Latest news with #NationalStrategyforAdvancedInnovation
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Successful conclusion of the Third World Local Production Forum in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The third edition of World Local Production Forum concluded successfully in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, bringing together key decision-makers, industry leaders, international organizations, and technical experts to discuss the critical role of local production in advancing global health equity, health security, and sustainable development. Held under the theme 'Advancing Local Production for Health Equity, Global Health Security and Sustainable Development', the three-day forum took place from April 7 to 9, 2025, and witnessed the participation of top government officials, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the world. In his closing remarks, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to advancing local pharmaceutical production. He emphasized that the UAE is rapidly solidifying its position as a leading global hub for pharmaceutical innovation and advanced healthcare technologies, noting that local production has become not only a healthcare priority but also a strategic development imperative. 'We are pleased to host this global forum in partnership with the World Health Organization, reflecting the UAE's deep commitment to expanding local manufacturing capabilities, supporting research and development systems, and maintaining the highest quality standards in the production and distribution of medical products,' His Excellency stated. He added, 'Our National Strategy for Advanced Innovation enables us to integrate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and smart manufacturing into all stages of healthcare production, while maintaining our commitment to environmental sustainability.' Concluding his address, H.E stressed the importance of purposeful international cooperation, stating, 'Through this forum, we affirm that international collaboration is the path to constructive change. By linking investment to innovation and policy to impact, we can build a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system that serves communities everywhere.' Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), also delivered remarks during the forum, underscoring that the UAE is leading by example in building resilient and innovative pharmaceutical ecosystems capable of addressing evolving healthcare needs. 'Hosting the World Local Production Forum is a testament to the UAE's progress in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector,' she said. 'We believe that investing in local capabilities is the cornerstone for ensuring health security and equitable access to essential treatments.' Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products Division at the World Health Organization, highlighted the global relevance of the forum, stating, 'This forum comes at a critical time as health systems worldwide face growing challenges in ensuring timely and equitable access to essential health products. Strengthening local production is a foundational pillar for building more resilient healthcare systems, and the UAE provides a good example with holistic approach for other countries and regions.' The forum featured a robust program of discussions across eight key thematic areas, including policies and regulatory frameworks for strengthening local production systems; innovative strategies for financing and investment; the promotion of research, innovation, and technology transfer across the pharmaceutical value chain; and pandemic preparedness through expanded manufacturing capacity, demand forecasting, and emergency financing. Additional themes included the integration of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and climate adaptation in transforming local manufacturing; the formation of strategic partnerships to support sustainable local production and epidemic preparedness; knowledge sharing through case studies of successful country-level initiatives; and the CEO Forum, which convened global executives to explore the pharmaceutical industry's role in shaping public health outcomes. Her Excellency Dr. Al Kaabi also participated in a high-level panel titled 'Localizing Pharmaceutical Innovation', which brought together members of the PharmaGroup, representing 29 global pharmaceutical companies, and the Mycomed Association, which includes around 70 companies in the medical device and equipment sectors. During the session, Dr. Al Kaabi presented the vision of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) to position the UAE as a global center for pharmaceutical innovation through the attraction of top talent, advanced technologies, and investment into the sector. She emphasized the role of pharmaceutical manufacturing in supporting economic diversification, knowledge economy transformation, and long-term healthcare system resilience. Dr. Ashraf Malak and Dr. Dederick Koh, also speaking at the forum, highlighted the Pharmage Association's 20-year legacy in the UAE and its contributions to the availability of modern and innovative treatments. They commended the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) for its role in shaping a forward-thinking regulatory and industrial environment that is achieving tangible impact across the sector. In another panel session, global health leaders explored the future of equitable access to medicines, regional manufacturing, innovation ecosystems, and pandemic preparedness. Dr. Luis Pizarro, Executive Director, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) addressed the importance of health equity and the moral imperative to focus on neglected populations and diseases. He reflected on DNDi's work in building collaborative R&D platforms and promoting affordable access to life-saving treatments. 'The innovation ecosystem must serve those most in need. That means patients in the most vulnerable contexts must be central to our R&D agendas,' he emphasized. He mentioned strategies for strengthening local capacities to make local production a reality. First, he highlighted the importance of not just discussing technology transfer, but ensuring that countries also possess the necessary technological know-how to implement and sustain it. 