Cabinet Resolution No. 136 of 2026 officially comes into force today, 14 September 2026, marking a significant change for UAE residents.
Here are the key points from the new resolution:
- The resolution was originally issued on 24 July 2026 and published in Official Gazette No. 829 on 14 August 2026.
- It amends the fee schedule for industrial-property services provided by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, previously governed by Cabinet Resolution No. 112 of 2023.
- The new legislation waives government fees for specific industrial-property services for student inventors and People of Determination.
Student inventors, including those from the large Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino expat communities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman, are eligible for waivers on services numbered 1, 3, 5, 7, 21, 22, 46, 57, 59, 61, and 63. These services cover patent, utility model, industrial design, and integrated-circuit layout filings, as well as ownership amendments, appeals, certified copies, and international applications.
Additionally, students receive waivers on services 10, 12, 14, 16, 24, 26, 28, 33, and 35.Residents holding official People of Determination status are also entitled to the same core waivers (services 1, 3, 5, 7, 21, 22, 46, 57, 59, 61, and 63) in addition to exclusive waivers for services 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 25, 27, 32, and 34. This policy change is intended to alleviate financial barriers for families and individuals engaging in innovation and design registration.
It is important to note that this resolution does not apply to Emirates ID, visa, medical, or labour fees. Applicants must still meet all legal filing requirements and provide proof of their student or People of Determination status as mandated by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to verify their eligibility documents and cite Cabinet Resolution 136 of 2026, accessible via the official UAE legislation portal, when utilizing these services.