IP ecosystem plays a key role in UAE’s new economic model

The UAE participated in the 64th series of meetings of the assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) member states that took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6th-14th.

Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Maeeni, Secretary-General of the Association Emirates Intellectual Property (EIPA), said, “Thanks to the directives and vision of its wise leadership, the UAE has succeeded in developing a highly encouraging intellectual property (IP) ecosystem, characterised by innovation and patent activities, in accordance with international best practices.”

It offers all enablers and support facilities for the growth of knowledge-based enterprises, innovation and research and development.”

Al Maeeni added, “The UAE’s pioneering legislative system ensures comprehensive protection for the IP rights of creators, innovators and entrepreneurs in the country. Apart from the issuance of new laws, a series of economic policies and legislation including industrial property rights, trademarks and copyright and neighboring rights were updated. Today, our IP ecosystem plays a key role in the UAE’s transition to a new economic model based on flexibility and sustainability.”

He said, “In addition to the development of robust legislation, the UAE has strengthened regional and international partnerships to protect IP rights and nurture creative and cultural sectors, keeping pace with the latest global developments in this regard. To this end, over the past few years, the country acceded to three international conventions and treaties including the Budapest Treaty, the Strasbourg Agreement and the Madrid International Trademark System.”

“The accelerated national efforts to strengthen the IP legislation and accession to distinct international treaties have enabled the UAE to achieve notable progress in intellectual property and talent attraction. For example, the country was ranked first globally in the ‘Ability to Attract Talent’ index of the Global Prosperity Report 2023,” he noted.

“The UAE also leads in innovation and IP performance indicators at Arab and regional levels, ranking high on several indices such as the Global Innovation Index. These developments have spurred new inventions, innovations, scientific research and technology, thus enhancing the country’s attractiveness to foreign investment and talent, and the competitiveness of the UAE economy,” Al Maeeni added.

Al Maeeni thanked the WIPO General Secretariat for its efforts in organising the 64th series of meetings, which is a key platform to learn about regional and global experiences in IP rights protection. He lauded its fruitful and sustained efforts in facilitating the exchange of information, experience and knowledge among member states to enhance the protection of intellectual property rights. He emphasised that the UAE values the Organisation’s efforts in leading the dialogue addressing IP in technology, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Also highlighted were the Organisation’s financial results, which underscore the robustness of its global services.

Furthermore, Al Maeeni reviewed a number of national strategies and initiatives that support the growth of the IP environment and innovation in the country, most notably the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which recognises IP and innovation as the key drivers of national economic growth. This vision has set the national goal to become one of the top 10 countries in attracting and retaining global talent by the next decade. Other notable strategies include the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries aimed at promoting the growth of the cultural and creative industries in the country and increasing its contribution to GDP to 5 per cent by 2031; and the National Strategy for Advanced Innovation aimed at enhancing the country’s position among global innovation pioneers.

Meanwhile Dubai has won the bid to host the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting in 2026, as the city was selected as the host of the premier global gathering of professionals and experts in the field of trademarks and intellectual property during the opening ceremony of the 2023 INTA Annual Meeting held in Singapore on May 17, making Dubai the first city in the Middle East to host the prestigious event.

Held annually, the event brings together over 8,000 experts in the field of intellectual property, including lawyers, trademark owners, government officials and academics to discuss vital issues related to intellectual property (IP) rights, with a particular focus on trademarks and copyrights.

The successful bid for the INTA Annual Meeting 2026 was the result of a remarkable collaboration between the Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Economy, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the Dubai Chambers and Dubai Police. Dubai’s selection as the venue for the largest global gathering of intellectual property professionals reflects its emergence as a leading destination for international events

Major General Dr Abdul Quddus Al Obaidly, Chairman of EIPA, said, “EIPA is delighted to confirm that Dubai has been chosen to host the International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting in 2026. Dubai serves as an ideal location to host the prestigious event that will see various experts converging to share their insights, experiences and expertise in diverse aspects of trademark law and practice.”