On 26 December 2025, Law No. 8 of 2025 on the Protection of New Plant Varieties repealing Federal Law No. 17 of 2009 was adopted in the United Arab Emirates. The new law extends to breeders’ rights, promotes agricultural innovation, and enhances food and biosecurity, while aligning with the national legislation and international standards set by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).

Key features of the new law include:

• Establishment of a Register for New Plant Varieties under the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
• Protection across plant genera and species, with defined criteria for novelty and distinctness
• Definition of the Registrar’s role and the scope of breeders’ rights
• Setting the duration of protection at 20 years for plant varieties that are new, distinct, uniform, and stable, and 25 years for vines and trees, starting from the date of grant
• Penalties and fines for violations, ensuring compliance and strengthening enforcement

For more information, please contact CWB MENA.