Abu Dhabi:The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has entered into two significant memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) during the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026.
According to Wam, these agreements are part of EDE’s strategy to enhance its strategic partnerships and adapt to the rapid advancements in advanced therapies. The MoUs aim to foster cooperation and institutional collaboration by combining regulatory, scientific, and clinical expertise, as well as developing national capabilities in the regulation and evaluation of medical products. They also focus on engaging experts in regulatory review activities and promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices, ultimately improving the regulatory framework's efficiency and enhancing medical product quality and safety in the UAE.
The first MoU was signed by Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, and Dr. Antonio Alfonso Hernández, Chief Scientific Officer at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center. This agreement is designed to promote scientific and technical cooperation in the field of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), supporting the UAE’s capabilities and advancing pharmaceutical innovation. Additionally, it seeks to position the UAE as a hub for life sciences innovation and advanced therapies.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi was also present at the signing of the second MoU between EDE and SEHA. This agreement was signed by Dr. Ruqaya Al Bastaki, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Products Regulation Sector at EDE, and Saeed Jaber Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Group CEO of SEHA. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in regulatory review and scientific evaluation of medical products, leveraging specialized clinical and scientific expertise. It includes the involvement of experts in advisory committees, collaboration in medical product evaluation, training programs, workshops, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
In addition to these agreements, Dr. Al Kaabi attended the signing of the Mubadala Bio-Lilly agreement to localize packaging and logistics services for Lilly's products, further solidifying the UAE’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. She also participated in a workshop on regulatory priorities for precision medicine and pathways for US companies to enter the UAE market. On the sidelines of the summit, Dr. Al Kaabi addressed the 'UK-UAE Collaboration in Wellbeing and Longevity' event, highlighting the role of genomics and artificial intelligence in personalized healthcare.
Dr. Tahseen Mirza, Senior Adviser at the Emirates Drug Establishment, participated in a workshop on shaping clinical research in the UAE, discussing the regulatory vision and tools needed for next-generation clinical trial designs.