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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Jan 21, 2026
The UAE ranks #1 in the MENA region and #21 globally on the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Many of these startups are innovative, so protecting their developments is extremely important. One way they can do that is by getting patents.
Here we will discuss all the intricacies of obtaining a patent in the UAE. This article is also helpful for businesses looking to protect their intellectual property.
Here we will discuss all the intricacies of obtaining a patent in the UAE. This article is also helpful for businesses looking to protect their intellectual property.
- The law for UAE patent registration
- Benefits of filing patents
- Basic requirements to register a patent in the UAE
- Steps in registering a patent in the UAE
- Documents required for filing
- Cost of patent registration in the UAE
- Things to keep in mind
- Complete business support services for innovators
- Patent registration FAQ
The law for UAE patent registration
A patent is a legal right that gives you exclusive rights to an invention, whether it's a new product, process, or improvement on an existing one. This helps businesses protect their ideas, not only from direct copying, but also from indirect plagiarism. It provides a 20-year monopoly, which allows you to recoup your research and development (R&D) costs without interference.
In the UAE, patent protection is governed by Federal Law No. 11 of 2021, which regulates and protects industrial property rights.
In the UAE, patent protection is governed by Federal Law No. 11 of 2021, which regulates and protects industrial property rights.
What rights are granted through UAE patent registration?
- Exclude others: Protect your invention from being made, used, sold, or imported by third parties without your consent.
- Commercialize: You have the exclusive right to profit from the invention.
- License or sell: You can lease these rights to other companies in exchange for royalties, or you can sell the patent outright as a business asset.
Benefits of filing patents
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Valuation
Patent increases your company’s valuation during a series funding round or acquisition. -
Market dominance
Your product will not be imitated and sold as a "copycat" in the Dubai market. -
Enforcement
If you have a UAE patent, you can work with Dubai Customs to seize counterfeit goods at the border. -
Global credibility
Having a patent in a highly regulated jurisdiction like the UAE adds massive prestige to your brand.
Basic requirements to register a patent in the UAE
To qualify for a patent, your invention needs to meet three strict international criteria:
💡 Novelty: It must be brand new worldwide. It cannot have been disclosed to the public, either orally or in writing, anywhere in the world before the filing date.
- Inventive step requirement
According to Federal Law No. 11 of 2021, an invention is considered to involve an inventive step if it is not obvious to a "person skilled in the art" based on the current state of technology, or prior art.
Invention has to be a creative leap, not just a logical extension. If a professional in your field looks at your idea and says, "That's the obvious way to go," it probably doesn't meet the criteria. It has to be an unconventional solution to a technical challenge.
- Industrial application requirement
According to the law, an invention must be "industrially applicable," meaning it can be physically produced or used in an industrial process. If it only exists as a concept in a notebook and cannot be built or utilized, it won't qualify.
Where to register a patent in the UAE
Patent registration in the UAE is a federal matter that is handled by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET). The entire process is digital and managed through the Ministry's e-services portal.
However, if you feel unsure or would prefer not to handle this process on your own, we are here to help. We assist businesses in the UAE with daily paperwork and other legal matters.
Steps in registering a patent in the UAE
- Filing the applicationSubmit the request via the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s e-portal and pay the initial filing fees.
- Formal examinationThe MoET ensures that all documents (power of attorney, descriptions, and so on) are accurate and comply with legal requirements.
- Substantive examinationThe MoET, often collaborating with international partners, checks the invention against global databases to determine its novelty and inventive steps.
- PublicationIf the invention is approved, it is published in the Industrial Property Circular, which allows for public opposition.
- GrantingThe patent is officially approved if there are no valid objections raised.
Professional support for patent registration in the UAE
Foreign companies are legally required to appoint a registered UAE patent agent. These professionals ensure that your technical language is accurate and that you meet strict 90-day deadlines for submitting documents. We could be the help you need. Give us a call so we can explain how we can help you.
Documents required for filing
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Specification: Clear and detailed description of the invention in both Arabic and English.
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Claims: The most critical part; these define the exact scope of your protection.
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Abstract and drawings: A summary and technical diagrams.
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Power of Attorney (POA): Must be notarized and (if from outside the UAE) legalized.
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Deed of Assignment: Required if the applicant is a company and not the original inventor.
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Certificate of Incorporation: For corporate applicants.
Cost of patent registration in the UAE
There are many fees associated with patents. Here's a table with government fees. Just keep in mind that agent fees and other registration costs are separate.
Taking into account government fees, agent services, and other costs, the average budget for the first year will be starts from AED 8,000 - 12,000.
Things to keep in mind
- The "grace period" penalty: If you submit your application today but don't have your notarized power of attorney on hand, you have 90 days to upload it. However, you will be charged a late submission fee of AED 400.
- Language: Everything must be translated into Arabic.
- PCT route: If you want to protect your invention in multiple countries, consider filing through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The UAE is a member of the PCT.
- Small business discount: To get the 50% discount, companies based in the UAE need to provide a valid document proving their small and medium-sized business status under local programs for business support.
Complete business support services for innovators
movingo started as just an idea, which then grew into a startup and later into a larger business. But the trip wasn't all smooth sailing. We've faced a lot of challenges ourselves in bringing our vision to life, and we totally understand the struggles all innovators face. Paperwork, visas, licenses, permits, and obtaining patents — these are all hurdles that businesses face when operating in the UAE. Having a trustworthy partner to take care of all these things is a huge plus.
We've helped over 400 businesses get started in the UAE, and if you're already established, we can still help you reach your full potential. Why don't we book a quick intro call to see if we can find a good fit for you?
Patent registration FAQ
Yes, the UAE has allowed 100% foreign ownership since June 2021.
Invention must generally meet these five criteria: novelty, inventive step, industrial applicability, legal subject matter and sufficient disclosure.
The official government fees for trademark registration is approximately AED 6,250 per class.
Approximately AED 4,500 in government fees for a small business or individual. For a large corporation, this starts at AED 9,000.
Apply as an individual or a UAE-certified SME to receive a 50% discount on most government fees.
Formalities are typically reviewed within two to seven months. With the Express Examination service, however, you can receive your first substantive report in as little as six months.
All local and foreign inventors: individuals or legal entities, such as companies or universities.
The UAE has been a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) since 1999.
