UAE unveils new geographical indications system
30 May 2025
The Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates has unveiled the geographical indications (GI) system for national products, the first-of-its-kind federal initiative to protect local products with distinctive traits and qualities that come from certain geographical locations. The program seeks to open up new markets for UAE companies and improve the intellectual property protection environment for goods with national character.
The ministry organized the launch event in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development, the General Women’s Union and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. The event was attended by Dhahi Khalfan, deputy chief of police in Dubai, and Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, under-secretary of the Ministry of Economy.
Two-panel discussions were held during the event. The first highlighted several of the world’s best practices for GI-tagging domestic products, and the second featured successful national models that showed the value of GI-tagged products and their beneficial effects on export, promotion and national image. In recognition of their contributions to the development of the GI system, the Ministry of Economy also honoured the initiative’s partners during the occasion.
More than 200 people attended the event, including leaders from the public and commercial sectors, senior officials, experts, specialists, the local community and other organizations involved in IP protection and sustainable development in the nation.
In keeping with the “We the UAE 2031” vision, the UAE has adopted an ambitious plan to firmly establish itself as a worldwide centre for the new knowledge-based and innovative economy, headed by its visionary leadership. As a major facilitator of a creative and sustainable economy, the UAE has made IP protection and the advancement of its laws national priorities.
The introduction of the GI system reflects a strong commitment to preserving the cultural character of UAE-made goods, marketing them internationally and turning them into financial assets that support community development and economic diversification.
In line with international best practices, the UAE keeps strengthening its IP laws to make its economy more competitive. To preserve the national uniqueness of products and increase their competitiveness both domestically and globally, a specific chapter on GIs has been introduced to the trademark legislation, detailing procedures for their registration and protection.
A new milestone in providing thorough protection for trademarks pertaining to geographic settings and national products that contain cultural and local identity is the introduction of national products with geographical indications. It accomplishes the integration of economic, knowledge-based and heritage-driven elements, opening new opportunities for their development.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
