UAE identifies 828 non-compliant pharmaceutical ads in 6 months amid 2,030 inspections

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has identified 828 non-compliant pharmaceutical advertisements within six months of 2026, according to a report from the country's drug regulator. This discovery came alongside 2,030 inspections conducted by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) to ensure the country's medical products sector remained compliant.

The inspections were extensive, spanning warehouses, marketing offices, and manufacturing facilities in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and veterinary sectors. Notably, June saw 288 inspections alone, highlighting increased regulatory scrutiny during this period. The regulatory body also approved 942 medical products during the first half of 2026, comprising 420 conventional and biological pharmaceutical products, 376 healthcare products, and 146 medical devices.

Of these, 247 were manufactured in the UAE, marking nearly a quarter of all approvals. The regulator's efforts also included pricing adjustments and 38 voluntary and urgent product recalls, reflecting a comprehensive approach to pharmaceutical oversight.