The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday introduced a new mechanism requiring pharmaceutical companies to appoint multiple agents for each medical product distributed in the country.
This the country said were measures to prevent monopolies and strengthen drug security.
The new mechanism, announced by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), replaces the previous single-agent model, seeking to ensure the sustainable availability of medicine and reduce the risk of supply disruptions during emergencies and crises.
It is the first of its kind in the UAE healthcare sector.
Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDE, said that the mechanism is part of efforts to develop a resilient national pharmaceutical ecosystem, enhance supply chain diversification and protect public health.
EDE Director-General Fatima Al Kaabi said the move would improve distribution efficiency, support market stability, and strengthen the country’s global competitiveness in the pharmaceutical sector.
