UAE Business Name Availability and Trademark Check Guide 2026
Choosing a UAE company name requires checking both free zone availability and UAE trademark registry. Here is the 2026 guide to checking your UAE business name.
In this guide:
Two Separate Checks Required
- Free zone name availability: Can this name be registered with the free zone authority?
- UAE trademark: Is this name/brand already trademarked in UAE?
- Both checks: Do both before investing in brand design and marketing
Free Zone Name Availability Check
- Most free zones offer an online name reservation tool on their website
- IFZA: member.ifza.com — name reservation portal
- DMCC: member.dmcc.ae — company name search
- RAKEZ: rakez.com — name check tool
- Cost: Free to check; AED 200-500 to formally reserve the name
UAE Free Zone Naming Rules
- No offensive words or references to religion, politics, or UAE government
- Cannot use: “National”, “Emirates”, “UAE”, “Federal” without special approval
- Cannot use: Another company name; confusingly similar names rejected
- Name must reflect business activity in some free zones
UAE Trademark Check
- UAE Ministry of Economy trademark database: Check on moetrademarks.gov.ae
- Search by: Brand name, class of goods/services
- If name is already trademarked: You can still register the company name but cannot use the brand as a trademark
UAE Trademark Registration (If You Want Protection)
- Cost: AED 3,000-8,000 per class; multiple classes required for comprehensive protection
- Duration: 10 years; renewable
- Protection: Prevents others from using your brand name in UAE for similar goods/services