The Board of Directors of the Emirates Drug Authority convened for its second meeting of 2025, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Board. During the session, they evaluated the progress on the strategic plan aimed at developing the medical sciences sector through the integration of modern technologies and ensuring sustainable pharmaceutical security to enhance the nation’s readiness for future demands.
The meeting reviewed advancements in the regulatory and legislative frameworks, as well as the efforts to integrate oversight and industrial pathways to expedite access to innovative treatments.
Present at the meeting were Dr. Maha Taysir Barakat, Vice Chair of the Board, Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Authority, along with other board members and officials.
The board was updated on the current state of domestic pharmaceutical and medical supply manufacturers and the progress made in initiatives aimed at bolstering local production, empowering the private sector, and promoting the localization of advanced technologies in drug manufacturing. These efforts are designed to enhance the UAE’s competitiveness as a prominent industrial hub both regionally and globally.
Discussions also covered the advancement of digital systems to expedite services related to the registration and evaluation of medical products, alongside reviews of mechanisms to improve smart pricing systems, track pharmaceutical products, and bolster pharmacovigilance efforts. These improvements are expected to increase the efficiency of supply chains and ensure the sustained availability of vital products in the pharmaceutical market.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stated: “The Emirates Drug Authority continues to execute its strategic plans for establishing pharmaceutical security and enhancing healthcare services in the country, following a comprehensive approach towards developing regulatory frameworks, providing technical support to local manufacturers, encouraging investment in research and development, and fostering new avenues for scientific collaboration with global institutions.”
He further added: “We are committed to expanding local manufacturing capabilities, attracting high-quality investments, and establishing an adaptable and effective regulatory environment that strengthens the UAE’s competitiveness on a regional and global scale. We aim to accelerate the shift towards an advanced pharmaceutical model that focuses on innovation, rapid access to treatments, and ensures the safety and quality of products.”
Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted that the authority’s vision aligns with the nation’s goals of economic diversification and building a healthcare system rooted in technology and knowledge. In the upcoming phase, the authority will focus on strengthening international partnerships, supporting intellectual property rights, and developing a smart digital infrastructure for drug registration and evaluation, assuring the UAE’s position as a leading innovation hub for pharmaceuticals in the region and worldwide.
In her remarks, Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi confirmed that the meeting addressed priorities for the next phase, particularly the adoption of rapid product registration pathways, support for specialized research and studies, and enhancing the quality of national industries. All these efforts are geared towards solidifying the UAE’s status as a leading and secure center in the field of pharmaceuticals and modern therapeutic technologies.