The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has activated a new regulatory mechanism aimed at ending monopolistic practices in the UAE’s medical product market, marking a significant shift in how pharmaceuticals are distributed across the country.

Introduced under the 2024 federal law governing medical products, pharmacists and pharmaceutical establishments, the measure requires pharmaceutical companies to appoint more than one authorised agent for each medical product marketed in the UAE.

Officials say the move is designed to strengthen pharmaceutical security, ensure stable medicine supplies and enhance national preparedness during emergencies.

Ending single-agent control

Under the new framework, companies can no longer depend on a single distributor for a specific product.

By mandating multiple authorised agents, the EDE aims to:

• Prevent supply disruptions
• Improve distribution efficiency
• Increase supply-chain flexibility
• Eliminate monopolistic control over essential medicines

The authority said the mechanism will widen treatment options and promote healthier competition among distributors, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers.

Boosting investment and market sustainability

Beyond addressing monopolies, the initiative is expected to make the UAE pharmaceutical sector more attractive to investors.

Officials note that diversified distribution channels reduce operational risks and enhance long-term sustainability, a key pillar in building a resilient healthcare ecosystem.

The reform aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to modernise regulatory systems and position the country as a regional hub for life sciences and pharmaceutical trade.

Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the EDE’s Board of Directors, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s public policy approach to developing a robust national pharmaceutical ecosystem.

He emphasised the authority’s commitment to:

• Diversifying supply chains
• Enhancing regulatory efficiency
• Creating a flexible legislative environment
• Protecting public health

Officials stress that the mechanism goes beyond market competition. It serves as a strategic safeguard to ensure uninterrupted access to medicines during global disruptions or health emergencies.

What it means for the healthcare sector

The activation of the mechanism signals a transition toward a more competitive, transparent and secure pharmaceutical market.

• For patients: Greater consistency in medicine availability
• For distributors: Increased competition and operational flexibility
• For investors: A stronger, more sustainable regulatory environment

As implementation of the 2024 federal law continues, further refinements are expected to shape the future of the UAE’s pharmaceutical supply chain and reinforce national health security.

International developer BCD Global has acquired a second development plot in Dubai South, accelerating its UAE expansion after its inaugural Dubai project was fully committed within weeks of launch.

The 70-year-old real estate group is targeting approximately Dh300 million ($81.7 million) in UAE revenue during the first half of 2026, marking its first meaningful earnings contribution from the market.

The latest acquisition follows BCD Global’s entry into Dubai last month with a freehold mid-market residential development in Warsan, where construction has already commenced. According to the company, all units were committed shortly after launch amid strong investor demand.

Scalable Platform Strategy

Chairman Dr. Angad Singh Bedi said the rapid absorption of the first project validated the group’s strategy of building a governance-led, scalable development platform rather than pursuing opportunistic transactions.

“The acquisition of a second site in Dubai South reflects our conviction in the long-term fundamentals of this market,” Bedi said. 

“We are building a platform designed for sustained capital deployment and disciplined growth.”

BCD Global has delivered more than 155 million square feet of real estate across over 300 projects spanning residential, mixed-use and large-scale developments in seven countries over seven decades.

Chief Executive Amit Puri described the move as part of a phased expansion strategy focused on structural demand drivers.

“Dubai remains one of the most resilient global property markets, supported by population growth, capital inflows and regulatory stability,” Puri said. 

“Dubai South represents the next phase of urban expansion, with infrastructure growth and demographic momentum supporting long-term housing demand.”

Market Backdrop

Data from the Dubai Land Department show total real estate transactions in Dubai reached Dh917 billion in 2025, up approximately 20% year-on-year. Average residential prices have climbed to around Dh1,597 per square foot, while rental yields in mainstream submarkets range between 6% and 8%, among the highest across major international cities.

Industry analysts project continued residential demand across the UAE, with close to 300,000 units expected to be delivered by 2028 amid sustained population growth and investor migration.

Pipeline and Regional Expansion

The newly secured Dubai South site forms part of BCD Global’s broader UAE pipeline. Another groundbreaking is scheduled next month, with construction on the second project expected to begin in the coming months.

The developer said its strategy centres on mid-market housing targeted at end-users and long-term investors, positioning itself away from short-term speculative segments.

From its Dubai base, BCD Global plans to expand across the Gulf, identifying Saudi Arabia as a priority growth market as it builds a diversified regional portfolio.

In a city that thrives on bold ambition and global connection, a new landmark has quietly taken its place at the heart of Dubai’s business future.

DMCC has officially opened The Plaza at Uptown Dubai, a 21,000 square metre open-air destination designed to host everything from high-level corporate summits to large-scale concerts and community gatherings.

For UAE residents and business leaders alike, this isn’t just another development announcement. It’s a signal that Uptown Dubai is stepping into a new era.

A new gathering space in town

Strategically positioned at the centre of Uptown Dubai, The Plaza physically connects the iconic Uptown Tower with the district’s wider commercial and residential community.

Designed to accommodate up to 4,000 guests, the venue features advanced staging, lighting and digital display infrastructure, enabling year-round programming and rapid event turnover.

For Dubai’s fast-moving corporate ecosystem, that means seamless hosting of:

• Global trade conferences
• Finance and technology forums
• Industry expos
• Cultural performances
• Community celebrations

In a city known for world-class event venues, The Plaza adds something different: scale, accessibility and integration within a thriving business district.

For UAE residents, the venue offers more opportunities for networking, collaboration and global visibility without leaving the city.

Next business hub taking shape

The Plaza’s launch comes as Uptown Dubai moves into its next development phase.

Currently under construction:

• Two commercial towers (23 and 17 storeys)
• 62,000 square metres of additional Grade A commercial and retail space

Once complete, the full district will deliver:

• 538,000 square metres total gross floor area
• 232,000 square metres dedicated to Grade A commercial office space

What’s in it for residents

For professionals, it means:

• More international events are hosted locally
• Increased networking and industry exposure
• Expanded commercial opportunities

For residents, it offers:

• Open-air concerts and cultural events
• Community experiences within a premium urban setting
• A new social hub integrated into Dubai’s skyline