From Music Business Worldwide · · 2m
Arabic Music Not a Niche
IPNation targets $100m investment in Arabic music catalogs for second-life opportunities.
In brief
IPNation targets $100m investment in Arabic music catalogs for second-life opportunities. IPNation aims to buy iconic Arabic music catalogs with five years of stable royalties for global reactivation. Originally reported by Music Business Worldwide.
IPNation Launch
IPNation, a UAE-based company co-founded by Eddy Maroun and Jose Maria Dot, launched in August 2026 with a $100 million investment target.
Arabic Music Market Growth
MENA recorded music revenues grew 15.2% YoY in 2025, making it the joint second-fastest-growing region globally.
Anghami's Journey
Eddy Maroun co-founded Anghami in 2012, took it public in 2022, and later saw OSN pursue a potential take-private transaction.
IPNation's Focus
IPNation targets iconic catalogs with five years of stabilized royalties and cultural weight for second-life opportunities.
Second-Life Strategy
IPNation plans to develop catalogs into multi-format entertainment franchises including film, gaming, and immersive experiences.
Market Challenges
Arabic music rights ownership is fragmented, metadata inconsistent, and catalog investment focuses on new releases.
IPNation's Differentiation
IPNation combines regional focus, optimization, and innovation to address MENA music rights challenges.
Anghami's Lessons
Anghami showed Maroun the untapped value in Arabic music rights and catalogs behind the music.
Investment Strategy
IPNation targets 10, 20 catalogs with ticket sizes of $2 million to $10 million each.
Partnership with Influence Media
IPNation partners with Influence Media, backed by BlackRock, for institutional investment discipline and global industry relationships.
Arabic Music's Potential
Arabic music has 500 million-plus listeners and a global diaspora, but is overlooked for catalog investment.
Key Quote
Arabic music is not a niche waiting to be discovered. It is an established cultural asset waiting to be activated at scale.
“Arabic music is not a niche waiting to be discovered. It is an established cultural asset waiting to be activated at scale.”
Market Opportunity
MENA music market will become more structured, investable, and globally connected over the next five years.
Future Vision
IPNation aims to be the region's platform for iconic music and IP, connecting artists with global audiences.
Rights Challenges
Rights ownership is fragmented, metadata inconsistent, and collections incomplete in Arabic music markets.
Next Steps
IPNation will connect MENA music market progress with professional rights administration and transparent data.
At a glance
IPNation aims to buy iconic Arabic music catalogs with five years of stable royalties for global reactivation.
