The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy launched a campaign this week promoting the recognition of intellectual property rights as a critical step in preventing unfair business practices.

Lasting two weeks, the program will run under the banner, "Let us be partners in your protection and the protection of others."

Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori pointed out that IP management and protection is vital for the region's economic development, as it encourages an environment of entrepreneurial creativity and technological innovation.

Emerati animator and filmmaker Mohammed Saeed Harib added that the initiative will help promote artistic innovation as well. Harib works in a burgeoning Dubai entertainment industry that is highly dependent on cutting-edge animation technologies and innovations.

"This is an important step in building a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Economy, which is exerting great efforts in the field of intellectual property and in protecting the rights of artists in the country," Harib told Emirates News Agency.

The UAE currently boasts the highest average income in the world, with more than $1 trillion in foreign investments. As the small federation seeks to diversify its economy beyond petroleum and natural gas, its emerging manufacturing and services markets have led to a greater demand for IP management systems.