'We cannot speak about technology transfer without ensuring the know-how is in place,' he said. Secondly, he stressed the need to invest in human capital—developing local expertise and skills to drive innovation and production. Finally, he called for the design of health solutions that are relevant to the needs of local populations, underscoring the importance of defining a target product profile that aligns with regional contexts and public health demands. Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Center, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi presented Abu Dhabi's strategic vision for health innovation, emphasizing the Emirate's commitment to becoming a regional leader in research and development, clinical trials, and health technology advancement. 'Our vision is to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for health innovation in the region,' she affirmed. Dr. Al Mannaei highlighted a range of forward-looking initiatives, regulatory modernization, and the adoption of data-driven health solutions. She also emphasised the UAE's exemplary performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Abu Dhabi was ranked the number one most resilient city in pandemic crisis management. This success, she said, was achieved through strong collaboration between local and international entities, transforming the Emirate into a logistics and solutions hub for the region. Through these coordinated efforts, the UAE facilitated the delivery and management of over 260 million doses of vaccines to countries in need, showcasing its global solidarity and logistical excellence. She stated the importance of R&D and local production to ensure long-term sustainability and self-reliance in health systems, ultimately safeguarding the region. Mr. Robert Matiru, Director of Programmes at UNITAID, emphasized the importance of moving beyond rhetoric to showcase tangible partnerships that have advanced local production capacity for equitable access to health tools. Highlighting the benefit of collaborations, Matiru explained how UNITAID structured a partnership that brought together critical resources. A catalytic $10 million investment—modest in scale but significant in impact—was mobilized under the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. This funding enabled partnerships with diagnostic manufacturers in the UK (Mologic, now Global Access Diagnostics) and South Korea (Bionote), facilitating rapid technology transfer and know-how sharing. With this support, IPD developed the capacity to manufacture lateral flow COVID-19 rapid tests, meeting global regulatory and quality standards. Before this initiative, Africa imported approximately 90% of its rapid tests—amounting to over half a billion tests annually for diseases like HIV and malaria. This collaboration helped shift the paradigm: IPD expanded its production capacity to 75 million rapid tests per year, significantly enhancing self-reliance in diagnostics. 'This is a prime example of how thoughtful, well-structured partnerships—combining financing, technology transfer, and strategic market planning—can empower local manufacturers to play a key role in global health security,' Matiru concluded. Mr. Rajinder Kumar Suri, CEO, Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) shed light on the indispensable role of developing countries' vaccine manufacturers in pandemic response and preparedness. He discussed the lessons learned from COVID-19 and how vaccine equity was undermined by global supply chain gaps and overreliance on a few manufacturers. 'We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. Strengthening regional manufacturing hubs, especially in the Global South, is critical for timely access during future pandemics,' Mr. Suri stated. He advocated for technology transfer mechanisms, better regulatory alignment, and long-term funding strategies that empower regional players. Mr. Guilherme Cintra, Head of Policy, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) shared CEPI's vision for advancing equitable vaccine development and distribution in the face of future health emergencies. He highlighted CEPI's commitment to building robust, end-to-end R&D ecosystems that span from early-stage innovation to large-scale delivery. Underscoring the importance of collaboration, he stated, 'The concept of self-reliance is an illusion—we need to depend and help each other.' He emphasized the need for inclusive, cooperative approaches where regional stakeholders are not merely recipients but active contributors within global innovation pipelines, ensuring that solutions are shaped by and for the communities they serve. As part of her engagements during the forum, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, conducted a visit to the Adcan Pharma manufacturing facility. During the meeting with the factory's management, both parties explored avenues for enhanced coordination and collaboration aimed at supporting the growth and sustainability of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. The discussions focused on reinforcing national capabilities and fostering innovation across the production value chain. The third edition of the World Local Production Forum received comprehensive support from the Emirates Drug Establishment, in close cooperation with the World Health Organization and a broad network of international partners. It served as a dynamic platform for government leaders, policymakers, investors, and industry experts to address critical issues related to sustainable local production and global health security. Key outcomes from this Forum included 4077 participants from 141 countries, 16 ministers and Engagement of over 229 international speakers representing government agencies, health institutions, regulatory bodies, and the private sector. This reinforced the UAE's steadfast commitment to fostering global partnerships that accelerate local production capacities, ensuring equitable access to healthcare solutions worldwide. It also highlighted the country's growing prominence as a global hub for life sciences, pharmaceutical innovation, and advanced health technologies. In a symbolic gesture marking the end of the forum, the hosting torch was officially handed over to the Republic of Indonesia, which will host the fourth edition of the World Local Production Forum in 2026. This transition reflects the spirit of international cooperation and continued momentum toward achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable health systems across the globe.
