The Federal National Council adopts several recommendations regarding the government's policy on achieving national security for the pharmaceutical and medical supplies industries.

During its third session of the third regular session of the 18th legislative term, held today in the Zayed Hall at the Council's headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the Federal National Council (FNC) approved several recommendations following a discussion on "Government Policy for Achieving National Security in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Industries." The session was chaired by His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Council. The Council emphasized the importance of boosting local production of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, strengthening cooperation between academic institutions and healthcare facilities, establishing specialized clinical research units, laboratories, and advanced research centers to support research and development in this sector, developing an awareness strategy to raise public awareness of the importance and quality of national industries, and establishing specialized national institutes and creating academic and applied programs in pharmaceutical industry professions. The session was attended by His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, and His Excellency Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Drug Authority. The recommendations, which the Council decided to return to the Committee on Technology, Energy, Mineral Resources, and Public Utilities for revision based on Council discussions, called for the establishment of a unified national data platform, enhanced cooperation between government and local entities, academic institutions, hospitals, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, a reduction in drug prices, particularly for innovative drugs, and coordination with global pharmaceutical companies that manufacture innovative drugs and have chosen the UAE as their regional headquarters. In his address, His Excellency Saqr Ghobash said: “At the outset of our first session of 2026, it is my honor, on my own behalf and on behalf of the members of the Federal National Council, to extend our warmest congratulations and blessings to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chief of the Presidential Court; and their brothers, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, members of the Supreme Council, on the occasion of the New Year 2026. We pray to God Almighty that it will be a continuation of the UAE’s legacy of giving and a further strengthening of the nation’s position, which today stands as a model of a confident nation, present with its moral, political, and humanitarian weight on the international stage.” His Excellency emphasized that the achievements of the UAE since its founding in 1971 were not a result of abundant resources, but rather the fruit of a clear vision, wise leadership, and the ability to understand and respond to global transformations with steadfastness and balance. This has enabled the UAE to keep pace with the times, becoming a platform for action and leadership, and to adapt to international changes, contributing to achievement and excellence without losing its national, Gulf, and Arab identity, or its fundamental and humanitarian priorities. His Excellency added: This year holds special significance as it marks twenty years since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, may God protect him, assumed the premiership. This period has been, and continues to be, a landmark in developing an unconventional governmental model, shifting executive work from a management approach to a leadership approach, from a performance-based approach to a culture of achievement, and from the limits of the possible to the horizons of ambition that know no bounds. He added: “As we congratulate His Highness on this cherished national occasion, we affirm that what has been achieved over the past two decades is not merely a governmental accomplishment, but rather a comprehensive national development that has reflected in the citizens’ trust in their leadership, the effectiveness of national institutions, and the UAE’s regional and international standing.” He concluded his remarks by saying: “We ask God to grant our wise leadership continued success and guidance, and that the new year will be one that consolidates the achievements already made and adds to them. May He protect our Emirates and our people from all harm, and perpetuate the blessings of security, safety, and prosperity upon us. God is the One who grants success and assistance.” During the session, several questions were raised by members regarding the mechanism for rapid medical intervention in critical cases, obstacles to response related to delays in insurance company approvals, health insurance for citizens, the establishment of rehabilitation centers for senior citizens in the Northern Emirates, the provision of medical transportation services for senior citizens to visit healthcare facilities, and periodic screening for the early detection of cancer.