ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The number of pharmaceutical factories in the UAE has increased to more than 35, marking the country’s transformation into a global hub for pharmaceuticals, said Dr. Ali Al Sayed Hussain, Chairman of Dubai International Pharmaceutical Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT).

Speaking during the second day of the three-day DUPHAT, which started on Tuesday, Al Sayed highlighted the significant increase in the number of pharmaceutical factories in the UAE, exceeding 35 from 16 in 2015, attributing the substantial rise to facilitations provided by the UAE to investors of various nationalities.

Al Sayed emphasised that the UAE has become a global hub for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, training, and logistical programmes related to the pharmaceutical and medical supplies industry.

Speakers at the DUPHAT 2024 sessions noted that the continuous increase and accelerated growth in the number of pharmaceutical factories in the UAE serve as a strong indicator of its growing stature in the pharmaceutical industries, as well as the government’s commitment to supporting investment in the pharmaceutical sector, along with the presence of infrastructure, airports, and free zones, contributes to this growth.

In press statements, Al Sayed stated that the value of the UAE’s pharmaceutical market is expected to reach $4.7 billion by 2025. He added that the market is witnessing significant development, and would be an attractive investment and a destination for major global pharmaceutical companies.

The registered number of drugs in Dubai has increased to around 14,000 varieties for treating various diseases, reflecting the UAE’s strong and distinctive manufacturing capacity in the pharmaceutical sector. It provides more than 2,500 locally produced medicines, showcasing the UAE’s robust manufacturing capability in the pharmaceutical sector, Al Sayed said.

Global estimates indicate that the market value in the Middle East and North Africa exceeds $50 billion, reinforcing the region’s position in the global pharmaceutical and drug industry.

Al Sayed emphasised the vital need for professionals in the pharmaceutical field to enhance their knowledge and stay abreast of the latest trends and practices in light of the numerous developments in healthcare, new technologies, and modern infrastructure.

DUPHAT 2024, the largest edition in the exhibition’s history, involves over 150 speakers delivering 120 lectures and 16 workshops over its three days. The conference and exhibition are expected to host over 32,000 visitors and participants from 95 countries worldwide, making it the largest gathering of pharmaceutical companies in the Middle East and Africa region.

Regional Leadership

Regionally leading the way, the DUPHAT conference continued its activities on Wednesday for the second day. Its events featured a rich scientific programme that included essential discussions in the pharmaceutical sector.

The UAE declared its leadership in the list of Middle Eastern and African countries in the number of innovative drugs containing new active substances, also topping the list in terms of the speed of studying and approving regulatory files for drugs.

This accomplishment aligns with the efforts to enhance the leadership and competitiveness of the country in the health and pharmaceutical field, within the framework of the “We Are the UAE 2031” vision, representing a new outlook and a national action plan through which the UAE aims to continue its developmental journey for the next decade and towards the upcoming 50 years.

Retinal Diseases and Cutting-edge Healthcare

Professor Amani Tawfik, Assistant Professor of Eye Research from the US, addressed the diverse scene of healthcare in her scientific session, specifically focusing on the treatment of retinal diseases and the role of vitamins in managing them.

Additionally, she tackled the urgent issue of obesity, shedding light on a new weight-loss drug and its potential in combating obesity.

In her lecture, she emphasised the importance of ensuring access to these medications and the ability to afford them, while underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach that not only involves introducing innovative drugs, but also establishing mechanisms to make them widely available to all those in need.

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Dr. Marwan Al Mulla, CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at the Dubai Health Authority, discussed artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancements in healthcare, providing a precise understanding of how these innovations shape the landscape of medical practices and patient care. Al Mulla also delved into profound aspects of safety gaps between brands and drugs, considering this topic highly important as it addresses issues of efficacy, quality, and patient safety.