The 31st edition of the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT 2026) concluded at Dubai World Trade Centre after generating approximately AED10.3 billion in direct and indirect trade deals over three days.
The event brought together pharmaceutical experts, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry leaders and decision-makers to discuss developments shaping the future of pharmacy and healthcare. Key areas included artificial intelligence, precision medicine, biotechnology, medication safety, pharmacy education and research.
Organisers said the value of trade agreements reflects growing confidence in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors while strengthening Dubai’s position as an international centre for business, innovation and scientific collaboration.
DUPHAT 2026 concluded with several recommendations aimed at preparing pharmacists and healthcare systems for emerging technologies. A major focus was the responsible use of AI, with pharmacists encouraged to develop stronger AI literacy while maintaining human oversight, protecting patient privacy and ensuring ethical implementation.
The conference also stressed that healthcare innovation should ultimately be measured by its impact on patients, including improvements in safety, access, outcomes and value. Medication safety was highlighted as another priority, with recommendations covering pharmacovigilance, digital reporting, clinical decision support and antimicrobial stewardship.
Participants also called for pharmacists to be better prepared for precision and personalised healthcare through greater knowledge of pharmacogenomics, personalised pharmacotherapy, biomarkers and biotechnology.
Pharmacy education was identified as another area requiring change. DUPHAT recommended developing scientific, clinical, leadership and digital competencies to equip future pharmacists for increasingly technology-driven healthcare environments.
Greater collaboration between pharmacists, physicians, nurses, researchers, academia, regulators, technology companies, industry and patients was also encouraged.
The conference closed by emphasising the importance of turning scientific knowledge and technological innovation into practical improvements that deliver safer care, healthier communities and better patient outcomes. Organisers are now looking ahead to DUPHAT 2027.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
