This recognition strengthens the Tequila Denomination of Origin and expands its international protection to 58 countries.
Zapopan, Jalisco, December 23, 2025.– Before the end of the year, the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT), A.C., announces that the United Arab Emirates has joined the protection and recognition of Tequila, Mexico’s first Denomination of Origin.
“It is very significant, because the United Arab Emirates becomes the 58th country in which protection for Tequila has been obtained. It is very important to highlight that, under its legislation, this country is legally unable to grant registrations for alcoholic beverages; therefore, obtaining registration in Class 42 is especially important, as it is oriented toward the analysis, quality control, and authentication services provided by the Tequila Regulatory Council. In other words, exclusivity is being granted to the CRT for the certification of Tequila in that country,” confirmed Rodolfo Villarruel Franco, Head of the International Affairs Department at the CRT.
The United Arab Emirates is a Middle Eastern country made up of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. According to CRT records, in 2024 tequila exports to this nation totaled 1,046,410 liters of tequila at 40% Alc. Vol., a figure similar to the volume exported to this country so far in 2025.
Efforts to achieve recognition of Tequila in the United Arab Emirates began four years ago.
“In reality, it was an extremely arduous process. It all began in 2021 when we sought to expand the protection of Tequila in the Middle East. One of the greatest challenges was legalizing all the necessary documents. Once we submitted the documents to this country, the process became much smoother and faster, ultimately allowing us to obtain registration by the end of 2025 for the word Agave and the word Tequila,” emphasized CRT spokesperson Rodolfo Villarruel.
Safeguarding the Tequila Denomination of Origin, both in Mexico and abroad, is one of the main objectives of the Tequila Regulatory Council. In addition to this recognition in the United Arab Emirates, other actions carried out by the CRT in that country throughout 2025 include professional training in Tequila culture for staff at establishments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as physical monitoring at points of sale.
