emirates7 - The third edition of the World Local Production Forum concluded in Abu Dhabi, held under the theme "Advancing Local Production for Health Equity, Global Health Security and Sustainable Development." Spanning three days from April 7 to 9, the event brought together senior government officials, global leaders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, and a wide range of international stakeholders.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), reiterated the UAE's strong commitment to enhancing domestic pharmaceutical production. He highlighted the country's growing reputation as a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation and advanced healthcare technologies. Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that local production is now seen as both a healthcare necessity and a strategic pillar for national development.
He noted, "Hosting this global forum in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) reflects the UAE’s firm dedication to expanding local manufacturing, strengthening R&D, and upholding world-class standards in the production and distribution of medical products."
He further stated that the UAE’s National Strategy for Advanced Innovation plays a crucial role in integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and smart manufacturing into healthcare production, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi concluded by underscoring the value of meaningful international collaboration. He noted that aligning investments with innovation and linking policies with measurable impact are essential for creating an inclusive, resilient global healthcare system.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of EDE, echoed these sentiments, stating that the UAE is setting a benchmark in building robust and forward-thinking pharmaceutical systems capable of addressing dynamic healthcare needs. She said the forum’s hosting in the UAE highlights the country’s progress in pharmaceutical manufacturing and its belief that local production is key to achieving health security and ensuring fair access to essential medicines.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, remarked on the importance of the forum, especially at a time when global health systems are under pressure to provide timely and equitable access to essential medical products. She emphasized that enhancing local production is a cornerstone of resilient healthcare infrastructure and commended the UAE for its comprehensive and strategic approach, which offers a strong model for others.
The forum featured a dynamic programme focused on eight major themes, including the development of supportive policies and regulatory systems, innovative financing mechanisms, the promotion of R&D and technology transfer across the pharmaceutical chain, and strategies for pandemic preparedness such as manufacturing expansion, demand forecasting, and emergency funding.
Dr. Al Kaabi also contributed to a high-level panel on "Localising Pharmaceutical Innovation," alongside representatives from the PharmaGroup, which comprises 29 multinational pharmaceutical firms, and the Mycomed Association, representing around 70 companies in the medical equipment sector. She outlined EDE’s vision to establish the UAE as a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation by attracting top-tier talent, advanced technologies, and investment.
She stressed that pharmaceutical production is a critical component of the UAE’s efforts to diversify its economy, foster a knowledge-based society, and build a resilient long-term healthcare system.
Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health, shared the Emirate's strategic goals for healthcare innovation. She highlighted Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a regional leader in clinical research, R&D, and health technology. Dr. Al Mannaei pointed to several future-facing initiatives, modern regulatory frameworks, and data-driven health solutions. She also reflected on the UAE's successful COVID-19 response, noting that Abu Dhabi was ranked the world’s most resilient city in pandemic management.
The UAE’s global role was also highlighted through its coordination of over 260 million vaccine doses delivered to countries in need—demonstrating both logistical expertise and global solidarity.
In addition, Dr. Al Kaabi toured the ADCAN Pharma facility and met with its leadership to explore further collaboration opportunities aimed at strengthening the local pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. The discussions centred on boosting national production capabilities and fostering innovation across the value chain.
Key figures from the event included 4,077 participants from 141 countries, 16 ministers, and over 229 international speakers spanning governments, healthcare institutions, regulatory agencies, and private sector leaders.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), reiterated the UAE's strong commitment to enhancing domestic pharmaceutical production. He highlighted the country's growing reputation as a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation and advanced healthcare technologies. Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that local production is now seen as both a healthcare necessity and a strategic pillar for national development.
He noted, "Hosting this global forum in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) reflects the UAE’s firm dedication to expanding local manufacturing, strengthening R&D, and upholding world-class standards in the production and distribution of medical products."
He further stated that the UAE’s National Strategy for Advanced Innovation plays a crucial role in integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and smart manufacturing into healthcare production, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi concluded by underscoring the value of meaningful international collaboration. He noted that aligning investments with innovation and linking policies with measurable impact are essential for creating an inclusive, resilient global healthcare system.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of EDE, echoed these sentiments, stating that the UAE is setting a benchmark in building robust and forward-thinking pharmaceutical systems capable of addressing dynamic healthcare needs. She said the forum’s hosting in the UAE highlights the country’s progress in pharmaceutical manufacturing and its belief that local production is key to achieving health security and ensuring fair access to essential medicines.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, remarked on the importance of the forum, especially at a time when global health systems are under pressure to provide timely and equitable access to essential medical products. She emphasized that enhancing local production is a cornerstone of resilient healthcare infrastructure and commended the UAE for its comprehensive and strategic approach, which offers a strong model for others.
The forum featured a dynamic programme focused on eight major themes, including the development of supportive policies and regulatory systems, innovative financing mechanisms, the promotion of R&D and technology transfer across the pharmaceutical chain, and strategies for pandemic preparedness such as manufacturing expansion, demand forecasting, and emergency funding.
Dr. Al Kaabi also contributed to a high-level panel on "Localising Pharmaceutical Innovation," alongside representatives from the PharmaGroup, which comprises 29 multinational pharmaceutical firms, and the Mycomed Association, representing around 70 companies in the medical equipment sector. She outlined EDE’s vision to establish the UAE as a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation by attracting top-tier talent, advanced technologies, and investment.
She stressed that pharmaceutical production is a critical component of the UAE’s efforts to diversify its economy, foster a knowledge-based society, and build a resilient long-term healthcare system.
Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health, shared the Emirate's strategic goals for healthcare innovation. She highlighted Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a regional leader in clinical research, R&D, and health technology. Dr. Al Mannaei pointed to several future-facing initiatives, modern regulatory frameworks, and data-driven health solutions. She also reflected on the UAE's successful COVID-19 response, noting that Abu Dhabi was ranked the world’s most resilient city in pandemic management.
The UAE’s global role was also highlighted through its coordination of over 260 million vaccine doses delivered to countries in need—demonstrating both logistical expertise and global solidarity.
In addition, Dr. Al Kaabi toured the ADCAN Pharma facility and met with its leadership to explore further collaboration opportunities aimed at strengthening the local pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. The discussions centred on boosting national production capabilities and fostering innovation across the value chain.
Key figures from the event included 4,077 participants from 141 countries, 16 ministers, and over 229 international speakers spanning governments, healthcare institutions, regulatory agencies, and private sector leaders.