Trademark registration in the UAEQuick answer
Trademarks in the UAE are registered federally with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, so one registration covers Dubai, Abu Dhabi and every other emirate. Official fees are AED 6,500 per class (AED 750 examination, AED 750 publication, AED 5,000 registration); anyone can oppose within 30 days of publication, and protection lasts 10 years from the filing date.
Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources
- Office
- Ministry of Economy and Tourism
- Official fees
- AED 6,500 per class
- Opposition period
- 30 days after publication
- Protection
- 10 years, renewable
- Classes
- Nice Classification, 45 classes
- Multi-class filing
- Allowed
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At a glance
The UAE has one trademark register for the whole country. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (formerly the Ministry of Economy) examines applications under Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks and its Executive Regulations. There is no separate trademark for Dubai, Abu Dhabi or a free zone: a federal registration covers every emirate, including free zones.
The UAE is a first-to-file country. Rights come from registration, so the first business to file usually wins a dispute over a similar mark — even if you were using the name first. That is why it pays to search and file early, ideally before you sign a lease, print packaging or launch a website.
The process in five steps
- Search the register for identical and similar marks in your classes (how to search).
- File online with the Ministry and pay the examination fee of AED 750 per class.
- Examination: the Ministry accepts, refuses or asks for changes.
- Publication: after paying AED 750, the mark is published in the Trademark Bulletin and anyone can oppose it within 30 days.
- Registration: pay AED 5,000 and receive the certificate.
Full details: how to register a trademark in the UAE.
What it costs
Official fees are AED 6,500 per class: AED 750 examination + AED 750 publication + AED 5,000 registration. A one-day expedited examination costs AED 2,250 instead of AED 750. Members of the National Programme for SMEs pay 50% of trademark fees, and People of Determination are exempt. Firm fees come on top — see the full cost breakdown and calculator.
How long it takes
The law requires the Ministry to decide on an application within 90 days of filing; the Ministry’s service pages give an average review time of 20 to 45 working days. After acceptance there is publication and a 30-day opposition window, and the certificate is issued within 30 days after that window closes. A straightforward application usually completes in a few months. More in UAE trademark timeline.
Who can file
UAE-based individuals can file in their own name without a licence. UAE companies need a copy of their trade licence. Owners based outside the UAE must file through a registered trademark agent with a notarised and legalised power of attorney. See documents required.
After registration
Protection lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed again and again (renewal). A registration can be challenged for non-use after five consecutive years without genuine use, so keep evidence that you use your mark. You can transfer or license it, enforce it against copies, and use it as a base for international filings.