The Emirates Drug Establishment has announced a major reduction in the retail prices of 168 pharmaceutical products across the UAE, delivering significant savings on medications used to treat chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

The revised pricing decision will officially take effect on May 30 and covers a broad range of treatments, including medicines for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, stroke prevention, cholesterol disorders, respiratory illnesses, neurological conditions, mental health disorders and eye diseases.

Pharmacies across the UAE have already begun updating their pricing systems ahead of implementation, with reductions varying depending on the type of medication and therapeutic category.

According to the new pricing structure, discounts range from around 5 per cent to nearly 60 per cent for some of the country’s most expensive vital and biologic medicines.

Lower price for cholesterol medicine

One of the biggest reductions applies to Zocor 40mg, a cholesterol-lowering drug whose price has been reduced by approximately 59.5 per cent. Meanwhile, Xalatan, used to treat elevated eye pressure in glaucoma patients, recorded a price cut of more than 51 per cent.

Several high-cost cancer and biologic treatments also saw major reductions under the new decision. The lung cancer medication Alunbrig 180mg was reduced from Dh26,433 to Dh21,108, while the 90mg version dropped from Dh19,824 to Dh12,520. The 30mg dosage also saw a significant reduction, falling from Dh6,608 to Dh4,173.

In another major adjustment, Xeloda 150mg, commonly prescribed for breast, colon and rectal cancer, was reduced from Dh347 to Dh241.

The latest move is expected to provide substantial relief for patients requiring long-term treatment, particularly those dependent on expensive speciality medications and biologic therapies.

Authorities in the UAE have reaffirmed the country’s readiness to respond to any emerging health developments, including situations linked to Ebola, as officials reviewed national preparedness systems and precautionary measures already in place.

The update came during a high-level meeting chaired by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh under the supervision of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority alongside the Ministry of Health and Prevention and strategic partners.

Focus on preparedness and monitoring

Officials reviewed:

• The latest developments related to Ebola
• The UAE’s national surveillance systems
• Existing precautionary health measures
• Coordination between local and international authorities

Authorities stressed that the UAE’s health monitoring and emergency response systems are continuously reviewed and updated in line with international standards and global best practices.

Hospitals and medical teams remain ready

NCEMA and MoHAP said precautionary monitoring measures continue to be implemented across the country as part of the UAE’s proactive public health strategy.

They added that healthcare facilities and medical teams remain fully prepared to respond efficiently to any health developments if required.

The UAE has consistently invested in strengthening:

• Communicable disease response systems
• Emergency preparedness plans
• Integrated healthcare coordination
• Public health awareness initiatives

Authorities urge residents to rely on official information

Officials also called on the public to avoid sharing unverified information online, stressing the importance of relying only on official sources for updates related to public health matters.

The authorities said community awareness and responsible information sharing remain essential components in protecting public health and preventing unnecessary panic.

While no emergency has been announced, the meeting reflects the UAE’s ongoing approach of preparing early, monitoring developments closely and maintaining readiness for a wide range of public health scenarios.

The UAE is preparing for one of its biggest healthcare transformations yet after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the adoption of a comprehensive national healthcare system covering citizens across all emirates.

The new framework includes a fully integrated national health insurance scheme designed to guarantee access to medical care and health services for every citizen.

New era for healthcare

Officials said the move reflects the UAE leadership’s long-term vision of building an advanced healthcare sector focused on:

• Universal healthcare access
• Preventive medicine
• Digital transformation
• Innovation
• Sustainable health services

The initiative aims to create a fully integrated healthcare model capable of improving efficiency, strengthening sector readiness and ensuring healthcare sustainability for future generations.

Focus on prevention and innovation

According to authorities, the system is designed around international best practices and modern healthcare standards, with strong emphasis on:

• Public health
• Smart digital health platforms
• Long-term health outcomes
• Resource efficiency across all emirates

Health is a national priority

Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, described the directive as part of a national vision placing human health and quality of life at the centre of the country’s development journey.

He said the UAE continues advancing healthcare systems built on:

• Prevention
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Expanded access to medical services

Integrated healthcare 

Officials also highlighted that the UAE already operates through a strong federal and local healthcare model supported by:

• Advanced medical infrastructure
• Connected digital healthcare systems
• Ongoing investment in healthcare quality and accessibility

The new healthcare system is expected to further strengthen integration between health services while improving resilience and long-term care outcomes for citizens at every stage of life.