HE Saeed Al Hajeri, UAE’s Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Drug Establishment, has met with Dr. Oh Yu-Kyoung, Minister of Food and Drug Safety of the Republic of Korea, in the presence of HE Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Abdulla Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.
The meeting took place during Al Hajeri’s visit to the Republic of Korea, aimed at expanding collaboration across the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in regulatory development, knowledge exchange, and joint research and industrial initiatives.
The meeting also reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2024 between the Emirates Drug Establishment and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
The MoU establishes a strategic partnership to enhance regulatory efficiency and foster innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, supporting the Establishment’s vision to build a life sciences ecosystem that leverages advanced technologies to ensure pharmaceutical security and drive growth in the medical industries.
Saeed Al Hajeri confirmed that the Emirates Drug Establishment has recognized the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a reference authority, following an in-depth review of Korea’s regulatory framework, which aligns with the highest international standards. He emphasized that this move reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to strengthen strategic partnerships with global leaders in the pharmaceutical sector and supports the Establishment’s strategy to enhance the national pharmaceutical industry, ensuring drug security and promoting sustainable development.
Al Hajeri highlighted that this decision will foster pharmaceutical innovation, boost trade between the two countries, and support technology transfer, joint research, and industrial projects, further solidifying the UAE’s position as a leading regional hub for advanced pharmaceutical industries.
HE Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri UAE Minister of State Chairman- Board of Directors Emirates Drug Establishment
“This partnership reflects the Emirates Drug Establishment’s strategic vision for building an advanced life sciences sector supported by modern technologies, enhancing pharmaceutical security and fostering the development of the national medical industries. These efforts align with the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the country’s commitment to health innovation and sustainability through the development of a flexible and effective regulatory environment that accelerates access to innovative treatments and reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional hub for high-quality pharmaceutical industries.”
Dr. Oh Yu-Kyoung, Minister of Food and Drug Safety of Korea, expressed gratitude for the Emirates Drug Establishment’s decision, highlighting it as a testament to the UAE’s trust in Korean expertise and strengthening bilateral ties in pharmaceutical regulation, pharmacovigilance, and research. She reiterated Korea’s commitment to further collaboration and praised the UAE’s swift advancement in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, as well as its regulatory reforms, solidifying the UAE’s role as a key strategic partner in the region.
The collaboration with the Republic of Korea supports the Emirates Drug Establishment’s strategic goals to enhance national pharmaceutical security, elevate the UAE’s pharmaceutical standards to global levels, and create a robust regulatory framework for medical products. These initiatives boost the UAE’s competitiveness and solidify its position as a leading hub for pharmaceutical innovation both regionally and globally.
