The UAE has introduced fee exemptions for student inventors and People of Determination applying for a range of industrial-property services, reducing the cost of protecting inventions and designs.
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 136 of 2026, the exemptions cover 29 services involving patents, industrial designs, utility certificates and related procedures. The measure took effect on September 14, according to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
The eligible groups can receive exemptions across shared services, including certain patent and design applications, examinations and annual protection fees. Additional exemptions apply to selected services for People of Determination and student inventors.
The move is intended to make it easier for young innovators and people with disabilities to protect their ideas and research. It could be useful for students, families, university researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs in the UAE who are developing products or inventions and considering formal intellectual-property protection.