. The intersection of these influences: law, humanitarianism, and creativity, naturally drew me to music rights, where I saw an opportunity to protect creators, empower communities, and ensure that culture remains accessible and celebrated.

  • How would you describe Music Nation’s mission and the role it plays in supporting artists and the creative economy as a whole?

Music Nation was founded with a clear and compelling mission: to support music creators and rightsholders within the UAE by protecting and licensing their copyrighted works to businesses that use music, but also offering guidance on their career development throughout the music industry. We empower creators to understand the business landscape, cultivate meaningful industry relationships, and effectively monetize their work.

  • Congratulations on Music Nation’s Collective Management Organization (CMO) permit award by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. What does this milestone mean for music creators as well as the hospitality sector, and why is such recognition so important for all parties?

For me, this historic milestone is about recognition. It means that music creators in the UAE, and from around the world, now have an official, trusted body that protects their rights and ensures they are fairly compensated whenever their music is played. That sense of security allows them to focus on their craft, knowing their work is valued and protected.

At the same time, hotels, restaurants, and other venues also benefit from this system. Instead of navigating a gray area, they now have a clear legal framework to play music, while respecting the creators behind it. This creates a healthier, more transparent ecosystem where everyone wins: artists are rewarded, businesses have peace of mind, and audiences get to enjoy music in spaces that honor creativity.

  • Your collaboration with global entities BMI and SoundExchange is notable. How do these partnerships enhance Music Nation’s capacity to meet international standards in rights management?

I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our partners BMI and SoundExchange; organizations with long-standing, global reputations. BMI helped us build the foundation for public performance licensing in the UAE years ago. Their expertise ensures that songwriters and publishers are properly supported and compensated through proven technology and systems.Our partnership with SoundExchange has taken things further in the neighboring rights space. Their advanced technology, data tools, and administration capabilities are the best in the business, and these systems allow us to collect and distribute royalties for performers and producers/labels with speed, accuracy and transparency.

What this means for our artists is that they’re getting world-class rights protection and royalty distribution. For me, it’s a source of pride to bring these advanced systems home to the UAE, so that artists here benefit from fairness, clarity, and credibility that matches what creators around the world expect and deserve.

  • It can be problematic when it comes to businesses playing music because of the complexity and legal risks involved. How does Music Nation simplify this process for restaurants, hotels, and other F&B operators?

In the past, music licensing was cumbersome and essentially ambiguous. Today it is just the opposite. Our leadership recognizes the positive impact of the UAE’s creative and cultural industries and has introduced robust copyrights legislation to protect and nurture our creatives and provide them with the opportunity to build sustainable careers through royalty distribution. The ambiguity of the past has been resolved through regulation, and using music today without a license is considered copyright infringement, carrying significant risks. With Music Nation, we facilitate all of that licensing officially, seamlessly and throughout the UAE.

Music Nation was built for this purpose. In the world of music copyright law, we have authors rights that protect the authors and publishers of a song  and we have neighboring rights (also known as related rights) that protect the performers and producers/labels of recorded music. In most other markets, a business would have to pay a license fee to one society for author/publisher rights and another fee to another society for neighboring rights. Music Nation is the one-stop solution for licensing all of these rights under a single umbrella. This simplifies things enormously, and we believe we are the first Collective Management Organization in the world to natively achieve this. Rather than juggling multiple contracts with multiple parties or risking unlicensed use, hospitality licensees like restaurants and hotels can now secure clear, legal access to music with one efficient license from Music Nation.

  • Music is often seen as culture, but it’s also a powerful economic driver. How do you see licensed music contributing to the growth of the UAE’s creative economy?

I’ve always believed that music is both a cultural heartbeat and an economic engine. When music is properly licensed, it ensures that creators are fairly compensated, which in turn encourages more artists to invest their time, talent, and resources into making more music. This cycle doesn’t just benefit artists; it supports businesses, creates jobs, and attracts investment into the wider creative industries.

