Abu Dhabi launches ‘Golden List’ to fast-track pharmaceutical shipments

Abu Dhabi Customs has launched a new Golden List of Pharmaceutical Companies, in collaboration with the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), aimed at strengthening supply chains while maintaining high standards of safety and regulatory compliance.

The initiative is designed to balance pharmaceutical security with the facilitation of trade by enabling the smooth and efficient movement of shipments through Abu Dhabi’s border ports. It aligns with the objectives of the We the UAE 2031 vision and supports the country’s strategic priorities in health innovation and sustainability.

In its first phase, the Golden List includes 31 pharmaceutical companies. Firms admitted to the programme will benefit from a range of facilitations intended to simplify customs procedures and enhance transparency. These include automatic shipment accreditation by registration authorities, accelerated release and faster customs clearance through Abu Dhabi’s invisible customs ecosystem.

Officials said the programme supports Abu Dhabi’s strategic role in the national health security ecosystem and reinforces its position as a key hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi currently accounts for around 27 per cent of the country’s total pharmaceutical production, highlighting the sector’s importance to the emirate’s economy.

Strengthening UAE pharmaceutical supply chains

Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, said: “The Golden List of Pharmaceutical Companies reflects the importance of strategic partnerships and institutional integration between local and federal government entities and the private sector, in implementing the directives of the wise leadership and in support of enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE across various sectors.”

“The initiative contributes to unifying efforts and improving the efficiency of the regulatory ecosystem in line with international best practices, while also demonstrating the growing trust between the public and private sectors by enabling compliant companies to benefit from flexible customs pathways without compromising safety or compliance requirements,” he added.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said: “The importance of close cooperation with Abu Dhabi Customs in launching the Golden List for pharmaceutical companies, adding that the initiative embodies an advanced model of institutional integration between regulatory and oversight entities and reflects a commitment to enhancing pharmaceutical security and ensuring the continuity of supply chains according to the highest standards of safety and quality.”

“The initiative accelerates procedures for compliant companies, enhances the competitiveness of the national pharmaceutical sector, supports sustainable economic development objectives, encourages investment in high value-added pharmaceutical industries, and reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing,” she added.

Inclusion in the Golden List is subject to strict criteria, including a strong record of customs compliance, effective internal control and risk management systems, readiness to meet technical requirements and full adherence to the regulatory frameworks of the EDE.