How Conflict Impacts Culture: Supporting Artists in Uncertain Times
The UAE is actively working to safeguard the creative ecosystem as geopolitical instability impacts cultural industries across the Middle East, according to Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairwoman of MusicNation.
Even as global attention focuses on the political and economic consequences of conflict, the impact on artistic expression and the livelihoods of creators often goes unnoticed. Concerts are cancelled, festivals postponed, and cultural spaces face closure, disrupting the flow of creative function and the industries that support it. This disruption extends beyond artistic expression, impacting the broader creative economy and the professionals who rely on it.
“Protecting that instinct [to create], and the people who carry it forward, is not simply a cultural responsibility. It’s a human one,” Al Mubarak stated, emphasizing the fundamental importance of supporting artists and preserving cultural heritage.
MusicNation, a UAE-based collective management organization for music rights, plays a role in ensuring fair compensation for artists and transparent licensing of their work. Yet, Al Mubarak stressed that the organization’s mission extends beyond rights management to fostering an environment where artistic collaboration can flourish, particularly across borders.
The UAE has positioned culture and the creative economy as central to its national vision, recognizing art as a driver of innovation and global connection. This commitment has created a space for artists from across the region and the world to collaborate and exchange ideas. According to Al Mubarak, this environment is particularly vital during times of global uncertainty.
Geopolitical factors are increasingly hindering the growth of the Middle East art market, according to a report by Il Sole 24 ORE. The enduring power of art in challenging times, however, remains a significant force, as highlighted by The National News.
Al Mubarak noted that music, in particular, possesses a unique ability to transcend linguistic and political barriers, carrying stories and emotions that resonate universally. “Even in moments of tension, music has often been a force that brings people together,” she said.
MusicNation’s work focuses on supporting creators within the region, ensuring they are properly represented and receive fair compensation for their work. The organization’s efforts align with a broader recognition of the economic and social value of creative industries, which contribute billions to national economies and support millions of jobs globally.
The role of art, Al Mubarak argues, is not to offer an escape from reality, but to support us understand it. She points to historical precedent, suggesting that some of the most powerful artistic expressions emerge during the most challenging moments, reflecting a fundamental human need to create, share stories, and preserve cultural identity.