To encourage a strong push against software and other piracy, a more flexible approach to market access issues, and an expedited revision of its deficient copyright law, U.A.E. should remain on the USTR Watch List. In addition, the prospect of accession to the World Trade Organization should provide the Emirates with additional incentive to tackle these tasks. The Emirates have been on the USTR Watch List since 1991, after being named by IIPA as a major pirate exporter of audiocassettes in the Gulf region. By early 1995, audio piracy had been virtually wiped out, and video piracy sharply reduced, but little had been done to clear pirate software from the market. Because of software piracy, and the continuing need for U.A.E. to bring its copyright law into compliance with international standards, IIPA recommended last year that U.A.E. remain on the Watch List .
Current reports indicate that only Indian repertoire remains subject to piracy.
Trade loss estimates are not available. Another recent development is home delivery to preferred customers. Unauthorized public performances of videos by hotels is still widespread. Piracy is widespread on the Oman side and pirate product is simply carried into U.A.E. Ministry of Information officials in U.A.E. claim that this geographic situation makes copyright enforcement extremely difficult. Elsewhere, active enforcement continues apace.