Medicines in the UAE are about to get easier to find and less likely to run out, thanks to a major change in how the country manages its drug supply. The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has put a new mechanism in place that effectively ends monopoly practices in the pharmaceutical sector, aiming to boost national drug security and ensure patients can always access the medicines they need.
Under this new rule, pharmaceutical companies are now required to appoint more than one authorised agent for every medication they market in the UAE. This change, which comes as part of Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2024, marks a big step forward in how medicines are distributed throughout the country.
The goal? To strengthen the UAE’s pharmaceutical security, keep pharmacy shelves stocked, and make the whole system more resilient to disruptions—whether they’re caused by operational hiccups, supply chain bottlenecks, or unexpected emergencies.
By breaking single-agent control, the new approach allows for greater supply chain flexibility and faster responses to sudden changes in demand or public health crises. It also means better inventory management, more competition among distributors, and higher standards for storage and transportation. Officials say this will help prevent issues like hoarding, price manipulation, or supply delays.
Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the EDE Board, said the initiative is part of a wider strategy to build a resilient, adaptable pharmaceutical sector that can keep up with the UAE’s growing healthcare and economic needs. “Reinforcing drug security remains a fundamental pillar of comprehensive health security,” he emphasized.
Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the EDE, added that the reform will improve oversight, stabilize the market, and make medicine distribution more efficient. She highlighted the UAE’s commitment to investing in pharmaceutical research, manufacturing, and innovation—positioning the country as a leading hub for both new and generic drugs.
Ultimately, these changes are designed to benefit patients by ensuring medicines remain consistently available, no matter what challenges arise.
