Global Health Leaders Gather in UAE for World Local Production Forum 2025
The World Local Production Forum (WLPF) 2025, held in Abu Dhabi, brought together global health leaders, heads of state, and private sector stakeholders to discuss strategic priorities and initiatives centered on local pharmaceutical manufacturing, health equity, global health security, and sustainable development.
The three-day event, organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and supported by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, inaugurated the forum.
Emphasis on Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of EDE, highlighted EDE's focus on AI integration and announced that the UAE's pharmaceutical market reached $5.6 billion in 2024. One of the key initiatives at the forum was the launch of a regional vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi. Equipped with advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technologies, this hub aims to ensure timely and efficient vaccine delivery across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Strengthening Health Security and Access
The forum also emphasised the importance of strengthening health security and access. This was achieved through fostering partnerships between government bodies, local stakeholders, and global pharmaceutical companies like GSK. The UAE's commitment to equitable healthcare was further highlighted by Dr. Al Owais, who stressed the country's dedication to innovation, advanced technologies, and strategic global partnerships.
Addressing Sustainable Development and Innovation
Sustainable development themes were present through technology integration and innovation initiatives in Abu Dhabi’s broader ecosystem. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of EDE, emphasised the UAE's dedication to international cooperation and investment in the pharmaceutical sector. Notable initiatives included the RealAssetX Abu Dhabi Innovation Centre, which integrates AI, sustainability, and digital transformation to support smart infrastructure and real estate development.
Global Health Security and Research
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the UAE’s leadership and cited the WLPF as a catalyst for technology transfer, research, and policy reform. The forum set a strategic path for inclusive, resilient, and future-ready healthcare production globally. Al Zeyoudi noted that the UAE aligns trade and health policies to drive global health resilience.
In conclusion, the World Local Production Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi underscored the UAE's commitment to strengthening local production, equitable health access, and sustainable health systems development. Dr. Al Kaabi projected the UAE's pharmaceutical market to hit $8 billion by 2030, reflecting the country's ambition to become a global hub for technology-driven sustainable growth.
- The UAE's pharmaceutical market expanding to $5.6 billion in 2024 demonstrates the success of local manufacturing efforts.
- The regional vaccine distribution hub, launched at the WLPF, aims to improve vaccine delivery across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
- Government bodies, local stakeholders, and global companies like GSK are collaborating to strengthen healthcare access and security.
- Dr. Al Owais emphasized the UAE's commitment to innovation and advanced technologies in healthcare.
- The RealAssetX Abu Dhabi Innovation Centre embodies the UAE's dedication to integrating AI, sustainability, and digital transformation.
- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the UAE's leadership and identified the WLPF as a catalyst for technology transfer and policy reform.
- The WLPF set a strategic path for global healthcare production that promotes inclusivity, resilience, and future readiness.
- The UAE aligns trade and health policies to drive global health resilience.
- The WLPF 2025 underscored the UAE's commitment to strengthening local production, equitable health access, and sustainable health systems development.
- Dr. Al Kaabi anticipates the UAE's pharmaceutical market reaching $8 billion by 2030.
- The UAE's pharmaceutical industry is positioning itself as a global hub for technology-driven sustainable growth.
- Collaborative investment in the pharmaceutical sector is essential for driving innovation and strengthening health security.
- The WLPF represents an opportunity for knowledge exchange and networking among global health leaders and private sector stakeholders.
- The focus on AI integration in local pharmaceutical manufacturing signifies an important technological advancement in the industry.
- Innovative therapies and treatments are vital in addressing chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
- Emphasizing workplace wellness, medical conditions like chronic kidney disease call for heightened attention to employee health and safety.
- An investment in nutrition and fitness and exercise can contribute significantly to maintaining cardiovascular health.
- Renewable energy solutions can facilitate sustainable health systems development and global health security.
- Mental health issues such as stress and anxiety are prevalent in the workplace and require attention and support from employers.
- Adequate skin care is essential for eye health and overall wellness, particularly in conditions like skin conditions.
- Interventions in skin care, therapies, and treatments can alleviate symptoms of various medical conditions.
- Fashion and beauty trends can play a role in promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly in the areas of fitness and exercise and skin care.
- Global cuisines often hold valuable nutritional benefits that can support overall health and wellness.
- Dining experiences can prioritize healthy cooking practices, showcasing the integration of healthy living into everyday life.
- Family dynamics may influence decisions around financial investment, wealth management, and personal finance.
- Investments in areas like real estate, housing market, and personal finance contribute to the broader ecosystem of sustainable living.
- Backyard gardening can promote sustainable living by providing fresh produce, contributing to nutrition, and reducing carbon footprint.
- Sustainable living encompasses not only protecting the environment but also promoting wellness through healthy lifestyle choices.
- The rise of CBD in wellness and medical care products indicates a growing interest in holistic therapies for various medical conditions.
- Financial institutions, such as banking and insurance, play a crucial role in supporting affordable and accessible healthcare services.
- Technology advancements, such as artificial intelligence, hold the potential to revolutionize industries like healthcare, real estate, and personal finance, promoting a more connected and resilient future.
