UAE unveils roadmap for ‘Green IP’ to drive innovation and sustainability

The UAE’s Ministry of Economy has launched a new roadmap for Green Intellectual Property (IP) to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, according to the country’s official news agency, WAM.

The three-month initiative aims to strengthen intellectual property frameworks, accelerate the localization of green technology, and promote projects aligned with the circular economy and environmental sustainability. The roadmap also supports the UAE’s broader efforts to transition toward a knowledge-driven, eco-friendly economy.

A pillar of national progress

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Circular Economy Council, emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering green and sustainable innovations.

“Thanks to the forward-looking vision of its wise leadership, the UAE has adopted qualitative initiatives and projects that make intellectual property a key pillar of a strong and sustainable economy,” he said.

The Green IP roadmap, he added, aims to raise awareness about the importance of green technology and innovation in delivering superior services and products that benefit society. It will also enhance the UAE’s attractiveness to eco-friendly innovations and help solidify its status among the world’s most innovative nations, aligning with the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

Al Marri highlighted that the roadmap coincides with Innovation Month 2025, during which the UAE will collaborate with local environmental stakeholders and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These partnerships will support inventors and entrepreneurs in developing sustainable innovations across critical economic sectors.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry of Economy’s Dubai headquarters, Undersecretary Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh reaffirmed that sustainability has long been a cornerstone of the UAE’s development strategy.

“The UAE’s progress has been built on sustainability principles, reinforcing its regional and global leadership in embracing eco-friendly solutions,” he said.

Al Saleh noted that the new roadmap aims to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions and advanced technologies to develop sustainable products and services. A key objective is to increase patent registrations for sustainable and environmental innovations, targeting 8% of the country’s total patent filings.

To support this goal, the UAE will streamline the registration process for patents related to sustainability and enhance legal protections for eco-friendly technologies. In 2024 alone, the country received approximately 3,622 patent applications, reflecting growing interest in green innovation.

Strengthening the UAE’s global innovation standing

Al Saleh underscored the UAE’s commitment to fortifying its legislative framework for intellectual property. The country has already implemented robust industrial property rights, trademark laws, and copyright protections to support sustainable economic growth.

The UAE ranks first in the region in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, a position it aims to strengthen further through this roadmap.

“This initiative plays a vital role in fostering innovation and creativity in sustainable sectors, enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness in key global indicators,” Al Saleh said.

The UAE’s Green IP roadmap represents another step toward cementing the country’s position as a leader in sustainability-driven innovation, ensuring long-term economic prosperity while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.