Source : WAM
Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has announced the activation of a new mechanism aimed at ending monopolies on medical products by requiring pharmaceutical companies to appoint more than one authorised agent for each product marketed in the UAE.
The measure is implemented under Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2024 on Medical Products, Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Establishments. It aligns with the UAE’s strategic priorities to enhance national preparedness, strengthen pharmaceutical security, and ensure the sustainable availability of medical products nationwide.
The initiative also seeks to enhance the country’s investment appeal, reinforce global competitiveness, and broaden treatment options available for the same medical conditions.
Being introduced for the first time in the UAE, the mechanism is designed to eliminate monopolistic practices in medical product distribution and reduce the risk of supply disruptions caused by emergencies or operational challenges. This will help guarantee the consistent and sustainable availability of medicines and medical products to meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers.
Additionally, the mechanism will improve supply chain flexibility by enabling faster responses to demand fluctuations and public health emergencies, enhancing distribution efficiency through improved inventory management, and accelerating the delivery of products across all emirates.
It will also support diversification of distribution channels, prevent monopolistic practices related to supply quantities or timing, promote healthy competition among pharmaceutical establishments, encourage fair logistics practices, and raise standards in quality, storage, and transportation.
Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDE, said the mechanism reflects the UAE’s broader public policy approach to building a resilient national pharmaceutical ecosystem capable of adapting to evolving health and economic developments.
“EDE is committed to strengthening the diversification of supply chains, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and establishing a flexible legislative environment that supports the sustainability of the pharmaceutical market and the protection of public health,” he added.
Al Hajeri noted that this step will help secure the continuous availability of medical products, reinforcing drug security as a core pillar of comprehensive health security.
He added, “Pharmaceutical investment is one of the UAE’s key strengths at both the regional and global levels, positioning the country as a major destination for investment flows, now and in the future.”
He further highlighted that the UAE offers advanced infrastructure and modern regulatory frameworks that support pharmaceutical investment and encourage international companies to establish regional operations and manufacture both innovative and generic medicines locally.
Al Hajeri reaffirmed the UAE leadership’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity while strengthening investment in the healthcare sector, particularly in pharmaceuticals.
