The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), in partnership with the Middle East and Africa Office of the Drug Information Association (DIA), hosted the UAE’s first Clinical Research Forum at the American University in Dubai.
The forum convened a distinguished group of participants, including representatives from regulatory bodies, academic institutions, international organisations, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical and technology companies.
Alongside the main event, specialised sessions addressed topics such as regulatory aspects of clinical research, research ethics and data protection, research quality, and academic–industry collaborations.
These sessions also focused on the readiness of research centres, innovative strategies for attracting clinical studies to the UAE and the wider region, and the operational preparedness of research sites.
Attendees included Dr. Shaikha Al Mazrouei, Director of the Reference National Laboratory, Drug Department, EDE, along with representatives from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, University of Sharjah, American University in Dubai, New York University Abu Dhabi, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, AstraZeneca, Amgen (the event’s sponsor), and several other entities involved in clinical research.
The forum aligns with EDE’s strategy to oversee and coordinate the regulatory framework for medical products and associated research through a set of strategic priorities.
These priorities include developing a health sciences sector supported by advanced technologies to ensure pharmaceutical security, drive the growth of medical industries, and foster a research ecosystem that accelerates access to innovative therapies while enhancing transparency and international collaboration in the pharmaceutical field.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of EDE, emphasised the Establishment’s commitment to building a world-class regulatory environment that promotes innovation, protects patient health, and advances clinical research.
Al Kaabi noted that EDE is dedicated to developing flexible, transparent, and forward-looking regulatory frameworks that keep pace with global advancements in medical products and clinical research.
She added, “The Emirates Drug Establishment operates with a holistic vision to reinforce pharmaceutical security, ensure the sustainable availability of medical products at competitive prices, and promote the national pharmaceutical model to the highest international standards.”
Dr. Omnia Darwish, General Manager of DIA for the Middle East and Africa, highlighted the significance of the forum, describing it as a key milestone for shaping the UAE’s clinical research landscape.
She explained that the primary aim of the event was to shift from isolated initiatives to a coordinated, sustainable national research ecosystem aligned with international best practices and standards.
Darwish noted that collaboration with EDE, regulatory authorities, universities, and healthcare institutions will strengthen the region’s position among global leaders in clinical research.
She outlined three main goals of the forum: enhancing collaboration between government entities and various sectors, standardising regulatory, ethical, and operational frameworks, and creating a sustainable environment that supports high-quality clinical research.
Darwish also praised the World Health Organisation for its role in supporting governance, ethical oversight, and capacity-building for clinical research across the region.
(Inputs from WAM)
