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UAE to tag local products with geographical information allowing companies to raise prices
Geographical indication is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific location or origin such as a town or region where the product was produced
- PUBLISHED: Thu 8 May 2025, 7:54 PM
The UAE on Thursday announced the launch of the geographical indications (GI) system for indigenous products that have unique features and characteristics that originate from specific geographical regions in the UAE to take them to a global level.
Products that are certified with geographical indications will be tagged and companies will be able to raise prices due to their uniqueness.
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Geographical indications is a name or sign used on products which correspond to a specific geographical location or origin such as a town or region. The certification is issued because the product possesses certain qualities, and is made according to traditional methods. It also enjoys a good reputation due to its geographical origin.
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A special chapter on geographical indications has been added to the UAE trademark law, outlining mechanisms for their registration and protection, preserving the national identity of products and enhancing their competitiveness locally and internationally.
In the first phase, the Ministry of Economy has selected four national products — honey from Hatta, ceramics from Ras Al Khaimah, Dabbas dates from the Al Dhafra region and traditional palm frond products crafted across emirates — for tagging with the GI system.
It is currently reviewing 25 additional products, including 13 food items and 12 handicraft products, in preparation for their registration. By the end of this year, the total number of products covered by the service is expected to reach six.
“Geographical indications reflect the jurisdiction of the UAE, for example, the Hatta area has different flowers than other areas. So the honey produced has different flavour and sugar level among others. Similarly, ceramics are coming from the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah,” said Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for Intellectual Property Sector at the Ministry of Economy.
As a result of tagging with geographical Indications, the prices of products will also increase, he said.
“We launched a regulation earlier and today initiated the policy of geographical indication for the registration of different products,” he said, adding that the Ministry is looking to add around 25 more products to geographical indication such as Liwa dates and others.
Al Muaini elaborated that once they receive a request for a GI certificate, they ensure that the product is indigenous before stamping it.
“Starting from the UAE, these products will go global and enhance the UAE’s competitiveness. We have different types of cheese, dates and other products that will be certified,” he said.
The launch event was attended by Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, deputy chief of police in Dubai, Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, other senior officials, experts, specialists, and representatives from government and private sector entities, along with the local community and various institutions concerned with IP protection and sustainable development in the country.
