The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has signed a memorandum of understanding with global healthcare company Viatris, in a strategic move to boost investment opportunities and localize the pharmaceutical industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A Strategic Step Toward Localizing Pharmaceutical Production

The agreement aims to expand partnerships with international companies and link their expertise and advanced technologies with national capabilities, in a way that raises the value added of the pharmaceutical sector, enhances its competitiveness, and consolidates the country's position as a regional and international centre for advanced pharmaceutical industries and life sciences.

The memorandum was signed by Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, and Dr. Tamer El Salab, Group President for the Gulf and Levant regions at Viatris.

Areas of Cooperation

The areas of cooperation outlined in the memorandum include developing local manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the resilience of supply chains, as well as developing Emirati talent through training initiatives, knowledge and experience exchange, and professional development opportunities. The agreement also covers support for pharmaceutical and health innovation.

Building a Model for International Partnerships

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi confirmed that the UAE center has established an integrated environment for investment in the pharmaceutical sector, combining advanced regulation, logistics infrastructure, research and development capabilities, and a strategic location.

This, she said, allows global companies to build a long-term presence from within the country, expand toward regional markets, and benefit from the competitive advantages the UAE offers for business growth.

She added that the partnership with Viatris reflects the EDE's approach of consolidating a model for international partnerships built on transforming cooperation with global companies into long-term industrial and knowledge projects within the country.

She said the establishment is working to expand this model to attract quality investments and develop joint projects with national manufacturers in a way that strengthens the UAE's position in global pharmaceutical value chains.

Complementary Agreement with Adcan Pharma

In addition to the memorandum with EDE, Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between Viatris and Adcan Pharma. The agreement targets the localization of manufacturing for a selected group of the global company's products in the UAE, strengthening the integration between international expertise and national capabilities, supporting the transfer of knowledge and technologies, and expanding the local production base.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Tamer El Salab on behalf of Viatris and Dr. Foukion Sinis, Chief Executive Officer of Adcan Pharma. The signing was attended by Dr. Ayman Mokhtar, Regional President of Viatris for the Middle East, North Africa and Eurasia region, and Hamdan Mohammed Al Dhahmani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Adcan Pharma.

Part of Broader National Efforts

These partnerships fall within the efforts of the Emirates Drug Establishment to develop the national pharmaceutical system according to the best international standards and practices.

They aim to enhance integration between regulatory, industrial, and research roles in a way that supports drug security, sustains the availability of medical products, and raises the sector's contribution to the health and economic development of the country.

The announcement was published by the Emirates Drug Establishment on its official portal on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

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