The Emirates Drug Establishment has convened the UAE’s first Clinical Research Forum, bringing together leading regulators, academics, and industry experts to advance a unified national approach to clinical research.
The event, held at the American University in Dubai in partnership with the Drug Information Association, marked a strategic step toward strengthening the country’s role in global medical innovation.
Participants from major health authorities, universities, international organisations, and pharmaceutical companies attended the forum. The agenda featured specialised sessions on regulatory frameworks, research ethics, data protection, academic–industry collaboration, and the readiness of research centres across the UAE.
The initiative reflects the Establishment’s broader strategy to build a robust health sciences sector supported by advanced technologies. Key priorities include enhancing pharmaceutical security, expanding local medical industries, and accelerating access to innovative therapies while improving transparency and international cooperation.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said the organisation is committed to creating a world-class regulatory environment that safeguards patient safety and supports innovation. She noted that the Establishment aims to develop flexible and forward-looking frameworks that align with global advancements in clinical research.
Dr. Omnia Darwish, General Manager of the Drug Information Association for the Middle East and Africa, described the forum as a milestone in shaping a coordinated and sustainable national research ecosystem. She emphasised the importance of harmonising regulatory and ethical standards and fostering stronger collaboration between government entities, academia, and industry.
Darwish also highlighted the World Health Organisation’s role in strengthening governance and capacity-building for clinical research across the region.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
