Trademark Registration in Abu Dhabi: Process, Cost and Where to File

Trademark registration in Abu Dhabi follows the same federal process as the rest of the UAE: the application is filed with the Ministry of Economy & Tourism (MoET), whose head office is in Abu Dhabi, and one registration covers all seven emirates. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) handles trade names for licences, not trademarks.

Cost

AED 6,500 per class in government fees (AED 750 application, AED 750 publication, AED 5,000 registration), plus an agent fee. Optional one-day examination: AED 2,250. Abu Dhabi companies registered under the National Programme for SMEs pay 50%. Full cost guide →

Process and timeline

1. Check the MoET register (official inquiry AED 350; free preliminary check on WIPO Global Brand Database) in Arabic and English.
2. Choose Nice classes (13th edition).
3. File online with UAE Pass; pay AED 750.
4. Examination – 1 to 3 months.
5. Publication in the Trademark Bulletin; 30-day opposition period; pay AED 750.
6. Final registration; pay AED 5,000; certificate issued.

Four to six months end to end. Step-by-step guide →

Documents for Abu Dhabi applicants

• Trade licence (ADDED mainland, or free-zone: ADGM, KIZAD, Masdar City, twofour54) – the applicant name must match exactly.
• Logo file or word mark; goods and services list.
• For individuals: passport and Emirates ID.
• Power of attorney if filing through an agent. Checklist →

ADGM companies

Abu Dhabi Global Market entities register trademarks with MoET like any UAE company; ADGM's own registers cover companies and, separately, some IP-related licences but not trademarks.

Trade name vs. trademark in Abu Dhabi

An ADDED trade name lets you operate under that name in Abu Dhabi. It gives no exclusive brand rights and does not stop a competitor from registering the same name as a trademark. ADDED search vs. trademark search →

Enforcement in Abu Dhabi

Registered marks are enforced through ADDED's commercial inspection, Abu Dhabi Customs recordal and the Abu Dhabi courts. Criminal penalties for counterfeiting apply under Decree-Law 36/2021. Infringement complaints →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to visit MoET in Abu Dhabi? No – the entire process is online.

Is an Abu Dhabi trademark valid in Dubai? Yes. There is one federal register; the registration is valid in every emirate.

Can a foreign company register a trademark in Abu Dhabi? Yes, through a UAE-registered trademark agent with a legalised power of attorney.

We file for Abu Dhabi mainland, ADGM and free-zone companies – request a quote.