A new era for Art Law in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has enacted Federal Decree-Law No. (29) of 2024 on Empowering the Arts Sector (Art Law) which marks a significant step towards establishing a unified national legal framework to promote and support the growth of the arts sector in the UAE.

A framework for growth

The Art Law, which became effective from 13 November 2024, applies to art institutions defined as non-profit private legal entities licensed for the purpose of carrying one or more artistic activities. “Art” is given a broad definition encompassing products of ‘human creativity and talent’ whether it is in an audible, visual, or written form. Importantly, this does not include antiquities, which are separately governed by Federal Law No. (11) of 2017 On Antiquities (Antiquities Law), which covers, art, antiques and collectibles more than 100 years as well as any human, animal or plant remains of rare or unique value that date back to 600 AD.

This distinction signals the UAE’s commitment to modernising and professionalising the arts sector while ensuring alignment with existing cultural heritage laws.

Key provisions

1.    Definition of “Art” and “Art Collection”
“Art” is defined as “the product of human creativity and talent that reflects one's emotions, inner sentiments or expresses one's perceptions, whether in an audible, visual, or written form”. The definition appear to focus on the visual and performing arts although the definition of “Art Collection” is suitably broader covering “all tangible production in the field of arts, including contemporary and digital arts, those produced using advanced technology, including original copies, samples, models, documents, charts, photographs, films, records of paintings, sculptures, images, objects, collectibles, artifacts, coins, tools of any kind or expression method, having artistic value”.

2.    Establishing an art institution
Individuals and legal entities may establish an art institution, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and adhere to the law’s strict non-commercial mandate—meaning all revenues must be reinvested into the institution rather than distributed as profit.

3.    Streamlined licensing process
To facilitate the establishment of art institutions, the Art Law introduces a clearer licensing process, set out in Articles 6 and 7:

• Applications are submitted to the Competent Authority (the designated licensing body in each Emirate).
• Within 30 working days, the Competent Authority reviews and refers the application to a dedicated committee, formed by a Council of Ministers resolution.
• The committee assesses the application and issues a recommendation within 30 working days.
• Based on this recommendation, the Competent Authority makes a final decision within another 30 working days.
• Approved institutions are registered in a Special Register and officially announced in the Federal Official Gazette.

This structured approach enhances transparency and efficiency, making it easier for art professionals to navigate regulatory requirements.

4.    Recognising a wide range of artistic activities 
Articles 4 and 13 set out a non-exhaustive list of artistic activities that institutions can engage in, ensuring flexibility in defining their scope. All institutions must submit articles of association outlining their objectives and may not deviate from these stated purposes.

The artistic activities include: 

5.    Governance and oversight
Art institutions must appoint a board of trustees and a manager to ensure effective governance. However, smaller institutions may be exempt from board requirements, depending on their size, nature, and activities. In such cases, the appointed manager will assume defined responsibilities of the board under Article 11 of the Art Law.

Any art institution must adopt articles of association setting out, in particular:

• The artistic activities it wishes to engage in;
• Its objectives;
• Its financial resources;
• The composition of the Board of Trustees.

These governance provisions emphasise accountability and institutional integrity, fostering a professionalised arts sector.

6.    Adhering to cultural sensitivities
The Art Law underscores the UAE’s cultural values by requiring institutions to align their activities with national principles. Specifically, institutions must not:
•    Engage in political discourse.
•    Promote hatred, sectarianism, or racial and religious conflicts
•    Undertake any activities that jeopardise national security or stability.

7.    Foreign art institutions: Expanded access to the UAE market
The Art Law welcomes international art institutions, including museums and exhibitions, allowing them to establish branches within the UAE—provided they operate as non-profit entities and comply with local regulations.

Additionally, foreign art institutions can benefit from customs and tax incentives under Federal Decree No. (15) of 2022, which ratifies the Unified Customs Law for the Gulf Cooperation Council States, facilitating the import of art collections.

Implications for the UAE art sector 

For those seeking to enter the UAE market, the Art Law will be relevant to the extent the operation is not for profit.  Practicing any artistic activities (as defined in the Art Law) without the appropriate license is prohibited. An Art Institution must wait to commence its activities until it has been granted its licensing certificate, its license has been published in the Official Gazette, and it has been included in the Special Register.

Similarly, any commercial activities are also prohibited. It is unclear if certain commercial activities such as onsite cafés and gift shops are permitted insofar as their profits are reinvested in the institution or if, for example, they can be carried out through a separate commercial entity. 

While there is no specific reference to the payment of entry fees, we believe this would be acceptable provided that the revenue is reinvested in the institution to further its objectives. 

There is some unclarity around whether certain types of art fall within the Art Law or Antiquities Law. For example, foreign antiquities (items of more than 100 years old) are not subject to the Antiques Law, but it is unclear if they are now covered by the Art Law. 

Finally, the questions of whether setting up a commercial art gallery operating as a for-profit business is still permissible. Currently, to operate an art gallery, the owner must obtain a commercial license from the relevant authorities in the Emirate where they plan to operate. Different rules may apply if the gallery is set up in free zones. 

We must now await the implementing regulations to determine the extent to which these provisions will be applied in practice. 

Summary table

Abu Dhabi: A growing hub for art professionals

Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a vibrant hub for art professionals, thanks to its strategic initiatives and investments in the arts sector. The city's commitment to fostering creativity is evident in its world-class museums, high-profile art fairs, and cultural festivals that attract artists and art enthusiasts from around the globe. 

With the support of the new Art Law, Abu Dhabi is poised to further enhance its reputation as a centre for artistic excellence, providing unparalleled opportunities for artists to thrive and collaborate. This growth not only enriches the cultural fabric of the city but also contributes to its economic diversification and global standing.
By formalising the legal status of art institutions and streamlining licensing, the UAE reinforces its commitment to becoming a leading global centre for arts and culture.

For more information on how this Art Law may affect your institution or schedule an introduction call, please contact Anna Caruso and Shamma Biny Sied in the Abu Dhabi office, or Joycia Young, who leads the UAE’s Intellectual Property, Technology, and Commercial practice’