Art Licensing in the Middle East:  The Middle East is a unique and dynamic landscape for the art licensing industry. Art is central to the region’s cultural identity, having long served to reflect its complex histories, diverse cultures, and distinct traditions. From the sophisticated calligraphy and geometric patterns of Islamic art to contemporary abstract and realist works capturing the evolving socio-political situation, the art scene in the Middle East is as diverse as the people who live there. This deep-rooted cultural significance makes art well-suited for brand licensing that transforms traditional and contemporary works into accessible consumer goods for the domestic market as well as products that enrich global markets with the essence of Middle Eastern heritage. Amid ongoing efforts at economic diversification in the region, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the art sector plays a critical role in broadening the economic base beyond petroleum products. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are among the countries actively nurturing domestic creative industries, including art and design, because of their potential contributions to economic growth and soft power diplomacy. By integrating art licensing into broad economic strategies, these countries leverage their rich cultural legacies to enhance their competitive edge on the world stage, attract international tourists, and stimulate local and regional economies. The relationship between cultural preservation and economic development is symbiotic, with institutions such as museums and art galleries both promoting cultural exchange and generating revenue for themselves and artists. Among the countries just mentioned, the United Arab Emirates, known for flagship cultural projects such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Dubai’s Museum of the Future and Alserkal Avenue, has positioned itself as a global arts hub with a thriving market for licensed art products ranging from high-end collectibles to everyday items. Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 and other efforts to nurture its cultural sector, has launched numerous initiatives to promote domestic art and Arab art generally on a global scale, often through licensing agreements. In Qatar, investment in institutions such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar has been reinforced through the hosting of major events such as the landmark “The Shape of Time: Art and Ancestors of Oceania” exhibition featuring some 120 works from the Met’s unparalleled collection that tell the story of creative expression and innovation over the centuries throughout the Pacific Islands. All of these activities showcase the commitment to blending cultural heritage with modernity in ways that drive the demand for licensed art products.