UAE introduces ‘GI’ system to help shoppers buy authentic local products

Shoppers can look for GI tags in products like Hatta Honey, RAK Ceramics

Last updated: May 09, 2025 | 15:56

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Beekeepers at the eighth edition of the ‘Hatta Honey Festival’, at Hatta Hall in Dubai.

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Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Economy launched a new initiative to protect the unique characteristics and origins of national products by launching a Geographical Indications (GI) system.

This first-of-its-kind federal programme seeks to formally recognise and safeguard products whose qualities are “intrinsically linked to specific geographical regions within the UAE”, the Ministry of Economy explained.

The GI system, which has been integrated into the national trademark law, establishes clear mechanisms for registering and protecting these geographically specific products. The Ministry said the legal framework is designed to prevent misuse and ensure that consumers can identify and trust the authenticity and quality of a product’s origin.

The Ministry also said the announcement underscores the UAE’s commitment to bolstering its intellectual property (IP) framework and promoting its national identity on the global stage. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said the initiative is crucial to transforming culturally significant products into valuable economic assets for local communities and fostering economic diversification, aligning with the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

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Products identified

In the initial phase, four national products have been granted GI status:

Hatta Honey: Recognised for its distinctive quality resulting from the Hatta region’s unique mountainous environment and traditional production methods.
Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics: Celebrated for their long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and their significance as a key export of the emirate
Dabbas Dates from Al Dhafra: Distinguished by their authentic agricultural character and established reputation within the Al Dhafra region
Traditional Palm Frond Products: Representing the UAE’s rich artisanal heritage, these handcrafted items are produced across various emirates

Currently, an additional 25 products, spanning food and handicrafts, are under review for potential GI registration, with the total number of registered products expected to reach six by the end of the year.

Also Read: New economies to raise share of non-oil sector in UAE’s GDP to 80%, minister says

Apply for GI tagging

The Ministry of Economy has indicated that the online registration service for GI tagging is now active, inviting applications from both domestic and international producers. The process will adhere to established guidelines that consider each product's geographical, natural, and traditional attributes.

The introduction of the GI system is also framed within the context of the UAE’s broader sustainability goals and its alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Ministry said that protecting these national products is seen as a means to stimulate local production, generate employment, and enhance the value chains of both traditional and modern industries.