Al Etihad
10-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
World Local Production Forum concludes in Abu Dhabi
10 Apr 2025 16:12 ABU DHABI (WAM) The third edition of the World Local Production Forum concluded in Abu Dhabi under the theme "Advancing Local Production for Health Equity, Global Health Security and Sustainable Development".The three-day forum took place from April 7 - 9 and witnessed the participation of top government officials, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the his closing remarks, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to advancing local pharmaceutical emphasised that the UAE is rapidly solidifying its position as a leading global hub for pharmaceutical innovation and advanced healthcare technologies, noting that local production has become not only a healthcare priority but also a strategic development imperative."We are pleased to host this global forum in partnership with the World Health Organisation, reflecting the UAE's deep commitment to expanding local manufacturing capabilities, supporting research and development systems, and maintaining the highest quality standards in the production and distribution of medical products," he added, "Our National Strategy for Advanced Innovation enables us to integrate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and smart manufacturing into all stages of healthcare production, while maintaining our commitment to environmental sustainability."Concluding his address, Al Zeyoudi stressed the importance of purposeful international cooperation, noting that it is the path to constructive change. He said, "By linking investment to innovation and policy to impact, we can build a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system that serves communities everywhere."Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of EDE, underscored that the UAE is leading by example in building resilient and innovative pharmaceutical ecosystems capable of addressing evolving healthcare needs."Hosting the World Local Production Forum is a testament to the UAE's progress in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. We believe that investing in local capabilities is the cornerstone for ensuring health security and equitable access to essential treatments," she Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products Division at the World Health Organisation, said, "This forum comes at a critical time as health systems worldwide face growing challenges in ensuring timely and equitable access to essential health products. Strengthening local production is a foundational pillar for building more resilient healthcare systems, and the UAE provides a good example with a holistic approach for other countries and regions.'The forum featured a robust programme of discussions across eight key thematic areas, including policies and regulatory frameworks for strengthening local production systems; innovative strategies for financing and investment; the promotion of research, innovation, and technology transfer across the pharmaceutical value chain; and pandemic preparedness through expanded manufacturing capacity, demand forecasting, and emergency Al Kaabi also participated in a high-level panel titled "Localising Pharmaceutical Innovation", which brought together members of the PharmaGroup, representing 29 global pharmaceutical companies, and the Mycomed Association, which includes around 70 companies in the medical device and equipment the session, Dr. Al Kaabi presented the vision of the Emirates Drug Establishment to position the UAE as a global centre for pharmaceutical innovation by attracting top talent, advanced technologies, and investment into the emphasised the role of pharmaceutical manufacturing in supporting economic diversification, knowledge economy transformation, and long-term healthcare system Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, presented Abu Dhabi's strategic vision for health innovation, emphasising the Emirate's commitment to becoming a regional leader in research and development, clinical trials, and health technology Al Mannaei highlighted a range of forward-looking initiatives, regulatory modernisation, and the adoption of data-driven health solutions. She also emphasised the UAE's exemplary performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Abu Dhabi was ranked the number one most resilient city in pandemic crisis UAE also facilitated the delivery and management of over 260 million doses of vaccines to countries in need, showcasing its global solidarity and logistical part of her engagements during the forum, Dr. Al Kaabi visited the ADCAN Pharma manufacturing facility and met the factory's management, where both parties explored avenues for enhanced coordination and collaboration to support the growth and sustainability of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing discussions focused on reinforcing national capabilities and fostering innovation across the production value chain. Key outcomes from this forum included 4,077 participants from 141 countries, 16 ministers and the engagement of over 229 international speakers representing government agencies, health institutions, regulatory bodies, and the private sector.
