UAE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GUIDE

UAE COPYRIGHT PROTECTION GUIDE| 2026

Authors – Flore Stello – Lea Feghaly
Date last updated – 5 October 2026

Copyright Registration Procedures, Required Documents and Laws — 2026

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UAE Copyright Registration — Summary

Document contents

• Authorized authority

• Nature of the procedure

• UAE Copyright Laws and Procedures

• Relevant timeframes

• Timeframe for copyright protection

• Timeframe for obtaining the registration certificate

• Who may apply for copyright registration in the UAE

• Process for filing copyrights with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism

• General documents required

• Information required

• Applicant information

• Author information

• Ownership and disposition information

• Information concerning the work

• Filing-specific information

• Additional requirements by type of work

• Logos, graphic designs, drawings and two-dimensional artistic works

• Applied-art works, product designs, packaging artwork, architecture and three-dimensional works

• Written and literary works

• Photographic works

• Musical works and lyrics

• Sound recordings

• Audiovisual and cinematographic works

• Computer programs, smart applications and databases

• Important procedural qualifications

• Official links

• Effect of Registration

• Copyright vs. Trademark for Logos

• Rights Recorded in the Work Right Register

• Correction of Material Errors

• How to register intellectual works / copyrights on the UAE Ministry online portal

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Appendix 1: Copyright registration submission requirements matrix

Authorized authority

The competent federal authority is the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET), through its Intellectual Works Services and the administrative unit responsible for the Intellectual Works Right Register.

The Ministry receives and examines applications for registration of intellectual works, records authorship and ownership information, records dispositions affecting registered rights, and issues intellectual-work registration certificates.

Official sources: Intellectual Works Services | Intellectual Works Rights Registration | UAE Legislation Portal

Nature of the procedure

Copyright protection arises by operation of law when an original work is created and expressed in a protectable form. Registration is not a condition for the existence of copyright. The Ministry procedure is a voluntary recordal in the Work Right Register and results, if accepted, in an official registration certificate.

The certificate records the information and documents accepted by the Ministry. It does not, by itself, authorize use, circulation, publication or exploitation of a work where a separate permit or approval is required from another UAE authority. Registration also does not eliminate the need to prove ownership, originality or infringement in a dispute.

UAE Copyright Laws and Procedures

Copyright and neighboring rights in the UAE are principally governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighboring Rights. The Law regulates protected works, authorship and ownership, moral and economic rights, duration of protection, permitted uses, neighboring rights, registration, enforcement, civil remedies and criminal penalties.

The registration procedure and the Work Right Register are further regulated by Cabinet Resolution No. 47 of 2022 concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021. Article 2 of the Executive Regulations sets out the persons who may apply, the electronic filing procedure, required application data and documents, examination standards, the 60-day period to complete missing requirements, issuance of the certificate and the grievance procedure.

Accordingly, the principal legal and procedural framework comprises:

1.Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighboring Rights;

2.Cabinet Resolution No. 47 of 2022 concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021;

3.the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s Intellectual Works Rights Registration service requirements and current fee schedule; and

4.other sector-specific laws (for ex: UAE Media Regulation), licensing rules or content approvals where the nature or circulation of the work requires authorization from another competent authority.

Relevant timeframes

1. Timeframe for copyright protection

Copyright protection does not depend on registration. Economic-right terms are calculated under the applicable provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021. Moral rights are not transferable and, under the Law, are generally perpetual and do not lapse by prescription. The table below summarizes the principal terms relevant to common filing categories.

According to Federal Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyrights and Neighboring Rights, an intellectual work is any original work in the areas of literature, arts or science, whatever its description, form of expression, significance or purpose. In accordance with Article 2, the authors of intellectual work shall be protected if their rights are violated in the UAE. The following intellectual works are protected under copyright law:

1.books, pamphlets, essays and other written works

2.smart device applications, software and software applications, databases and similar works identified by a resolution of the Minister

3.oral and written lectures, speeches and sermons and other works of similar nature

4.dramatic, dramatico-musical works and dumb shows (pantomime)

5.musical works with or without words

6.audio or visual or audiovisual works

7.architecture works and engineering drawings and plans

8.works of drawing, painting, sculpture and lithography and printing on fabrics, wood, or metal or any similar works within the scope of fine arts

9.photographic works and similar works

10.        works of applied and plastic arts

11.        illustrations, geographical maps, sketches, 3D Works related to geography, topography, architectural designs etc.

