UAE launches nationwide crackdown on medicine safety

The Emirates Drug Establishment has launched a national programme aimed at strengthening the inspection of pharmacovigilance practices across the pharmaceutical sector in the UAE.

The initiative was introduced during a specialised workshop in Dubai, developed in cooperation with leading industry partners to improve the safety of medication and the quality of healthcare in the UAE.

The programme is designed to equip national professionals with the skills needed to evaluate pharmacovigilance systems within pharmaceutical companies. It also aims to establish a more proactive regulatory framework built around early risk detection and detailed analysis. The Establishment said this will support ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of medication safety and patient protection.

Sanofi partners in UAE drug safety drive

The workshop, held in collaboration with global pharmaceutical company Sanofi, is the first joint session of its kind between the Establishment and the local pharmaceutical sector. It forms part of wider efforts to enhance inspection readiness and introduce modern regulatory tools in line with international standards.

The two-day programme focused on practical training covering the full inspection cycle. This included pre-inspection planning, identifying required documentation, applying regulatory requirements, conducting field procedures and preparing reports and follow-up plans. Officials said the workshop supports an institutional approach that prioritises building specialised national capabilities and strengthening regulatory preparedness.

The Establishment said the initiative reflects a growing partnership with the pharmaceutical industry aimed at accelerating medication safety programmes and improving transparency in regulation and pharmacovigilance. It also supports the adoption of data-driven and evidence-based practices across the sector.

Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said: “The launch of the national programme for inspecting pharmacovigilance practices will play a key role in supporting the Establishment’s strategy to build an integrated regulatory system that prioritises patient safety and is built on effective partnerships with the pharmaceutical sector.

“The Establishment is committed to developing a leading pharmaceutical oversight system based on proactive readiness and scientific evidence and driven by national competencies capable of leading this qualitative transformation.”

She added that the Establishment is exploring the expansion of the programme to include advanced inspection schemes, updated national pharmacovigilance guidelines and the integration of inspection outcomes into digital and analytical systems to support evidence-based decision making.

Preeti Futnani, MCO Lead and General Manager for Sanofi Specialty Care GCC, said: “We are proud to support the Emirates Drug Establishment in this workshop implemented through official collaboration between regulatory authorities and the pharmaceutical sector.

“The UAE has established a clear vision for regulatory development, and we are committed to providing our global expertise to contribute to this endeavour. Pharmacovigilance is a shared responsibility, and by building strong systems together, we enhance trust and elevate the quality of care.”