Made in the Middle East: How Geographical Indications are protecting our Regional Icons?

The Middle East has always been a land of legends, full of flavors that make your taste buds dance and traditions that date back thousands of years. From the iconic Ajwa dates of Saudi Arabia to Jordan’s world-famous Dead Sea cosmetics, this region has some seriously cool products. But here’s the catch: How do we make sure that these authentic treasures aren’t being copied by anyone with a label and a dream? The answer, my friends, is Geographical Indications (GIs).

Think of a GI like a VIP pass for products. If your product has a GI, it’s the equivalent of saying, “Yep, this comes from the one and only authentic source”. GI Not only keep imitations out, but it also let the world know that this isn’t just another bottle of olive oil or bag of dates, but it’s a proud piece of regional heritage.

Let’s dive in and see how GIs are making Middle Eastern products even more legendary:

1.Jordan’s Jameed & Dead Sea Products:  

Jameed: Let’s talk about Jameed for a second. This dried yogurt isn’t just a food, it’s an experience. If you’ve ever had Mansaf (Jordan’s traditional dish), you know that Jameed is the unsung hero of Jordanian cuisine. But it’s not just about food, it’s about preserving a whole culture. With GI protection, only Jordanian shepherds and cheesemakers can claim this authentic product, ensuring your Mansaf comes with a side of history and no counterfeit yogurt.

Dead Sea Products: The Dead Sea is like nature’s beauty lab packed with healing minerals that can turn your skin into a glowing masterpiece. By securing GI protection, Jordan makes sure the only “Dead Sea” products hitting the shelves are the real deal. No fake salts or dubious lotions here. You get the true mineral magic from the source straight from the Dead Sea!

2.Lebanese and Palestinian Olive Oil:

Olive oil from Lebanon and Palestine isn’t just cooking oil, it’s liquid gold. Sourced from the lush, rolling hills of Lebanon’s Koura and Beqaa Valley, as well as the fertile lands of Palestine’s Nablus and Hebron, this olive oil is as rich in history as it is in flavor. With GI protection, only oil from these renowned regions can be marketed as “Lebanese” or “Palestinian” meaning when you drizzle it on your salad, you’re not just getting a taste of the Mediterranean, you’re savoring centuries of tradition, all legally protected.

3.Omani Frankincense:

Oman’s frankincense isn’t just a spice, it’s the stuff of luxury, legend, and some seriously rich history. This ancient resin, known for its calming scent, has been used in everything from royal perfumes to sacred rituals since the time of Cleopatra (yep, she was all about that frankincense). With GI protection, Oman’s frankincense is guaranteed to stay as exclusive as your grandmother’s heirloom jewelry. And let’s be honest, if it’s good enough for Cleopatra, it’s good enough for us.

4.Saudi Ajwa Dates:

If there’s one thing that Saudi Arabia can truly claim as its own, it’s the famous Ajwa dates from Medina. These dates are like the Beyoncé of the date world; perfectly sweet, soft, and full of history. With GI protection, no one can just slap the name “Ajwa” on any old date. It’s exclusive, like a VIP concert ticket. Only dates from Medina get the “Ajwa” crown, ensuring they remain the finest in the world.

5.Moroccan Argan Oil:

Argan oil; Morocco’s gift to the world is the miracle worker for your skin, hair, and nails. It’s basically magic in a bottle. And with GI protection, Morocco is making sure that only oil from designated regions can bear the name “Moroccan Argan Oil”. That means you can trust that when you buy this oil, you’re getting the purest, most authentic version of this beauty elixir. No fakes. Just glow.

So, what’s the takeaway? Geographical Indications are giving “Made in the Middle East” a serious upgrade on the global stage. These GIs aren’t just protecting products, they’re celebrating centuries of culture, craftsmanship, and history. They’re the region’s way of saying, “Our products are unique, and they’re worth protecting”. From Ajwa dates to Moroccan Argan oil, GIs are ensuring that Middle Eastern products not only survive but also thrive.

Written by our Legal Consultant: Ms. Lubna Qarmash.