12.        derivative works, without prejudice to the protection conferred upon the works from which they have been derived.

The protection includes the title of the work, if innovated, and the innovative idea written for a broadcasting programme.

In accordance with Article 3, the law does not protect the owner of:

1.ideas, procedures, methods of work, mathematical concepts, principles, and abstract facts. However, it does apply to the original creations derived from them.

2.official documents, regardless of their native language or the language they are translated to; such text includes laws, regulations, resolutions, international conventions, judgments, awards and decisions issued by administrative committees having judicial mandate

3.news

4.works that have become common property.

Nevertheless, items mentioned under clauses 2, 3 and 4 of this Article are protected if their compilation, arrangement or any effort therein can be classified as innovation.

2. Timeframe for obtaining the registration certificate

An average service-delivery period of three working days (according to the website) after submission of a complete application and payment of the official fee. This is an administrative service target rather than an unconditional statutory deadline. The actual period may be longer where the Ministry requests clarification, supporting ownership documents, replacement copies of the work, sector approvals or other information.

If the applicant does not provide required information or documents within 60 days from notification, the application is treated as rejected. A grievance against a rejection decision may be filed with the Grievance Committee within 30 days from notification. A fresh application may also be submitted after curing the deficiencies that caused rejection.

Who may apply for copyright registration in the UAE

Under Article 2 of Cabinet Resolution No. 47 of 2022, an application may be submitted by:

1.the author (national or foreign, resident or non-resident)

2.a holder of copyright or neighboring rights;

3.a successor in title to the author or rights holder; or

4.an authorized agent acting under a duly attested and notarized power of attorney.

The Ministry service is available to individuals, companies, institutions and government entities. Where the applicant is a company, but the work was created by one or more individuals, the application should include evidence connecting the author to the company and establishing the company’s ownership or entitlement to register the work. Depending on the facts, this may include:

1.a copyright assignment;

2.a commissioning or development agreement;

3.an employment agreement containing appropriate intellectual-property ownership provisions;

4.a merger, succession or transfer document; or

5.another document establishing the chain of title and the scope of the transferred rights.

Process for filing copyrights with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism

1. Classification of the work

Classify the work according to its nature. The Executive Regulations provide that each application may cover no more than one work, subject to the type of work.

2. Ownership and authorship review

Identify the author, applicant, rights holder and any transferee. Confirm whether the applicant acquired all relevant economic rights and whether the transfer covers the UAE, the required term and the right to register.

3. Preparation of the electronic application

Prepare the title, type, description, language, author and applicant information, publication details, ownership information and required supporting documents.

4. Online filing

Submit the application through the Ministry’s website or smart application, and obtain the application serial number.

“Cabinet Decision No. 47/2022 On the Implementing Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2021 on Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights Article 2: 5- An application for registration of works shall be filed in accordance with the following procedures and provisions:

a- Applications for registering the work shall be filed on the Ministry’s website, with payment of the due fees prescribed therefor.

b- Subject to Paragraph (a) of this clause, the Ministry shall specify any additional requirements as to the preservation of electronic registers and any other procedures.

c- The applicant shall be given a serial number according to the filing date of the application.”

5. Payment of official fees

Pay the current official fee: AED 50 for each author filing as an individual, or AED 200 for each company or institution, subject to confirmation at filing.

6. Examination

The Ministry verifies that the work is protectable, is in final form, is not merely an idea, draft, initiative or project, does not require an unfulfilled permit from another competent authority, and is supported by the prescribed information and documents.

“Cabinet Decision No. 47/2022 On the Implementing Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2021 on Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights Article 2: 7- The Ministry shall study the application and verify that:

a- The work is not among those that do not enjoy protection in accordance with the provisions of Article (3) of the Law.

b- The work is not among those that require a permit from the Competent Authority in the State.

c- The application is accompanied by the data and documents mentioned in this Decision.

d- The work is in its final form and is not just a draft, initiative, project, or idea.”

7. Completion of requirements

Respond to any Ministry request within 60 days from notification. Failure to complete the requirements within that period results in the application being treated as rejected.

8. Certificate issuance

If approved, the Ministry records the work and relevant rights data and issues the intellectual-work registration certificate electronically.

9. Post-registration updates

Material changes or modifications to registered information or documents should be notified to the Ministry within 20 days from the change, where Article 6 of the Executive Regulations applies.

