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The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has commenced implementation of the resolution that took effect on September 14, 2026, following its publication in the Official Gazette the previous month. The decision exempts the two groups from a range of fees previously required for key steps in securing patents, industrial designs and related protections under Federal Law No. 11 of 2021. According to the ministry, the move removes financial barriers that could discourage young inventors and individuals with disabilities from protecting their intellectual property.
Under the terms of Cabinet Resolution No. 136 of 2026, both student inventors and People of Determination are relieved of charges for 11 specific services that include applications for patent registration, industrial design registration, integrated circuit layout designs and utility certificates. The exemptions also extend to substantive examinations, publication of registrations and annual fees for the second through fifth years of protection, with prior costs ranging from 100 to 1,000 dirhams, ministry figures show. A separate set of exemptions applies differently to each category for nine further services each.
People of Determination receive waivers on nine additional services originally priced between 1,000 and 9,000 dirhams while student inventors benefit from relief on another nine services that had carried fees of 500 to 4,500 dirhams, the resolution states. These cover more intensive examination and review processes for patent and utility model applications. The ministry’s review of the resolution underscores its role in creating an inclusive environment for innovation across all segments of society.
Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, assistant undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, described the exemptions as a direct reflection of national priorities. “The Cabinet resolution affirms the UAE’s vision of fostering creativity and innovation by supporting student inventors and People of Determination, enabling them to register their innovations with ease and protect their rights,” Al Muaini said. He added that the policy would enhance participation in the national intellectual property ecosystem and help position the UAE as a global hub for creativity and the new economy.
The resolution was issued on July 24, 2026, and approved by the Cabinet upon the proposal of the Minister of Finance, official records indicate. It amends aspects of an earlier decision on ministry service fees and enters into force 30 days after publication. This framework builds upon ongoing national strategies to strengthen intellectual property rights protection and encourage research and development.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has noted that reducing costs for these targeted groups will support an increase in protected innovations from students and People of Determination. A review of the fee schedule shows that a student inventor filing through an academic institution could save more than 5,000 dirhams on protection through the fifth year. The ministry continues to provide guidance on eligibility and procedures through its dedicated online portal.
