An independent report developed by International Data Corporation (IDC) has outlined a 5-point strategy that the UAE Government can implement within the next four years to reduce piracy.
Sponsored by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the leading global organisation that is the voice of the global software industry and its hardware partners before governments and in the international marketplace, the report entitled ‘How to Reduce Software Piracy in the Middle East and Africa’ identifies the five fundamental pillars of Legislation, Enforcement, Education, Collaboration and Leadership in implementing effective and sustainable policies to reduce software piracy and protect intellectual property rights.
“Although software piracy in the UAE is far below the average international level, sustained efforts are vital to keep the piracy rate in check and to support the country’s economic progress. The Ministry of Economy has been focusing on education and awareness as the best tools against piracy in coordination with all the concerned parties in the UAE. the IDC data will provide valuable guidance for a re-evaluation and reinforcement of our anti-piracy strategies,” said H.E. Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi, Director General, UAE Ministry of Economy.
Referring to the 6th Annual BSA – IDC Global Software Study published in May 2009, the report affirmed that the UAE has the lowest software piracy rate in the Arab countries, namely 36%. This was attributed to key legislation, strict enforcement, and intensive information campaigns. This is however an increase of 2% on the piracy rate of 34% in 2006, confirming the need for continued efforts to curb the levels on piracy in the UAE.
“The government clearly plays a leading role in the effective control of software piracy. In the UAE, the Ministry of Economy coordinates with various Law Enforcement Departments in each emirate for the monitoring and confiscation of illegal software and the enforcement of intellectual property rights.. However, we need to understand that the support and compliance of the private sector and the general public is equally vital for the success of all anti-piracy efforts,” added Jawad Al Redha, BSA Co-Chairman in the Gulf Region.
Local versions of the IDC whitepaper are available in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and will be made available soon for South Africa, Turkey, Pakistan, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco. The document discusses the importance of IT for businesses, the piracy situation and its impact in Middle Eastern and African states, a proposed anti-piracy roadmap, recommended government actions, supported by case studies from Greece and Russia.
