In a significant move to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for intellectual property and innovation, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, recently met with Daren Tang, Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos. The meeting underscored the UAE’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and international collaboration in the intellectual property domain.
Latifa bint :A Strategic Partnership for Global Innovation
The discussions between Sheikha Latifa and Daren Tang focused on enhancing the UAE’s collaboration with WIPO to promote innovation and intellectual property as key drivers of economic and cultural growth. With the UAE being home to a thriving creative ecosystem and a rapidly growing innovation economy, the meeting highlighted the alignment of shared goals between Dubai and WIPO in advancing global intellectual property frameworks.
Empowering Creatives and Innovators
Sheikha Latifa emphasized the importance of creating robust support systems for innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives in the UAE. She stated, “The UAE continues to champion intellectual property as a cornerstone of innovation and creativity. By working closely with WIPO, we aim to enhance our strategies to empower creators, safeguard their intellectual rights, and contribute to global innovation.”
The UAE’s creative economy strategy, launched in recent years, aims to elevate the country as a global hub for cultural and creative industries, targeting a substantial contribution to the national GDP. Intellectual property protections play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives by ensuring a secure environment for creators to flourish.
WIPO’s Vision for the Future
Daren Tang highlighted WIPO’s commitment to supporting nations like the UAE in creating inclusive and accessible intellectual property systems. He praised the UAE’s proactive approach to fostering innovation and its dedication to positioning itself as a leader in intellectual property.
Tang remarked, “Dubai’s dynamic growth in creative industries and innovation aligns perfectly with WIPO’s mission of ensuring that intellectual property serves as a force for good worldwide. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the UAE to enable entrepreneurs and innovators to thrive.”
Driving Innovation Across Sectors
The UAE’s focus on intellectual property spans multiple sectors, including technology, arts, culture, and entrepreneurship. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, strategic location, and supportive government policies, the UAE has emerged as a global innovation hub.
Key initiatives discussed during the meeting included:
- Capacity Building: Joint programs to educate and train innovators, businesses, and policymakers about intellectual property rights.
- Creative Industries Development: Support for artists, designers, and cultural organizations to leverage IP for growth and global recognition.
- Technology and Startups: Strengthening IP frameworks to encourage tech startups and entrepreneurs to develop and protect their ideas.
- Global Collaboration: Positioning Dubai as a regional headquarters for intellectual property discussions and innovation summits.
Dubai’s Role in Shaping the Future of IP
As the UAE continues to diversify its economy, the integration of intellectual property protections has become a critical enabler of innovation. Dubai, in particular, has played a pioneering role in fostering a creative ecosystem. Through entities like the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and the Dubai Future Foundation, the city has consistently supported groundbreaking initiatives that contribute to the global innovation landscape.
The meeting in Davos reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its ties with WIPO and other international organizations. By aligning its strategies with global best practices, Dubai aims to set new benchmarks in innovation, creativity, and intellectual property governance.
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed and WIPO’s Director-General Daren Tang marks a significant step forward in the UAE’s journey to becoming a global leader in intellectual property and innovation. By building strong partnerships, fostering creativity, and empowering innovators, the UAE is well-positioned to drive progress across industries while contributing to global economic and cultural development.
As Dubai continues to shine on the world stage, its commitment to intellectual property and collaboration with organizations like WIPO ensures a future where creativity and innovation thrive, benefiting not only the UAE but the world at large.
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