“Cabinet Decision No. 47/2022 On the Implementing Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2021 on Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights Article2: 6 – Notification of updates and modifications

Persons whose names are registered in the Copyrights Register shall notify the Ministry of every modification or change that occurs to the Register’s data or the attached documents within (20) twenty days from the date of the modification or change.

The notification shall be served by means of a letter to be submitted by the person concerned, and the Ministry shall make a notation in the Register to the effect of any modification or change required.”

General documents required

Please refer to Appendix 1: Copyright registration submission requirements matrix for copyright registration submission requirements.

Information required

A. Applicant information

1.Full legal name.

2.Applicant type: individual, company, institution, government entity, rights holder or successor in title.

3.Nationality or country of incorporation.

4.Legal status and corporate form.

5.Registered and correspondence addresses.

6.Telephone number and email address.

7.Commercial-licence or incorporation number, where applicable.

8.Capacity in which the applicant files and the basis of ownership.

B. Author information

1.Full legal name and pen name, if any.

2.Nationality and address.

3.Passport or identity-document details.

4.Date of death, if applicable.

5.Role in creating the work.

6.Whether the work was created independently, jointly, in employment or under commission.

7.Details of all co-authors and the contribution of each.

C. Ownership and disposition information

1.Whether the author and applicant are the same person.

2.Name and address of the entity that assigned or commissioned the work, if any.

3.How and when the applicant acquired the economic rights.

4.Type, date, duration and geographical scope of any assignment, licence or other disposition.

5.Identity, nationality and address of the transferee or licensee, where a disposition is recorded.

6.Confirmation that the transfer covers the rights and territory needed for the UAE filing.

7.Details of any previous transfer, licence, security interest or registered disposition.

D. Information concerning the work

1.Title, type, description and language of the work.

2.Detailed information sufficient to identify the work.

3.Date and place of creation or completion.

4.Confirmation that the submitted work is the final version.

5.Whether the work has been published or disclosed.

6.Publisher name and address, date and place of first publication and international number, if any.

7.Details of earlier versions or prior registrations.

8.Details of underlying, adapted, translated or pre-existing material.

9.Confirmation that all third-party elements have been authorized.

10.        Whether a permit from another UAE competent authority is required.

E. Filing-specific information

1.Whether the work is submitted in colour, black and white, or both.

2.Whether materially different versions require separate applications.

3.File format, size and technical specifications of the uploaded work.

4.Whether any registered disposition is also to be recorded.

5.Details of the local representative and digital filing account.

6.Whether the certificate will require later amendment, certification or legalization.

7.             Cabinet Decision No. 47/2022

On the Implementing Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2021 on Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights Article 2 (6)

The aforementioned application for registration shall contain the following data and documents:

a- The title, type, description, and language of the work.

b- The name, nationality, capacity, and address of the applicant and a copy of the power of attorney duly certified and authenticated.

c- The author’s name, pseudonym (if any), nationality, address, and date of death (if applicable).

d- The name of the entity that directed the work (if any), its address, and the document supporting the relationship between it and the author.

e- The name and address of the publisher, the date and place of the first publication, and the international number (if any).

f- The name of the transferee, his nationality, address, type of transfer, its duration and geographical scope, and the document that proves the transfer by the author or the right holder.

g- Data and details of the work.

h- A copy of the passport or identity card of each of the applicant, author, and transferee.

i- A copy of the work according to the nature of the work.

j- Any other documents or data that the Ministry requests and instructs the applicant to submit as it deems necessary to verify the fulfilment of the necessary conditions for accepting his application, pursuant to a written notice served thereto to this effect.

Additional requirements by type of work

1. Logos, graphic designs, drawings and two-dimensional artistic works

The preparatory filing package should ordinarily include:

1.a clear, high-resolution reproduction of the final work;

2.a black-and-white version where protection independent of colour is relevant;

3.the title or name assigned to the work;

4.a concise description of the visual elements and composition;

5.designer and co-designer details;

6.date and place of creation;

7.publication or first-use details, if applicable; and

8.the assignment, employment or commissioning documentation establishing the applicant’s ownership.

A logo may be protected as an artistic or graphic work where it satisfies the originality requirement. Registration of a logo as copyright does not replace trademark registration and does not establish exclusive rights over functional, common or unoriginal elements.

2. Applied-art works, product designs, packaging artwork, architecture and three-dimensional works

1.colour photographs or renderings showing the complete work;

2.images from sufficient angles to show all material features;

3.technical drawings, elevations or plans where relevant;

4.a written explanation identifying the artistic rather than purely functional elements;

5.dimensions and materials, where relevant;

6.designer details and chain-of-title documents; and

7.any sector approval required before exploitation or circulation.

