Microsoft steps up UAE anti-piracy raids

Complaints filed by Microsoft Gulf led to raids on resellers in the UAE and the confiscation of pirated software, the company said.

During the last month, five anti-piracy raids took place in Dubai and Sharjah and resulted in the confiscating of software CDs and personal computers and laptops loaded with pirated copies of Microsoft software.

By partnering with local government bodies, Microsoft has also stepped up its regional efforts to take legal steps against those who manufacture and distribute illegal software, the company said in a statement.

Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al Shihhi, Director General of the UAE Ministry of Economy said: “The Ministry of Economy is committed to working with local and international organizations to combat software piracy.

"In addition to Microsoft, we work with bodies such as the global intellectual property center; the association of software publishers and the Arab publishers association to fight piracy. By combining our efforts, we hope to be able to counter any threats that affect innovation with the aim of strengthening economic development and protecting consumers from piracy.”

“Every year, millions of consumers and businesses are hurt by counterfeit software that they acquire unwittingly," added Dale Waterman, Microsoft’s Corporate Attorney for Anti Piracy for the Middle East and Africa region. "Consumers, businesses and resellers continually ask for help in mitigating the threats posed by pirates.

"We are heavily investing our resources and time into winning the battle against piracy by intensifying our collaboration with government and law enforcement agencies in the Gulf region to ensure that pirates are brought to justice. Our enforcement efforts are a key component in our battle against piracy."

Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991 and oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE.