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The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) is showcasing the role of pharmaceutical and human medical product manufacturers in building a more advanced and resilient national pharmaceutical industrial base during “Make it in the Emirates 2026", taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The Establishment is also highlighting how the integration of manufacturing efficiency, regulatory compliance and applied research is strengthening the UAE’s position among knowledge-based pharmaceutical economies.

EDE said its participation in the event is driven by its strategic vision and aims to reaffirm that the pharmaceutical ecosystem plays a fundamental role in enabling and developing the national pharmaceutical industry.

It emphasised its commitment to providing a flexible regulatory environment that accelerates product registration and licensing processes, stimulates investment, and supports business expansion, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the local industry at both regional and international levels.

H.E. Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said: “Our participation in Make it in the Emirates 2026 is part of a national vision aimed at building an integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem capable of competing globally, backed by a flexible regulatory environment that encourages innovation and investment.”

“We are working with firm determination to drive the growth of the local pharmaceutical industry and strengthen strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors, thereby facilitating knowledge transfer, localisation of advanced technologies, and ensuring the sustainability of pharmaceutical supply chains,” Al Hajeri added.

His Excellency stated: “We are committed to expanding high-value manufacturing within the UAE, enhancing the global competitiveness of national pharmaceutical products, and building flexible production capabilities that can respond to evolving global demand, further bolstering the UAE’s position within the international pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.”

At its pavilion, EDE is presenting national industrial models that reflect the diversity and maturity of the local manufacturing base in terms of scale, value-added, and specialisation.

The pavilion sheds light on the contributions of several companies and manufacturers operating in this space, led by Globalpharma, one of the UAE’s leading local pharmaceutical manufacturers, alongside Vieco Pharmaceuticals, which is showcasing an integrated industrial model, together reflecting the sector’s growing diversity and sophistication.

In parallel, the Establishment’s platform is featuring strong participation from entities operating in medical innovation and biotechnology.

Specialised companies in molecular diagnostics and advanced therapies are presenting their solutions, including AstraGene and SayGen Genetics, which offer diagnostic technologies serving human health, animal health, and food safety.

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) is also featured, with its advanced Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory, representing a leading national platform in regenerative medicine and cell therapy.

The diversity on display points to a transition from traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing to a wider life sciences ecosystem that integrates therapeutics, diagnostics and biotechnology, reinforcing the sector’s competitiveness and strengthening its capacity for innovation and market expansion.

As part of the event, H.E. Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, signed a memorandum of understanding with Globalpharma. The agreement was signed on behalf of the company by Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani, General Manager for Dubai Investments Industries and Masharie and Board Director at Globalpharma.

The MoU aims to strengthen strategic cooperation in localising pharmaceutical manufacturing and accelerating domestic production projects, through attracting high-quality investments and transferring industrial technologies to the UAE.

It also supports the development of national manufacturing capabilities, enhancing the competitiveness of locally produced medicines, strengthening pharmaceutical security, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional hub for pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.

In parallel, H.E. Dr Al Kaabi held a series of strategic meetings with leading global pharmaceutical companies, including MSD and Novo Nordisk, to explore opportunities for joint project development and to expand collaboration in pharmaceutical innovation.

Discussions with MSD focused on enhancing supply chain resilience and pharmaceutical security, as well as supporting scientific research and clinical studies.

Her meeting with Novo Nordisk addressed aligning the company’s investment plans with national priorities, reviewing its expansion plans in the UAE, and exploring pharmaceutical innovation, including opportunities to strengthen research and development collaboration and accelerate the introduction of innovative products into the UAE market.

EDE’s participation falls under the framework of its approach adopted to strengthen pharmaceutical security, support local manufacturing, develop supply chains, and implement a smart regulatory model based on risk assessment. Together, these efforts enhance sector efficiency, ensure long-term sustainability, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for pharmaceutical industries