Life-Sciences Regulation & Talent Wars: Why the UAE’s Future Depends on Getting Both Right
British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD)
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The United Arab Emirates is staking a bold claim in life sciences. From pioneering regulatory reform to genetic databases and creating global R&D hubs, it's all happening now.
But as ambitions soar, a critical bottleneck threatens to slow the pace: talent.
Regulation: A Rapid, Ambitious Overhaul
The UAE has experienced major changes to its regulatory system.
Federal Law No. 8 of 2019 and its 2023 updates (the New Pharmacy Law) now strictly regulate the import, distribution, and pricing of medical products—along with new standards for marketing approval and local pharmaceutical facilities.
Simultaneously, the establishment of the UAE Drug Authority in 2023 has consolidated regulatory oversight, replacing multiple agencies to centralize the regulation of drugs, medical devices, and research.
Health data is another rigid area. Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 restricts the transfer of patient data overseas, allowing exceptions only through case-by-case approvals for activities such as clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, and telemedicine.
The launch, by 2026, of a unified, AI-powered digital licensing platform for healthcare professionals promises to slash red tape and boost workforce mobility.
Finally, Abu Dhabi’s M42, custodian of the Emirati Genome Programme, is racing to commoditise an unprecedented genetic database - over 800,000 genomes sequenced - creating an enviable resource for diagnostics, precision medicine and biotech partnerships.
Talent: UAE’s Weakest Link?
The UAE isn’t short on ambition, but the battle for life sciences talent is fierce.
Companies are engaging in increasingly rigorous recruitment, doubling down on both technical prowess and cultural fit - no soft landings. Competitive salaries are being offered, reflecting the rising cost of living.
Recognising the urgency, the UAE recently launched Phase 2 of its National Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy (2024–2027). The goal? To become one of the top 10 global destinations for high‑calibre professionals by 2031.
The Stakes: Regulatory Power Meets Human Shortfall
Regulation is essential - but without talent, it's ineffective.
The UAE's heavily regulated life sciences sector needs experts who can navigate complex laws, oversee clinical trials, understand data regulations, and foster AI‑driven innovation. While institutions like Dubai Healthcare City and Sharjah’s SRTI Park provide infrastructure, the quality ultimately depends on people.
Public–private partnerships, exemplified by M42’s alliances with biotech players such as AbbVie and AstraZeneca, underscore the need for skilled professionals to drive the advancement of genomics and precision medicine.
Fix Talent, or Everything Stops
The UAE is building world-class regulatory systems and infrastructures, but it’s also written a blank cheque for talent.
If it fails to attract, develop, and retain life-sciences professionals - those skilled in regulation, clinical research, biostatistics, and genomic data management - the ecosystem risks stalling.
For access to top-notch, world-class regulatory and quality experts in life sciences, whether full-time, part-time, or contract, let us apply our 25+ years of industry knowledge, delivering both people and projects.
Contact us at mhedley@visionachievement.uk or sasadi@visionachievement.uk.
Author: Martin Hedley, Managing Director, Vision Achievement Limited