The Emirates Drug Establishment (“EDE”) and Arcera Life Sciences (“Arcera”) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities in the UAE. Signed at Make it in the Emirates, taking place May 4-7, 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the agreement establishes a framework for collaboration across local manufacturing, talent development, research and innovation, and the strategic supply of medical products.
Under the MoU, both parties will work together to advance capacity building and Emiratization within the UAE’s pharmaceutical sector. This includes training programs, technical exchanges, workshops, and industry initiatives aimed at equipping Emirati talent with the skills required for advanced manufacturing environments.
The partnership also supports efforts to expand local manufacturing capacity and attract investment into the sector. In parallel, the collaboration will contribute to strengthening the UAE’s strategic stockpile of medical products, supporting continuity of supply and national preparedness across critical healthcare needs.
As part of the agreement, Arcera will sponsor key initiatives led by the Emirates Drug Establishment and contribute to programs that strengthen the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. This includes establishing training pathways within its manufacturing facilities to support workforce readiness and future employment.
Commenting on the partnership, Isabel Afonso, CEO of Arcera, said: “Developing pharmaceutical capability requires sustained coordination across institutions and industry. We are honoured to partner with the Emirates Drug Establishment on this collaboration. Strengthening system resilience in healthcare depends on building the right foundations, from local manufacturing capacity to a skilled workforce and reliable access to essential therapies. This partnership allows us to translate those priorities into tangible impact for patients and communities we serve.”
Now in its fifth year, Make it in the Emirates has become a key platform for advancing the UAE’s industrial agenda. The event brings together government, industry leaders, and investors to drive partnerships and investment.
Visit Arcera at Make it in the Emirates, at the L’IMAD pavilion in Hall 13
