Registering an Arabic Trademark in the UAE: Transliteration, Meaning and Examination

Most UAE brands appear in both Arabic and Latin script – on signage by law in some emirates, on packaging, and in government tenders. Whether to register the Arabic version depends on how you use it.

Transliteration vs translation

• Transliteration writes the sound of the brand in Arabic letters ("Nike" → نايكي). It is treated as a version of the same mark.
• Translation uses an Arabic word with the same meaning ("Golden Sands" → الرمال الذهبية). It is a different mark and may be descriptive.

How MoET examines Arabic marks

• Similarity is assessed by sound as well as appearance, so an Arabic transliteration can conflict with a Latin-script mark and vice versa.
• Descriptive or laudatory Arabic words (ممتاز "excellent", طازج "fresh") are refused or disclaimed like their English equivalents.
• Religious terms, names of rulers and national symbols cannot be registered.
• A combined mark showing both scripts protects the combination as filed.

What to file

Situation	Recommendation
English brand, Arabic transliteration used on signage	File the English word mark; add the Arabic transliteration as a second word mark if budget allows
Arabic-origin brand with an English version	File both scripts
Logo containing both scripts	File the logo plus the main word mark
Government-facing business	File both scripts – tenders and contracts are in Arabic

Practical points

• Fix the spelling of the Arabic transliteration and use it consistently; variants weaken protection.
• The goods/services list must be filed in Arabic and English regardless of the mark's script.
• Our clearance searches always cover both scripts – most UAE conflicts involve an Arabic mark the applicant never saw.

Trademark check in both scripts →

Send us the brand name and what it covers for a free preliminary check and a fixed-fee quote – contact us. Official services and fees: MoET links.