In the UAE, this has an even greater significance. The country has placed the creative economy at the center of its National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries 2031, aiming to make it one of the nation’s key growth sectors. Licensed music plays a direct role in that vision: it gives artists a reliable income stream, provides venues and businesses with legal clarity, and builds trust in the ecosystem.

  • As a successful Emirati entrepreneur, what lessons have you learned on your journey that you would like to pass on to the next generation of women leaders?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to take the time to truly search for your passion. It’s not always obvious at first, but once you find what excites you, what gives you energy, that’s where your strength lies. And when you do discover it, I encourage you to think about how to turn that passion into something both innovative and meaningful, while staying authentic. Something that not only allows you to express your creativity but also benefits the community around you.

For me, combining my love for law, humanitarian work, and the arts led to building organizations that protect creators and give back to society. That balance is what keeps me motivated.

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Hospitality

MAKI AND RAMEN IS TURNING SUSHI INTO A GAME – AND RAMEN INTO A CHALLENGE THIS APRIL

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22 minutes ago

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April 13, 2026

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This April, Maki & Ramen is set to shake up Dubai’s experiential dining scene with a month of interactive, high-energy experiences – from a sushi battleship game played at the table to a Level 8 spicy ramen challenge designed to test even the bravest spice lovers. Founded by award-winning Chef Teddy Lee, the UK-born brand has built a loyal following for its bold, flavour-led ramen and sushi, combining traditional Japanese techniques with a modern, inclusive dining experience. Now in Dubai, Maki & Ramen is inviting guests to go beyond the plate and into a dining experience defined by competition, heat, and highly shareable moments.

Sushi Battleship Experience

Launching this April, Maki & Ramen introduces Sushi Battleship, an interactive dining experience that transforms the table into a 3×6 game board. Designed for groups, families, and social diners, the concept turns a classic sushi outing into a fast-paced battle of strategy, luck, and wasabi.

Priced at AED 180, the experience includes 16 pieces of sushi and two “wasabi bombs” – nigiri topped with wasabi that deliver an unexpected kick. Guided by a dedicated game master, two diners go head-to-head, calling out coordinates as they attempt to outplay each other on a vibrant sushi battleground featuring Maki & Ramen’s signature rolls.

Adding to the experience, guests who share their Sushi Battleship game on social media and tag @makiramendxb will receive a complimentary ramen per table, a reward that makes victory even sweeter.

Playful, competitive, and highly shareable, Sushi Battleship offers a fresh and interactive take on dining in Dubai.

When: April 10, 2026 – April 30, 2026 | Where: Maki & Ramen (R Floor), Mövenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Village Triangle | Time: 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Price: AED 180 (Inclusive of everything guests need for one round of Sushi Battleship) | Note: Terms and Conditions apply.

Firecracker Ramen Level 8 and Spicy Ramen Challenge

In celebration of International Ramen Day, Maki & Ramen launches the Firecracker Ramen Level 8, a limited edition, extra spicy take on its popular Firecracker Ramen, created for diners who enjoy intense heat.

Priced at AED 88 and served with a chilled milk based drink, the Level 8 bowl delivers a bold, high heat flavour profile designed to challenge even seasoned spice lovers. The drink is placed beside each challenger, but drinking it during the challenge signals surrender, making it the ultimate white flag.

Running alongside the launch is the Spicy Ramen Challenge. The concept is simple: finish the Firecracker Ramen Level 8, including the soup, in under five minutes and the dish is free.

But the challenge does not end there. Once the bowl is finished and the timer stops, participants must then hold the heat for a further three minutes without drinking the milk based drink, adding an extra test of endurance to see who can handle the spice the longest.

Those who complete the challenge will earn a place on Maki & Ramen’s Wall of Fame, adding a competitive edge to the experience. The fastest record achieved across the full month will also win an All You Can Eat for one voucher.

When: April 4, 2026 to April 30, 2026 | Where: Maki & Ramen, R Floor, Mövenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Village Triangle | Time: 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Price: AED 88, including Firecracker Ramen Level 8 and a milk based drink

Challenge: Finish within five minutes and the ramen is free. Those who also complete the additional three-minute wait before drinking the milk-based drink will be eligible to compete for the top monthly record and win an All You Can Eat for one voucher.

