Minister of Economy and Tourism and WIPO Director General explore opportunities to advance UAE's IP ecosystem in line with global best practices

MoU signed to further enhance cooperation in supporting intellectual property-related activities between the two parties

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), to discuss opportunities to further strengthen the UAE's intellectual property (IP) ecosystem in line with global best practices. The meeting explored ways to enhance the protection of the intangible assets of innovators and creators, including inventions, copyrighted works, and other creative outputs, in support of the country's vision to advance the growth of the creative and cultural industries.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UAE delegation's participation in the 68th series of meetings of the Assemblies of the WIPO Member States, held at the Organisation’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 7 to 15.

H.E. Bin Touq affirmed the UAE's commitment to further strengthening cooperation and building sustainable partnerships with WIPO and its Member States, while fostering an advanced environment for the protection of IP rights. H.E also noted that the UAE has successfully developed an integrated national IP ecosystem that safeguards the rights of creators and innovators across diverse sectors, in line with the country's efforts to accelerate the growth of new economy sectors and stimulate innovation and creativity. It also reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional and global hub for advanced and creative industries, while supporting the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.

H.E. said: "The UAE firmly believes that promoting investment in intellectual property is a fundamental pillar and a key driver in building a more prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come. The country has therefore established a competitive legislative environment for intellectual property that empowers innovators and creators to develop their ideas and transform them into value-added ventures, further strengthening the growth and sustainability of the national economy."

During the meeting, H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the UAE’s efforts to advance the legislative and regulatory framework for the sector, which includes the launch of a comprehensive IP ecosystem and the introduction of the “Green Intellectual Property” roadmap, which aims to enhance the country’s attractiveness for green and sustainable innovations. He also highlighted the UAE’s flexible policies and legislation designed to stimulate innovation and creativity, contributing to continued growth in the registration of trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and intellectual works in the country.

H.E. Daren Tang praised the UAE’s achievements in innovation and intellectual property, as well as its continued success in establishing a competitive and enabling environment for creativity and innovation. He also commended the UAE’s development of a pioneering IP ecosystem that has demonstrated its efficiency, resilience, and ability to sustain strong performance despite the challenges and rapid shifts witnessed across the region.

The two sides also explored a range of WIPO projects and initiatives that the UAE could benefit from in the coming period, including the Master’s Program in Intellectual Property, developed in collaboration with the WIPO Academy. It aims to equip and qualify specialised professionals in the field of intellectual property in accordance with global best practices and standards.

Ministry of Economy and Tourism and WIPO Sign MoU

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WIPO. The agreement was signed by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and H.E. Daren Tang.

The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in supporting intellectual property-related activities and initiatives at the regional and international levels, raise awareness of the importance of IP rights protection, develop relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks, and support innovators and entrepreneurs. It also seeks to contribute to building a more efficient and sustainable global IP ecosystem, thus advancing innovation and sustainable development.