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UAE Announces New Pharmaceutical Rule to Break Medicine Monopolies and Lower Drug Costs

In a landmark move for the Middle Eastern healthcare sector, the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has officially activated a new regulatory mechanism aimed at ending the "single-agent" monopoly over medical products in the UAE.

As of February 24, 2026, pharmaceutical manufacturers are now required to register multiple authorized agents for each medicine, moving away from exclusive distribution rights that have historically kept prices high.

Key Objectives of the New Rule

• Breaking Monopolies: Prevents any single distributor from having exclusive control over the pricing and availability of vital medications.
• Lowering Drug Costs: Increased competition among various authorized agents is expected to drive market prices down for consumers.
• National Drug Security: By diversifying distribution channels, the UAE ensures that the supply chain is resilient against global disruptions.
• Improved Market Access: Facilitates a faster and more efficient distribution of medicines across all Emirates.

Impact on the Industry

This regulation, rooted in Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2024, positions the UAE as a leader in patient-centric pharmaceutical policy. For global drug makers, this means a shift in how they manage their intellectual property and distribution agreements within the region. It opens doors for more logistics players and provides a transparent framework for market entry.

For healthcare providers and patients, the primary benefit remains affordability and consistent access to life-saving treatments without the bottleneck of a single supplier.

Stay tuned to e-Pharma Times for more updates on global pharmaceutical regulations and intellectual property trends.