UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and ENEC Partner to Protect Intellectual Property and Patents in the Nuclear Energy Sector

06.05.26

- MoU establishes a strategic framework for awareness campaigns, specialized training, and technical-legal consultations to safeguard high-tech nuclear innovations.

- The Ministry of Economy and Tourism to provide "Fast-Track" patent examination and marketing support for ENEC’s registered inventions, accelerating the deployment of next-gen civil nuclear energy solutions.

- Partnership reinforces ENEC’s proactive R&D strategy, ensuring the UAE remains ahead of the curve in the global transition to advanced civil nuclear technologies.

- Intellectual Property (IP) serves as the legal cornerstone for securing current innovative solutions and investments in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and future clean energy milestones.

In a significant move to solidify the UAE's position as a global leader in innovation and proactive industrial planning, the Ministry of Economy &Tourism and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in Intellectual Property (IP) and patents within the nuclear energy sector. H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, attended the signing of a new agreement at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ 2026 Forum. The agreement was signed by H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Group CEO of ENEC.

The partnership highlights ENEC’s forward-thinking approach to protecting its deployed innovative solutions at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and the upcoming technological milestones and R&D investments as it moves beyond traditional generation into advanced nuclear applications.  

Under the MoU, the Ministry of Economy & Tourism and ENEC will collaborate to embed a robust culture of IP protection across ENEC and its subsidiaries. This includes specialized training programs, knowledge-sharing workshops, and the provision of expert technical and legal consultations. Additionally, the Ministry will offer accelerated testing services for ENEC’s patent applications and assist in the commercial marketing of registered patents, aligning with ENEC’s mission to lead the development of high-tech nuclear intellectual capital.  

H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said: “The Ministry of Economy and Tourism continues its efforts to develop an integrated intellectual property ecosystem built on advanced legislative and regulatory frameworks, in line with international best practices. At the forefront of these efforts is the issuance of the Law on the Regulation and Protection of Industrial Property Rights, which represents a cornerstone for protecting innovations and inventions across various sectors, including through patent registration and documentation, as well as safeguarding industrial designs. The Ministry has also introduced a package of enablers and facilities to support the growth of innovation and R&D-driven projects. This is reflected in the growth of number of registered patents in the UAE, which reached 7,915. In addition, we recorded 11,346 industrial design registrations by the end of September 2025.”

H.E. added: “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company marks another milestone in supporting the national innovation agenda by encouraging creators and inventors to develop advanced solutions and innovations in the nuclear energy sector. The agreement contributes to strengthening cooperation and facilitating the exchange of best practices and expertise between both sides, helping to foster an advanced R&D environment aligned with the UAE’s vision to become a global hub for the new economy in line with the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”

H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Group CEO of ENEC, said: "Intellectual Property in the nuclear sector is the vital bridge between innovation and the electricity grid. Legal protection for our IP is the cornerstone that ensures theoretical research is transformed into tangible results, enhancing energy security and sustainability. Advanced nuclear technology projects require immense investment; patents are the ultimate guarantee for protecting the returns on innovation in these breakthrough technologies. 

The world is witnessing a surge in demand for nuclear energy as a proven solution to the global energy crisis. ENEC is staying ahead of the curve by intensifying its focus on R&D and ensuring a rigorous legal framework for our patents. This environment not only fosters creativity and expert knowledge exchange but also enables international partnerships that will secure the sector’s pivotal role for centuries to come."  

The partnership further reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Economy & Tourism to enhancing integration between state institutions. By protecting IP rights in priority scientific and economic fields, the Ministry aims to elevate the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring that local innovations are nurtured, protected, and ready for global export.

Having established a global benchmark for the delivery of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant on time and within budget, ENEC is now pivoting toward the future of the industry. This includes the development of Next-Generation Reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) under the Advanced Nuclear Technologies Program launched in November 2023. Today’s MoU provides the necessary legal infrastructure to shield the deployed R&D innovative solutions besides the future achievements of this program.