UAE Trends and Developments Contributed by: Winsome Cheung and Haykel Hajjaji, Covington & Burling LLP
as well as enhanced ethical oversight and reporting obligations. The framework aims to balance patient protection with international credibility, positioning the UAE as a destination for multinational and multi‑centre clini- cal studies. Centralised oversight and clearer proce- dures are expected to improve alignment with global Good Clinical Practice standards and reduce approval uncertainty. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have become key centres for clinical research due to advanced healthcare infra- structure, specialised research institutions, and grow- ing public–private collaboration. For sponsors, the UAE offers access to diverse patient populations and increasingly efficient regulatory processes, although early regulatory engagement remains critical. Research infrastructure and partnerships Investment in research infrastructure has expanded in parallel with regulatory reform. Public sector institu- tions, academic centres, and healthcare groups are playing increasingly active roles in clinical research, often partnering with international sponsors and CROs. Public–private partnerships are particularly influential. Government‑backed healthcare groups and research entities frequently participate in clinical studies, offer- ing access to facilities, patient populations, and local expertise. For international sponsors, such partner- ships can facilitate market entry and operational effi- ciency, although they require careful structuring and governance. Genomics, precision medicine and biobanking One of the most distinctive developments in the UAE life sciences landscape is the rapid expansion of genomics‑driven healthcare. The Emirati Genome Programme is a flagship initiative aimed at supporting precision medicine by mapping the genetic profile of the Emirati population and integrating genomic data into clinical practice and public health planning. A dedicated federal legal framework governs the col- lection, use, and protection of genomic data, with strong emphasis on informed consent, ethical use,
data security, and restrictions on non‑therapeutic genetic interventions. For life sciences companies, growing genomics infra- structure creates opportunities in personalised medi- cine, diagnostics, population health analytics, and genomics‑enabled drug discovery. However, it also imposes heightened compliance obligations, par- ticularly around data governance, secondary use of samples, cross‑border collaboration, and long‑term data storage. Biobanking and data use Biobanks are now explicitly regulated and subject to licensing and oversight. This reflects the growing importance of biological samples and associated data in research and innovation. Companies engaging with biobanks must ensure that contracts, consent frameworks, and data‑use prac- tices comply with regulatory requirements – particu- larly for collaborative research involving international partners or cross‑border data transfers. Pharmaceutical manufacturing and industrial strategy The UAE has strengthened its focus on domestic pharmaceutical and medical product manufacturing as part of its broader industrial strategy. Life sciences manufacturing is a priority sector under Operation 300bn, the national programme aimed at increasing industrial contributions to GDP and enhancing supply chain resilience. Companies can access a range of financial and structural incentives, including preferential financ- ing, support for advanced technology adoption, and export‑oriented production. These incentives are sup- ported by regulatory reforms designed to streamline licensing, inspection, and oversight. Dedicated life sciences zones and industrial clusters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to attract interna- tional pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies establishing regional manufacturing, logistics, and distribution bases.
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