Emirates Drug Establishment hosts forum to advance UAE clinical research

UAE—The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has partnered with the Drug Information Association (DIA), Middle East and Africa Office, to organize the UAE’s first Clinical Research Forum at the American University in Dubai.

Pharmaceutical company Amgen sponsored the groundbreaking event, which drew representatives from regulatory authorities, academic institutions, international organizations, healthcare entities, and pharmaceutical and technology companies across the region.

The forum aimed to strengthen the UAE’s position as a premier regional hub for clinical research while demonstrating the nation’s dedication to building a healthcare ecosystem driven by knowledge and innovation.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in specialized sessions covering critical topics including regulatory aspects of clinical research, research ethics, data protection, and quality standards.

Discussions also explored academic-industry partnerships, research center readiness, and innovative strategies to attract clinical studies to the UAE and the broader region.

Dr. Shaikha Al Mazrouei, Director of Reference National Laboratory at the Drug Department of the Emirates Drug Establishment, participated alongside representatives from the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, University of Sharjah, American University in Dubai, New York University Abu Dhabi, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Major pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca and Amgen also contributed their expertise to the forum’s deliberations.

The EDE organized this forum as part of its broader strategy to oversee and coordinate the regulatory framework for medical products and associated research.

The establishment prioritizes developing a health sciences sector supported by advanced technologies to ensure pharmaceutical security, accelerate medical industry growth, and cultivate a research environment that speeds access to innovative therapies while enhancing transparency and international cooperation.

Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, emphasized the organization’s commitment to building a world-class regulatory environment that stimulates innovation, safeguards patient health, and drives meaningful progress in clinical research.

She affirmed that the EDE will develop flexible, transparent, and forward-looking regulatory frameworks that keep pace with global developments in medical products and clinical research.

Dr. Al Kaabi explained that the Emirates Drug Establishment operates with a comprehensive vision to reinforce pharmaceutical security and ensure the sustainable availability of medical products at competitive prices.

The establishment promotes the national pharmaceutical model to meet the highest international standards while encouraging specialized research and developmental studies within the UAE.

By providing an integrated regulatory environment supported by a robust pharmacovigilance system, the EDE continues to enhance global partners’ confidence in the UAE market and position the country as a preferred destination for hosting advanced clinical studies.

Dr. Shaikha Al Mazrouei described the forum as a practical platform to strengthen collaboration with partners from regulatory authorities, universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.

She noted that the EDE empowers research centers by streamlining regulatory procedures, providing clear guidance and standards, and promoting a culture of quality and ethical compliance.

These efforts attract more clinical studies to the UAE while supporting effective partnerships with healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors at regional and global levels.

Dr. Omnia Darwish, General Manager of the Drug Information Association for the Middle East and Africa, called the forum a pivotal milestone for shaping the future of clinical research in the UAE.

She explained that the event’s main objective is to transition from individual initiatives to a coordinated, sustainable national research ecosystem aligned with the highest international standards and best practices.

Collaboration with the Emirates Drug Establishment, regulatory authorities, universities, and healthcare institutions will enhance the region’s position among the world’s leading countries in clinical research.

Dr. Darwish outlined three key goals the forum seeks to achieve: strengthening collaboration between government entities and various sectors, standardizing regulatory, ethical, and operational frameworks, and building a sustainable environment that enables high-quality clinical research.

She praised the World Health Organization’s role in supporting governance, ethical oversight, and capacity-building for clinical research across the region.

Dr. Naira Manoubi from Amgen stated that partnerships between the pharmaceutical industry, regulators, and universities serve as key drivers for building research capabilities and attracting global clinical trials to the UAE.

Dr. Muriel Zaatar from the American University in Dubai added that universities play a pivotal role in preparing research talent and supporting scientific excellence, with hosting this forum reflecting their commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the next generation.

Dr. Arshad Altaf from the World Health Organization noted that the organization encourages countries to strengthen governance, standardize ethical oversight, and build research capacity.

He described the UAE’s achievements as remarkable and an inspiring example for the region.

Dr. Nail Abdel Samad from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi emphasized that the UAE’s integrated research ecosystem paves the way for conducting advanced clinical trials aligned with the highest international standards.

Dr. Manal Tayma from New York University Abu Dhabi highlighted that national data readiness serves as a fundamental element for shaping the future of scientific research.

She cited the “Future of UAE Health” clinical study as clear evidence of the country’s ability to conduct large-scale, high-quality clinical research.

Bendhia Kariappa from Pure Health added that collaboration between the public and private sectors in healthcare represents the best pathway to building comprehensive research capabilities in the UAE.

The forum reaffirmed that the UAE continues making a transformative leap in developing its clinical research ecosystem, driven by a clear national vision, strong regulatory leadership, and a collaborative approach.

The Emirates Drug Establishment has emerged as a key partner in aligning national efforts and shaping a unified, integrated regulatory and research framework across the country.