Ministry of Economy and Tourism partners with Dubai Science Park to strengthen intellectual property protection

Tourism

Ministry of Economy and Tourism partners with Dubai Science Park to strengthen intellectual property protection

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Science Park, part of TECOM Group PJSC, to enhance cooperation in the fields of intellectual property (IP) protection and patent registration.

The strategic agreement aims to accelerate patent registrations by offering expert guidance, simplified processes, and technical support to innovators and researchers within Dubai Science Park and across other TECOM Group business districts. The partnership is designed to foster innovation, safeguard the rights of inventors, and support the UAE’s knowledge economy.

Driving innovation through collaboration

The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, and Dubai International Academic City.

H.E. Dr. Al Muaini emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to building a strong innovation ecosystem supported by robust IP frameworks. “The MoU with TECOM Group will provide legal and technical support to businesses across its districts, while also accelerating the review and commercialization of patent applications both locally and internationally. This will enhance the economic value of our national innovations,” he said.

Janahi highlighted the importance of IP protection in driving research and development. “Our partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism will accelerate innovation within our communities and strengthen homegrown research with global impact. This aligns with the vision of ‘We the UAE 2031,’ the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33,’ and the Dubai Research and Development Programme,” he stated.

Building IP literacy and commercialization opportunities

As part of the agreement, both parties will collaborate on awareness campaigns, workshops, and training programs to build IP literacy among entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses. The partnership also includes initiatives to support innovators in protecting and commercializing their inventions in both local and global markets.

The Ministry will provide consultation services, including expedited patent processing, promotion of registered patents, and access to investment opportunities through international exhibitions, conferences, and events.

Growth in patent activity

Between January and July 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism recorded 1,221 patents, a sharp increase compared to 466 during the same period in 2024. Additionally, 2,430 new patent applications were received in the first seven months of 2025, up from 1,996 during the same timeframe last year. This reflects growing awareness of the economic importance of intellectual property protection.

Dubai Science Park’s role in the ecosystem

Dubai Science Park currently hosts more than 500 companies, including AstraZeneca, BeiGene, and Pfizer, and is home to over 6,500 professionals in the life sciences, energy, and environmental sectors. Its offerings include Grade-A offices, LEED-certified laboratories, and advanced logistics facilities. The district forms part of TECOM Group’s wider portfolio, which includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Industrial City, and Dubai Design District, among others.

The partnership between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Science Park is expected to further strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and intellectual property rights protection.