Zapopan, Jalisco.- As the year draws to a close, the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) reports that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially joined the protection and recognition of Tequila, Mexico’s first Appellation of Origin (AO).
“This is highly significant, as the UAE becomes the 58th country to grant protection to Tequila,” confirmed Rodolfo Villarruel Franco, Head of International Affairs at the CRT. “It is crucial to note that UAE legislation is legally prohibited from granting registrations to alcoholic beverages. Therefore, obtaining registration under Class 42—which covers analysis, quality control, and authentication services—is especially important. This grants the CRT exclusive authority for Tequila certification within that country.”
The United Arab Emirates, a Middle Eastern nation comprised of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah), is a key market. According to CRT data, Tequila exports to the UAE reached 1,046,410 liters (at 40% ABV) in 2024, a volume that has remained consistent throughout 2025.
The efforts to achieve this recognition began four years ago. “It was an arduous process that started in 2021 as part of our goal to expand Tequila’s protection in the Middle East. One of the biggest challenges was the legalization of necessary documentation. Once submitted, the process became more fluid, ultimately securing the registration for the words ‘Agave’ and ‘Tequila’ by the end of 2025,” Villarruel added.
Safeguarding the Tequila Appellation of Origin worldwide is a primary objective of the CRT. This achievement in the UAE is bolstered by other initiatives carried out during 2025, including “Tequila Culture Professionalization” programs for hospitality staff in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as physical monitoring at points of sale to ensure product integrity.
