Reviewed by Nour Saleem, Registered Trademark & Patent Agent and Dubai Courts IP expert · Last updated September 2026
Quick answer: Patents in the UAE are granted by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism under Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2021 on the Regulation and Protection of Industrial Property Rights. A patent gives its owner exclusive rights over a new, inventive and industrially applicable invention, generally for 20 years from filing.
What Can Be Patented in the UAE?
To be patentable, an invention must be new (not disclosed anywhere in the world before filing), involve an inventive step (not obvious to a person skilled in the field) and be industrially applicable. Certain subject matter is excluded, such as scientific theories, mathematical methods, and inventions whose exploitation would breach public order or morality.
Filing Routes
- Direct UAE national filing for inventions first filed in the UAE or claiming priority from a foreign application within 12 months.
- PCT national phase for applicants who filed an international PCT application and now want UAE protection.
- Utility certificates for improvements that may not meet the full inventive-step threshold.
How We Help
- Initial patentability assessment and filing strategy.
- Preparation and filing of UAE applications and PCT national-phase entries.
- Coordination of Arabic translations and supporting documents.
- Responses to examination reports throughout prosecution.
- Annual fee (annuity) management and portfolio monitoring.
- Industrial design registration, and coordination with specialist technical experts where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a UAE patent last?
A UAE patent is generally protected for 20 years from the filing date, subject to payment of annual fees. A utility certificate, suited to incremental improvements, has a shorter term.
Can I enter the UAE national phase from a PCT application?
Yes. The UAE is a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty, so international PCT applications can enter the UAE national phase within the applicable deadline.
Should I file a patent before showing my invention to investors?
Generally yes. Public disclosure before filing can destroy novelty. Speak to us before any public launch, pitch or publication, and use NDAs where you must disclose.