UAE Ministry of Economy unveils Green IP initiative to boost eco-friendly innovation

DUBAI: The UAE’s Ministry of Economy has introduced a new roadmap for Green Intellectual Property (IP) aimed at promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic development, as reported by WAM, the official news agency of the country. This three-month initiative focuses on strengthening intellectual property systems, accelerating the localization of green technologies, and supporting projects that align with the principles of the circular economy and environmental sustainability. It is part of the UAE’s extensive efforts to shift towards a knowledge-based, eco-friendly economy.

Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Circular Economy Council, expressed the UAE’s commitment to nurturing green and sustainable innovations. “Thanks to the forward-thinking vision of our wise leadership, the UAE has launched impactful initiatives that position intellectual property as a cornerstone of a robust and sustainable economy,” he stated.

The Green IP roadmap aims to raise awareness regarding the crucial role of green technologies and innovations in providing enhanced services and products beneficial to society. It also seeks to increase the UAE’s appeal to eco-friendly innovations, bolstering its rank among the world’s most innovative countries, in line with the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

Al Marri mentioned that the roadmap aligns with Innovation Month 2025, during which the UAE will collaborate with local environmental stakeholders and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to assist inventors and entrepreneurs in creating sustainable innovations across important economic sectors.

During a media briefing held at the Ministry of Economy in Dubai, Undersecretary Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh reiterated that sustainability has been a fundamental aspect of the UAE’s development strategy. “The UAE’s growth has been founded on sustainability principles, enhancing its leadership in adopting eco-friendly solutions at both regional and global levels,” he said.

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He pointed out that the new roadmap is designed to expedite the implementation of digital solutions and advanced technologies for developing sustainable products and services. A primary goal is to boost patent registrations for sustainable and environmentally friendly innovations, aiming for 8% of the nation’s overall patent applications. To facilitate this, the UAE plans to streamline the registration process for sustainability-related patents and strengthen legal protections for green technologies. In 2024, the country received approximately 3,622 patent applications, indicating a rising interest in green innovations.

Al Saleh emphasized the UAE’s dedication to enhancing its legislative framework surrounding intellectual property. The country has already established strong industrial property rights, trademark laws, and copyright regulations to foster sustainable economic growth. Currently, the UAE holds the top position in the region according to the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, and it aims to reinforce this standing through the Green IP roadmap.

“This initiative is crucial for promoting creativity and innovation within sustainable sectors, thereby boosting the UAE’s competitiveness in key global indices,” Al Saleh stated. The Green IP roadmap marks a significant step toward solidifying the UAE’s status as a frontrunner in sustainability-driven innovation, ensuring long-term economic prosperity while preserving natural resources for future generations.