In a new step reflecting the UAE’s commitment to establishing a more competitive knowledge-based economy, Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri met with Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Daren Tang to discuss ways to enhance the innovation and creativity protection system in the country. This initiative aims to align with international best practices and strengthen the UAE’s position as an attractive hub for talent and quality investments. These developments come as national efforts accelerate to support creative and cultural industries and protect intangible assets, which today represent one of the most significant drivers of economic growth.
Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri held a bilateral meeting with WIPO Director General Daren Tang to explore opportunities for developing the intellectual property system in the UAE based on global best practices. This includes enhancing the protection of intangible assets for innovators and creators, including inventions, works, and creative outputs, thereby supporting the nation’s vision for the growth of creative and cultural industries.
This took place during the participation of the UAE delegation in the 68th session of the WIPO General Assembly, held at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 7 to 15.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri emphasized that the UAE is committed to continuing its efforts to enhance cooperation and build sustainable partnerships with WIPO and member states, creating an advanced environment for protecting intellectual property rights. The UAE has successfully developed a comprehensive national framework to safeguard the rights of creators and innovators across various fields, aligning with the country’s efforts to drive growth in new economy sectors, stimulate innovation and creativity, and establish its position as a regional and global hub for advanced creative industries, in line with the objectives of the “We Are the UAE 2031” vision.
He stated, “The UAE believes that encouraging investment in intellectual property activities is a fundamental pillar and a key axis in building a more prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come. The state has worked to provide a competitive legislative environment for intellectual property, enabling creators and innovators to develop their ideas and transform them into value-added projects, thereby enhancing the growth and sustainability of the national economy.”
During the meeting, Al Touq reviewed the UAE’s efforts to develop the legislative and regulatory environment for the intellectual property sector, including the launch of a comprehensive intellectual property system and the introduction of a “Green Intellectual Property” pathway aimed at enhancing the country’s attractiveness for green and sustainable innovations. Additionally, flexible policies and regulations have been provided to stimulate innovation and creativity, contributing to increasing growth rates in trademark registrations, patents, industrial designs, and intellectual works in the country.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding with WIPO.
The memorandum aims to enhance cooperation in supporting activities and initiatives related to intellectual property at both regional and international levels, raise awareness of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, develop related laws and systems, and support innovators and entrepreneurs, thereby contributing to establishing a more efficient and sustainable global intellectual property system and promoting innovation and sustainable development.