UAE Issues New Plant Varieties Law
22-Jan-2026 ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently issued a new Plant Varieties Law to protect breeders' rights, boost innovation, and improve food security. The law, Federal Law No. 17 of 2009, has been replaced to bring it in line with the standards of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).
One of the key aspects of the new law is the establishment of a national register to grant rights for new, distinct, uniform, and stable varieties. These rights will be protected for a period of 20-25 years. The law also imposes strict penalties, including fines of up to AED 250,000 and possible jail time, for any violations. This significantly strengthens the UAE's agricultural framework.
In case of any further information or inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at uae@agip.com