H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, convened a meeting with Daren Tang, the Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), during the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on January 24, 2025. The primary focus of their discussion was to enhance collaboration between the UAE and WIPO, aiming to strengthen the intellectual property (IP) ecosystem and emphasize innovation and creativity as vital components for sustainable growth.

According to WAM, during the conversation, Sheikha Latifa highlighted the UAE’s dedication to advancing its IP framework in alignment with global best practices. This commitment supports the UAE’s ambitions to build a vibrant innovation and creative ecosystem. She pointed out the significant achievements the UAE has made in fostering creativity and innovation across multiple sectors, which bolsters its reputation as a global hub for talent, technology, and culture.

Sheikha Latifa stated, “Intellectual property is a cornerstone for fostering innovation, empowering creatives, and driving economic diversification.” She elaborated that the UAE recognizes the essential role a robust IP ecosystem plays in constructing a future-ready economy. She expressed that through collaboration with esteemed organizations like WIPO, the UAE aims to protect intellectual property while stimulating growth in its creative industries and innovation sectors.

In response, Daren Tang praised the UAE for its visionary strategy in using intellectual property as a driver for both economic and cultural advancement. He reiterated WIPO’s commitment to assisting the UAE in formulating a comprehensive, cross-sectoral national IP strategy that aligns with the country’s ambitious growth objectives. This strategic approach is intended to foster a dynamic environment conducive to innovation and creativity, supporting the broader development goals of the UAE.

The meeting underscored the UAE’s longstanding partnership with WIPO, which has played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s intellectual property framework. Sheikha Latifa and Tang discussed ways to deepen this collaboration, focusing on emerging challenges while ensuring the UAE maintains its position at the forefront of global IP innovation.

Moreover, the discussions emphasized the significance of enhancing cross-sector collaboration, raising public awareness about intellectual property rights, and implementing effective policies that empower entrepreneurs, innovators