The UAE Ministry of Economy and Microsoft, a member of the Business Software Alliance (BSA), have announced that they have collaborated on successful inspection campaigns against four UAE-based computer resellers.

The campaigns resulted in the confiscation of 300 counterfeit CDs and four desktop computers loaded with unlicensed versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office suite.

Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, emphasized the role of his agency in ensuring a spirit of fair competition throughout the UAE market, adding that the Ministry and Microsoft have been highly successful in coordinating offensives against copyright violators.

His Excellency further explained that the Ministry of Economy’s goal in carrying out inspection campaigns in coordination with Microsoft is to strengthen confidence in the local markets and develop a culture of research and development. The latter would encourage creativity and innovation, which are significant contributors to the process of national development.

The Undersecretary added that the UAE has been able to achieve one of the lowest piracy rates in the region due to the strictness of relevant laws and the significant efforts undertaken by the Ministry and other federal and local agencies. He also commended the Ministry’s role in promoting continuing research and innovation

Finally, H.E. Alshihhi urged members of the software industry to support the Ministry of Economy in combatting crimes against the sector, noting that the recent campaigns underline the Ministry’s commitment to making the UAE a piracy-free environment. The absence of piracy, he stressed, would benefit the local market, the national economy and the vital software sector, which is growing at a rapid pace.

Jawad Al Redha, BSA Co-Chairman in the Gulf region, said, “As the capital city, we envision Abu Dhabi as a leader in nationwide efforts to discourage and eventually eradicate sales of pirated software. Reducing the piracy rate throughout the UAE is crucial to support the country’s economic growth and in this regard, we would like to thank the Ministry of Economy and the local authorities for their proactive efforts in combating piracy.”

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