About Us

Established in 29 September 2023, The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) is the cornerstone of the UAE's transformative healthcare sector and the only federal authority responsible for regulating all medical and pharmaceutical products. This includes also medical devices, blood derivative products, genetically modified organisms, stem cells, medicated cosmetics, veterinary medications, and agriculture products. Setting unparalleled standards and a catalyst for groundbreaking innovation, we at EDE will foster a collaborative ecosystem that will position the UAE as a global beacon in healthcare.

vision & mission

Innovation Leadership

Create a transparent and streamlined regulatory framework that champions domestic R&D and cutting-edge advancements, positioning the UAE as a leading healthcare hub.

Global Collaboration

Collaborate with international regulatory bodies to exchange knowledge and harmonize regulations while maintaining the UAE’s commitment to excellence and ethical practices.

Sustainable Future

Promote environmental and social responsibility by encouraging the development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices with a lower environmental footprint and ensuring equitable access to safe and effective treatments.

A Thriving Healthcare Ecosystem for All

EDE welcomes collaboration with all stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and the public. We are committed to streamlining registration processes to facilitate faster product availability for patients, ensuring clear and readily available regulations, and maintaining open communication channels. This collaborative approach fosters a thriving healthcare ecosystem that aligns with the UAE's vision of providing world-class healthcare for all its citizens.

Our Services

EDE’s vision is to build a transformative and dynamic healthcare ecosystem in the UAE. We collaborate with citizens, the government and businesses across services including regulating and promoting research and development, clinical and non-clinical trials, pharmaceutical testing, drug approval and registration, drug manufacturing, market authorization, pharmacovigilance, control and inspection.

For Individuals

For Business

For Government

Elevating the UAE's Healthcare Landscape: A Shared Vision

The United Arab Emirates has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a global leader in innovation and progress. The vision and future-forward strategies outlined by our leadership serve as a beacon, guiding us at the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) in our unwavering commitment to shaping a world-class healthcare sector. We strive to be the gold standard in regulation, ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of all medical products in the UAE. A meticulously cultivated culture of excellence, transparency, and collaboration fuels our unwavering mission to safeguard the well-being of UAE residents by continuously adapting to the latest advancements in healthcare. Our vision transcends the UAE's borders. By fostering a robust and innovative healthcare ecosystem, EDE propels global advancements in drug safety and development. Our streamlined regulations and collaborative efforts with international stakeholders expedite drug registration processes, ultimately granting patients worldwide unimpeded access to life-saving treatments. At EDE we are confident that our framework will create a healthier future, not just for the UAE, but for humanity as a whole. Join us on this transformative journey as we together build a healthcare ecosystem that thrives on innovation, ensures the well-being of all, and shapes a healthier future for generations to come.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade

Chairman, Board of Directors, Emirates Drug Establishment

Vice Chairman’s Message

A Shared Journey for Healthcare Innovation

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s healthcare future, as it remains dedicated to fulfilling its mission: ensuring patient safety, fostering innovation, and integrating global best practices.
At EDE, we believe a dynamic healthcare ecosystem thrives on collective action. It is only by partnering with government agencies, healthcare professionals, businesses, and the public, that we can build a world-class regulatory framework. A framework that is agile, science-driven, and informed by a global perspective. We aspire to be a springboard for groundbreaking healthcare advancements in the UAE and beyond. We aim to achieve this through a multi-pronged approach: streamlining regulations for efficient R&D, embracing global knowledge by partnering with international bodies, promoting knowledge sharing amongst a diverse range of global players, and ensuring patient safety through rigorous oversight.
This focus on collaboration and universal knowledge-sharing will not only cultivate a thriving industry within the UAE, but also accelerate access to life-saving treatments for patients worldwide. I am confident that through this shared journey, EDE will be a significant contributor as we propel the UAE to the forefront of the global healthcare landscape.

Dr. Maha Taysir Barakat

UAE Assistant Minister for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences

Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Emirates Drug Establishment

Director General’s Message

From Innovative Regulation to Leadership: Emirates Drug Establishment redesigns sustainable healthcare future

The UAE is a global leader in innovation, attracting talent and accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. As part of this vision, the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) is at the forefront of safeguarding public health while advancing medical innovation.
As the UAE’s primary regulatory authority for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health-related technologies, EDE is dedicated to ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of healthcare solutions. EDE collaborates with global regulatory bodies, industry leaders, and research institutions to align with the highest standards and embrace the latest advancements in biotechnology, and R&D. By leveraging technologies like AI and data analytics, we streamline processes and enhance public health outcomes, ensuring access to the most advanced treatments in the world. Beyond regulation, EDE is a key partner in national initiatives to enhance health and well-being. As we set new benchmarks in innovation, we remain committed to building a healthier, safer and future and sustainable wellbeing for all by establishing an integrated and sustainable health system. We are also committed to realizing the vision of our wise leadership in establishing the UAE as a global model of excellence in healthcare. We are confident that this vision will be achieved through ongoing innovation, strategic collaboration, and adherence to the highest international standards.