Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
As the world observes World Pharmacists Day on September 25, experts in the UAE said pharmacists are now playing a much bigger role in day-to-day healthcare, from improving public health and promoting self-care to supporting a more sustainable healthcare system.
Often the most accessible point of contact in the health sector, pharmacists across the country are increasingly taking on responsibilities that go beyond dispensing medication, such as helping people manage minor health issues, providing support for smoking cessation, and assisting them with chronic disease management.
Rodney Smith, Country Director for Gulf Countries at Kenvue, said that pharmacists today are central to advancing healthcare by empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health.
“They serve as accessible and trusted advisers, offering expert guidance on self-care and ensuring safe and effective use of treatments. Pharmacists also play a pivotal role in smoking cessation efforts. Many consumers are not familiar with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRTs) and might not know there are resources available to help them quit,” he told Aletihad.
Citing recent consumer behaviour, Smith said 49% of people had turned to a pharmacist rather than a doctor in the past year, often driven by convenience and trust. He argued that such timely, personalised advice leads to better outcomes and lowers the burden on healthcare systems.
Technology, he explained, is also adding a new layer to the profession, with digital platforms “giving pharmacists instant access to clinical insights, training and patient tools”.
“Technology has shifted pharmacy from dispensing behind the counter to frontline healthcare delivery. With AI, data analytics, and mobile-first platforms, pharmacists will become key players in preventive health and treatment optimisation,” Smith added.
Technology is changing pharmacy education, too, with pharmacy students in the UAE now learning about digital tools from the start. Training is also increasingly focused on developing clinical skills and patient engagement — which are considered key areas as the sector expands into community health and preventive care.
Arda Arat, General Manager of Haleon for the Gulf and Near East, said World Pharmacists Day is an opportunity to recognise this shift.
“World Pharmacists Day is a celebration of the crucial role pharmacists play in shaping healthier, more informed communities. In the UAE, pharmacists are increasingly empowered not only to dispense medication but also to raise health awareness, provide personalised counselling, and support self-care decisions that improve health outcomes,” Arat told Aletihad.
He added that today, pharmacists in the UAE have become indispensible advocates for self-care and preventive health.
“They advise on everything from managing minor ailments to choosing the right vitamins or pain relief, helping patients make informed decisions that uplift quality of care.”
As digital healthcare expands, Arat said pharmacists are helping bridge the gap between clinical care and everyday life.
“Digital health records and telepharmacy services help pharmacists monitor medication adherence, flag safety issues, and support patients even outside the pharmacy walls. As the UAE healthcare system continues its digital evolution, pharmacists will play an even greater role in bridging clinical information with everyday self-care.”
Both experts agreed that partnerships with academic institutions are essential to prepare the next generation of pharmacists for these expanded roles.
“Supporting future healthcare leaders begins with education and collaboration,” Arat said.
Pointing to Haleon’s partnership with the University of Sharjah, Arat explained that such joint initiatives not only help equip students with knowledge, but also boost their confidence to shape healthier communities.
“It is through partnerships like this that we bring our purpose to life — advancing healthcare with science, access and opportunity,” he added.
As the sector continues to adapt to digital tools and shifting patient needs, pharmacists are positioned to remain central to the country’s public health efforts, offering everyday care that is accessible, evidence-based and trusted.
