The Untold Gold of the Arab World: Unlocking Geographical Indications Potential

“This fig only grows here,” the old farmer said, his hands stained with the earth, his eyes shining with pride. “Nowhere else tastes quite the same.”

I’ve heard that same sentence in many languages and dialects, from mountain villages in Tunisia to the valleys of Lebanon.And every time, it touches something deep in me.

Because it’s not just about a fig.

It’s about identity.

About roots.

About a way of life passed down through generations, and the quiet strength of those who keep it alive.

Across the Arab world, our lands are full of wonders: rare herbs, ancient oils, handmade crafts, and flavors that carry memories of centuries.But too often, these treasures are forgotten, copied, or sold without recognition.Sometimes, they disappear, not because they lose their value, but because we forget to protect them.

There is a way to change that.

And it begins with something called Geographical Indications (GIs).

What Are Geographical Indications?

A Geographical Indication, or GI, is a kind of intellectual property protection.It’s like giving a product a passport that says:“I come from here—and only here.”

It links a product to its land, people, and story.It’s not just a label. It’s a promise.A promise that this product is made with care, tradition, and local knowledge, and that it cannot be truly made anywhere else.

Countries all over the world use GIs to protect their local products.In France, it’s Champagne wine.

In Switzerland, it’s Gruyère cheese.In India, it’s Darjeeling tea.In Cameroun, it’s Penja Pepper.These products have become world-famous, and no one else is allowed to copy them.

So why not do the same for our heritage?

🌸 Beautiful Examples from Our Region

Some places in the Arab world are already leading the way with GI recognition, their stories offer valuable insights, even though tangible success is still developing. 

✨ Figue de Djebba, Tunisia

This special fig grows in the north of Tunisia, in a small town surrounded by mountains. With its GI status, local farmers were able to sell their figs at higher prices, and people around the world are starting to recognize the name “Djebba.” It’s more than a fruit, it’s a piece of home.

✨ Taliouine Saffron, Morocco

Grown by women in remote villages, this saffron is known for its rich color and powerful aroma. Since it was protected, local families and their product have gained greater recognition. This is not just a spice, it’s a livelihood.

✨ Deglet Nour Dates from Algeria

Everyone knows dates as a sweet fruit, but Deglet Nour grown under the sun in Biskra, Algeria, nurtured with care, is far more than just another date. With its GI protection, it’s now recognized not just as a delicious fruit but as a true cultural treasure and symbol of Algerian heritage.

These are not luxury products.They are everyday miracles, born from hard work, care, and community.And with protection, they become proud symbols of who we are.

Imagine What We Could Protect Next

There are still so many untold stories waiting for their light.

Olive Oil from Koura, Lebanon: harvested from sunlit groves in one of Lebanon’s oldest olive-growing regions. Pressed with care using traditional methods, this smooth, golden oil reflects the rich soil, Mediterranean climate, and generations of expertise behind every drop.

Palm Weaving from Oman: In Oman, artisans craft baskets and mats from palm fronds using the traditional khoos technique—an age-old craft rooted in place, culture, and community.

Amber Rice from Iraq: grown in the fertile Euphrates plains, Amber rice is prized for its

delicate aroma and silky grains. More than just food, it’s a symbol of Iraqi heritage and the farmers who keep this tradition alive.

Saudi Dates from Saudi Arabia: nurtured under the desert sun, harvested by generations of hands in Saudi Arabia. Each fruit carries the rich heritage, sweetness, and stories of the land.

Hatta honey from the UAE: crafted by bees in the mountainous oasis of Hatta, rich with the unique floral scents of the region and centuries of traditional beekeeping.

Each one holds something rare:A taste of memory.A sense of place.A future worth protecting.

Why Geographical Indications Matter

GIs do more than protect products.They protect people, and the way they live.

Here’s how:

They keep traditions alive

When a product is protected, the traditional way of making it becomes part of the law. That means skills taught by grandparents won’t be lost.

They help small producers earn more

With GI status, local producers can charge better prices, reach new markets, and get the respect they deserve for their hard work.

They bring pride to communities

When people see their product celebrated around the world, they feel proud, and that pride builds stronger communities.

They keep people in their villages

When local products bring value, young people stay. They don’t need to leave their homes to find opportunities, they create them.

They stop imitations

Only real producers from the real place can use the name. That means no one can copy their work or take their credit.

In a world full of mass production, GIs protect what is honest, human, and deeply real.

My Journey with Geographical Indications

My story with GIs started in 2005 with a Swiss Lebanese project that took me across every corner of Lebanon. I met with producers of cheese, olive oil, knives, soap, apple, rosewater, and more. I sat with them on the floor of their kitchens, listened to their stories, tasted what they made with their own hands.

None of them called themselves “entrepreneurs.”They called themselves guardians.Guardians of recipes, rituals, and relationships with the land.

Then, I’ve wandered through date palm groves in Algeria.

I’ve tasted delicious fig in Tunisia.

I’ve discovered the rich craftsmanship of Thuya wood in Morocco.

I’ve savoured the natural richness of honey from Cameroon. 

I’ve encountered Kilichi from Niger, a traditional dried meat, crafted with time-honored knowledge passed through generations. I’ve spoken to makers in many countries.

And they all shared something powerful:

They didn’t just make products.

They held onto heritage, quietly, humbly, and with love.

But I also saw the risk:

Without protection, their legacy could disappear, because we didn’t take the time to value it.

Now Is the Time

The Arab world is rich in natural beauty, ancient knowledge, and heartfelt traditions.But to turn that into real strength, we need one thing: awareness.

We must stop seeing heritage as something only for museums or memories.

It is power.

It is identity.

It is a future that honors the past.

Governments, communities, NGOs, organizations and experts all have a role to play.

But the first step is simple: See the treasure in what we already have.

Let’s protect it.

Let’s promote it.

Let’s pass it on, with pride, with love, and with vision.