Applied-art classification should be assessed carefully because the UAE Law provides a shorter economic-right term for works of applied art. A package may contain several distinct elements—artwork, text, photographs, labels and structural design—and materially separate works may require separate applications.

3. Written and literary works

1.the complete final manuscript or written work;

2.title page identifying the work and author;

3.page count and language;

4.edition, completion and publication details;

5.publisher details and international number, if any; and

6.details of the source work and authorization where the filing concerns a translation, adaptation or derivative work.

4. Photographic works

1.high-resolution final copies of the photographs;

2.a title or identifying number for each photograph;

3.photographer details;

4.date and location of creation;

5.publication details, if applicable; and

6.employment, commissioning or assignment documents where the applicant is not the photographer.

Because one registration application may not cover more than one work, unrelated photographs or materially separate photographs may need separate applications. The treatment of a curated collection should be assessed before filing.

5. Musical works and lyrics

1.musical score, where applicable;

2.lyrics, where applicable;

3.audio recording or demonstration copy;

4.names and roles of composer, lyricist, arranger and performers;

5.date of composition and recording;

6.publisher or producer details; and

7.agreements establishing ownership and permissions for underlying works.

The musical composition, lyrics, performance and sound recording may constitute separate protected subject matter and may require separate filings.

6. Sound recordings

1.complete final recording in the accepted electronic format;

2.title and duration;

3.recording and first-publication dates;

4.phonogram-producer details;

5.performer details;

6.details of underlying musical and literary works; and

7.producer, performer, author and label agreements or permissions.

7. Audiovisual and cinematographic works

1.a complete final copy of the audiovisual work;

2.title, duration and language;

3.script or screenplay;

4.production and publication details;

5.credits identifying the director, writers, composer, producer and other contributors;

6.agreements establishing the producer’s ownership or authorization; and

7.any required media, content-classification or circulation approvals.

8. Computer programs, smart applications and databases

1.name, version number and completion date;

2.technical description and principal functions;

3.the final program, application or deposit material in the format accepted by the Ministry;

4.screenshots and user documentation where relevant;

5.database structure and information on the selection or arrangement of content;

6.developer and contributor details; and

7.employment, software-development, commissioning or assignment agreements establishing ownership.

Important procedural qualifications

The Ministry’s publicly available guidance does not provide detailed information regarding the submission, confidentiality, access, storage or treatment of source code, software files or other confidential technical materials deposited as part of a copyright registration application. Accordingly, before filing any application involving software, databases or sensitive technical content, the UAE team should confirm directly with the Ministry the accepted filing format, the materials required, the confidentiality measures applied and whether any deposited material may become accessible to third parties.

Official links

MoET Intellectual Works Services

MoET Intellectual Works Rights Registration

Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021

Cabinet Resolution No. 47 of 2022

UAE Government Intellectual Property Portal

Effect of Registration

Registration records information relating to the work and its ownership in the Work Right Register. Registration does not create copyright, which arises automatically under the Law, nor does it constitute authorization to publish, distribute, circulate or otherwise exploit the work where separate approvals are required from a competent authority. Registration also does not prejudice the rights of third parties to challenge ownership, authorship or validity of rights.

Copyright vs. Trademark for Logos

Copyright Protection and Trademark Protection

Registration of a logo as a copyright work protects the original artistic expression embodied in the design. Such registration does not replace trademark registration, which protects a sign used to distinguish goods or services in commerce. Depending on the circumstances, a logo may benefit from both copyright and trademark protection.

Rights Recorded in the Work Right Register

The Work Right Register may record not only ownership of a work but also dispositions affecting copyright and neighboring rights, including assignments, licences and other rights-related transactions, together with their scope, duration and intended purpose.

Correction of Material Errors

Pursuant to Article 3 of Cabinet Resolution No. 47 of 2022, any stakeholder may request the Ministry to correct a material error appearing in the Work Right Register.

How to register intellectual works / copyrights on the online portal of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy?

Enter the eService section of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Economy (MoE) website: eServices Ministry of Economy – UAE (moec.gov.ae) . Scroll down to the “Intellectual Works Services”, by clicking on “Start” additional options will appear. For registration purposes use the very first option “Intellectual Works Rights Registration Service”.

The button “Service details” will provide us structured information about the Service Fees, Conditions and Requirements, Required Documents and Steps and Procedures.