From sushi battles to spice challenges, Maki & Ramen brings an interactive edge to dining in Dubai this April. Whether guests visit to compete, take on the heat, or simply enjoy its Japanese menu, the experience combines food, entertainment, and social dining.

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Hospitality

SAVOUR MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS AT TIMO GOURMED SATURDAY BRUNCH

Published

3 days ago

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April 10, 2026

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Step into the weekend with a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired brunch at Timo Restaurant, where great food meets live entertainment in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. This exclusive brunch experience showcases a curated selection of traditional Mediterranean dishes, with flavours spanning Syria, Lebanon, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Morocco, celebrating the region’s rich culinary and viticultural heritage.

Expertly crafted by renowned chef Chadi Saloum, the menu is designed to elevate the dining experience, positioning Timo as a destination for authentic and sophisticated Mediterranean gastronomy. Guests can indulge in a vibrant selection of high-quality Mediterranean dishes, brought to life through interactive live cooking stations featuring freshly prepared specialties and chef-led culinary experiences. A dedicated kids’ menu ensures younger guests are well catered for, complemented by wholesome, fresh produce and a wide range of engaging activities. Vegan and vegetarian options are also thoughtfully incorporated, offering something for every guest to enjoy.

From hot Mediterranean favourites to flame-grilled creations prepared using a Josper oven and BBQ stations, every element is thoughtfully curated to deliver both flavour and theatre. Paired with free-flow beverages, live music, and dedicated kids’ activities, this brunch offers the perfect setting for families and friends to unwind and connect over a lively weekend experience.

Offer Details
Date: Every Saturday | Time: 1 pm to 4 pm | Price: Soft package: AED 125 per person | Bubbles package: AED 225 per person Activities: Live entertainment and dedicated kids activities
Location: Timo Restaurant, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel | For reservations, please call 04 596 2222 or visit the hotel website.

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Hospitality

SUNDAYS DONE RIGHT WITH A BAVARIAN BRUNCH AT BRUNO’S BIERGARTEN

Published

3 days ago

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April 10, 2026

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Sundays just got a whole lot more fun at Bruno’s Biergarten, where the lively outdoor venue at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach brings its signature energy to a Bavarian-style brunch designed for families, friends, and even furry companions. With its relaxed, pet-friendly setting and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to round off the weekend.

At the heart of the experience is a generous sharing-style menu paired with live grill stations, perfect for laid-back afternoons and group dining. Guests can tuck into hearty Bavarian favourites, from schnitzels and rotisserie chicken fresh from the carving station to platters of sausages and baked mushrooms, all served alongside warm pretzels, garden salad, and traditional Bavarian potato salad.

The live grill keeps things interactive with freshly prepared bratwurst, German-style beef steak, and corn on the cob, while the overall experience is designed to be as social as it is satisfying.

Little ones are in for plenty of excitement too, with Bruno making special appearances throughout the afternoon, alongside a dedicated kids’ buffet featuring hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. A cookie-decorating station led by the chefs and an adjacent outdoor play area ensure there’s never a dull moment.

Even four-legged guests are part of the experience, with a dedicated pet-friendly approach and a special menu available, making this a truly inclusive Sunday outing. (Kindly c onfirm)

Whether you’re gathering the family, catching up with friends, or simply looking for a relaxed and lively weekend plan, Bruno’s Bavarian Brunch delivers the perfect mix of comfort food, entertainment, and good times.

Date: Every Sunday | Time: 1 pm to 4 pm | Price: Soft Package: AED 149 | House Package: AED 269 | Kids (6–12 years): AED 75. Kids under 6 years of age dine for free.

Enjoy the flavours of Bavaria with 3X ALL Accor Reward points and an exclusive 20% off for Accor Live Limitless members.. All prices are subject to applicable terms and conditions. (Kindly confirm)

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