Dubai: The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), in collaboration with the Drug Information Association (DIA), Middle East and Africa Office, organised the UAE’s first Clinical Research Forum at the American University in Dubai. The event attracted representatives from regulatory authorities, academic institutions, international organisations, healthcare entities, and pharmaceutical and technology companies.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum featured specialised sessions addressing regulatory aspects of clinical research, research ethics and data protection, research quality, and academic-industry partnerships. Additionally, discussions focused on the readiness of research centres and innovative approaches to attracting clinical studies to the UAE and the region, as well as the operational preparedness of research sites.
Key participants included Dr. Shaikha Al Mazrouei, Director of Reference National Laboratory, Drug Department, EDE, and representatives from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, University of Sharjah, American University in Dubai, New York University Abu Dhabi, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. The event was sponsored by Amgen, with contributions from AstraZeneca and other entities involved in clinical research.
The EDE’s initiative to organise the forum aligns with its strategy to oversee and coordinate the regulatory framework for medical products and associated research. This strategy prioritises developing a health sciences sector supported by advanced technologies, ensuring pharmaceutical security, driving growth in medical industries, and fostering a research environment that accelerates access to innovative therapies.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the EDE, reiterated the Establishment’s commitment to building a world-class regulatory environment that stimulates innovation and safeguards patient health. She highlighted the EDE’s efforts to develop regulatory frameworks that keep pace with global developments in medical products and clinical research.
Dr. Omnia Darwish, General Manager of the DIA for the Middle East and Africa, described the forum as a pivotal milestone for shaping the future of clinical research in the UAE. She emphasized the event’s objective to transition from individual initiatives to a coordinated, sustainable national research ecosystem that aligns with international standards and best practices.
Darwish outlined three key goals of the forum: strengthening collaboration between government entities and various sectors, standardising regulatory, ethical, and operational frameworks, and building a sustainable environment for high-quality clinical research. She also commended the World Health Organisation’s role in supporting governance, ethical oversight, and capacity-building for clinical research in the region.