Starting the copyright registration process: On the top of the page, There’s the steps of the whole registration process. “Request Submission IP Registration”: This step is divided up into four sections “Basic information”, “Applicant type”, “Property Data” and “Author Data”. On the right top side of the page, you find the actual “Completion rate” in percent.

Basic information: The fields of the first section “Basic information” are filled in automatically with the details of the signed in person by default. Please make sure that all the details are correct and click on the “next” button to get forwarded to the next section.

Applicant type: In the second section the details of the type of the applicant should be provided. By clicking on the field “Applicant’s type” a drop-down menu will appear. Here you have the possibility to choose between the following types:

Author

Author on behalf of a group of authors

Legal agent for the author or group of authors

Disposer (individual or organization)

Disposer on behalf of a group of Disposers (individual or institution)

A legal agent on behalf of Disposer or on behalf of a group of Disposers

The second field “Right type” has also a drop-down menu with the options “literary”, “Financial” or “literary and financial”. Furthermore, we can optionally enter comments into the “Applicant Comment” field. Click on “Next” to move on to the next section.

We have the possibility to save our  “uncompleted“ registration by clicking on the “Save” button that is visible in every step.

Property Data: In the section “Property Data” the details of our intellectual property / work should be provided. We enter the name of the property in two languages, Arabic and English. In the next field “Property type” we choose one of the 26 options from the provided drop-down list, which is relevant for our property. And we need to enter the “Property description” and “Property content” into the two foreseen fields.

As last step in this section we must upload a copy of your intellectual property / work in the format .jpeg, .jpg, .pdf, .png, or .mp4. The upload is limited to a maximum of two files and a file space of 100 MB. As last step please enter a personal “Password” in the field on the right side. By clicking on “Next” you will get forwarded to the next section.

Author Data: In the last section “Author Data” we can provide the data of additional authors by clicking on the button “Add New Author”. New fields “Author Nature” and “Author type” will appear. We choose the right option from each of the drop-down menu. In addition, we can optionally enter comments into the “Applicant Comment” field. By clicking the “Add” button the entered data will be listed.

As soon as all the data are entered we are ready to submit our request for the registration of our intellectual work / copyright by clicking the “Submit” button on the bottom left of the page.

Final steps: After the submission we will have to make a payment (“step 2”). After successful payment the Intellectual Works Department will review our request and will provide us with feedback in usually 3 working days (“step 3”).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is copyright registration mandatory in the UAE?

No. Copyright protection arises by operation of law when an original work is created and expressed in a protectable form. Registration is not a condition for the existence of copyright. The Ministry procedure is a voluntary recordal in the Work Right Register.

Who can apply for copyright registration in the UAE?

An application may be submitted by the author, a holder of copyright or neighboring rights, a successor in title to the author or rights holder, or an authorized agent acting under a duly attested and notarized power of attorney.

How much does copyright registration cost in the UAE?

The guide states a current official fee of AED 50 for each author filing as an individual, or AED 200 for each company or institution, subject to confirmation at filing.

How long does UAE copyright registration take?

The Ministry website indicates an average service-delivery period of three working days after submission of a complete application and payment of the official fee. This is an administrative service target rather than an unconditional statutory deadline, and the actual period may be longer if additional information or documents are requested.

What happens if the Ministry requests additional documents?

Required information or documents should be provided within 60 days from notification. Failure to complete the requirements within that period results in the application being treated as rejected.

Can a logo be registered as copyright in the UAE?

A logo may be protected as an artistic or graphic work where it satisfies the originality requirement. Copyright registration of a logo does not replace trademark registration.

Can software and applications be registered?

Computer programs, smart applications and databases are included among the types of works addressed by the registration system. The filing requirements may include technical descriptions, development information, database schema, source-code material and supporting documentation. For sensitive technical materials, the guide recommends confirming directly with the Ministry how deposited material is submitted, stored and treated.

Does copyright registration authorize publication or commercial use of the work?

No. Registration records information concerning the work and its ownership. It does not by itself authorize publication, distribution, circulation or exploitation where separate approvals are required from another competent UAE authority.

Appendix 1: Copyright registration submission requirements matrix

The following matrix sets out the submission requirements according to the property type selected for registration.

Contact our UAE Team

For assistance with copyright protection, filing requirements or enforcement in UAE, contact Alyafi IP Group to discuss your work and the support you need.

Email our UAE team — uae@alyafi-ip.com

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