H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, inaugurated the 31st edition of the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT 2026) at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Running until 27 August, the event is expected to welcome more than 25,000 visitors and participants from 85 countries, bringing together pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers, distributors, pharmacists, specialists, regulators and industry decision-makers.
DUPHAT 2026 features more than 1,100 brands, 104 scientific sessions, 12 workshops and 400 scientific posters presented by university students. Its specialised segments cover pharmaceuticals, parapharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical technology, vitamins, supplements, nutrition and startups.
Held alongside the main event, VITASHOW Dubai showcases developments in dietary supplements and nutrition. This year, its programme has expanded with the introduction of the VITASHOW Dubai Nutrition Conference, focusing on clinical nutrition.
A key feature of DUPHAT 2026 is the Pharma Leadership Forum, organised in collaboration with the Emirates Drug Establishment and Dubai Health Authority. The forum brings together senior government officials and pharmaceutical executives to discuss regulatory transformation, innovation, supply chain excellence and the future of the industry.
The Emirates Drug Establishment is officially supporting the event as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, innovation, investment and supply chain readiness in the UAE.
The event also provides startups in health technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals with opportunities to showcase solutions, build partnerships and access potential funding.
DUPHAT comes amid continued expansion of the UAE pharmaceutical sector. The country's pharmaceutical market generated $5 billion in revenue in 2025 and is projected to reach $8 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% between 2026 and 2033.
The conference aims to strengthen Dubai and the UAE's position as a hub for pharmaceutical innovation, investment and international industry collaboration.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