Hi Dubai
13-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DEWA Wins Prestigious ‘Most Innovative Digital Transformation' Award for Cutting-Edge Power Substation
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has been awarded the 'Most Innovative Digital Transformation' accolade by the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, recognizing its pioneering achievements in digitalization and sustainability. The honor was bestowed upon DEWA for its revolutionary digital power transmission substation, which significantly minimizes energy waste and reduces carbon emissions. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, expressed his pride in receiving the award, highlighting its importance in enhancing government excellence and transforming challenges into opportunities for sustainable development. The award was received on behalf of Al Tayer by Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission Power at DEWA. 'Thanks to the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, innovation has become an integral part of the government and private sectors, fostering efficiency and accelerating the achievement of national objectives,' said Al Tayer. He emphasized that DEWA's initiatives align with the National Strategy for Advanced Innovation, ensuring a forward-thinking environment that transforms innovative ideas into tangible solutions, particularly in sustainability and renewable energy. The innovative 132/11 kV power substations introduced by DEWA have drastically enhanced operational efficiency. These substations have shortened construction timelines by 15% and reduced initial costs by AED 2.7 million per facility. Moreover, their advanced design has cut carbon emissions by 386 tonnes per substation while eliminating an additional 54 tonnes annually through energy savings. This initiative is a crucial step toward achieving DEWA's vision of becoming a globally leading sustainable corporation committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. DEWA's digital transformation efforts underscore Dubai's commitment to pioneering sustainable and innovative solutions, solidifying its position as a global leader in clean energy advancements. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer highlights the role of innovation in enhancing DEWA's competitiveness and stakeholder happiness
Dubai, UAE: HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), inaugurated DEWA's Future Next Conference, in conjunction with the 'UAE Innovates 2025', the 10th edition of the UAE's innovation month. The conference, which was attended by a number of Executive Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents from DEWA, along with a large number of employees, featured keynote speeches and panel discussions featuring experts and specialists from various major international companies and organisations. In his speech during the conference, Al Tayer noted that the UAE Innovates provides a platform to bring together public and private sector institutions in the country. He noted that the 'Future Next Conference' comes as part of DEWA's efforts to support a culture of innovation among individuals and organisations, in line with the proactive vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has transformed innovation from a theoretical concept to practical applications and daily practices. This transformation has contributed to enhancing the UAE's competitiveness and global leadership, further augmenting quality of life through the active participation of government and private sector organisations, as well as members of society, in coming up with various innovative solutions. 'At DEWA, we provide a motivating environment for innovators and creative minds, in line with the National Strategy for Advanced Innovation, which focuses on exploration, future skills, quality of health and life, green energy, transport and measures to harness technology to serve humankind,' added Al Tayer. 'Innovation has always been a key pillar for us in achieving global competitiveness and enhancing sustainability as it contributes to improving operational efficiency, reducing waste, enhancing environmental sustainability and raising the happiness of customers and all stakeholders. To implement the directives of our wise leadership to make Dubai the world's best city for quality of life, we continuously develop Dubai's electricity and water infrastructure through innovation. This has led to DEWA achieving the top position globally in 12 key performance indicators in our areas of work, according to a study conducted by a specialised international consultant. Last year, DEWA achieved the lowest electricity customer minutes lost (CML) in the world, with Dubai recording just 0.94 minutes per customer, significantly lower than the 15-minute average of leading European utilities,' said Al Tayer. Al Tayer noted that DEWA has developed the world's first intelligent gas turbine controller, enabling real-time and autonomous control of all gas turbines at the Jebel Ali Power Generation and Water Desalination Complex. DEWA has also launched the world's first intelligent plant controller for combined cycle plants, based on AI and machine learning, to improve operational efficiency and sustainability. DEWA has further adopted generative AI, including the Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft 365 Copilot smart assistant, and has expanded the use of generative AI to include a wide range of vital areas, including 'Rammas for You' and 'Rammas for Work', information security, the SAP system, employees' digital experience, DEWA's Evaluation Centre, as well as human resources services, security policies, financial data, the customer eServices portal, IT Support Office services, governance and compliance procedures, future insights platforms, Power BI and LinkedIn Learning. In the field of renewable energy, DEWA successfully raised the efficiency of photovoltaic panels through innovative techniques, including solar tracking using advanced algorithms and automated robot cleaning. By the end of January 2025, the share of clean energy in Dubai reached approximately 20% of the total energy mix. In line with global trends in decarbonisation, we continue to develop innovative projects in energy storage and green hydrogen. DEWA's efforts in innovation have resulted in several awards, including the 'Innovative Power Technology of the Year – UAE' accolade at the Asian Power Awards 2024 for the Actual Load Profiles Simulator for the Distribution Network, which enhances the efficiency of the electrical distribution network using AI and ground weather data. DEWA also received the 'Smart Grid Project of the Year – UAE' award for our pioneering initiatives in substation automation, which is a significant shift in the management of power grids, allowing us to restore power supply within one minute without the need for physical human intervention. 'Innovation is more than just a goal for us. It is a key pillar in our journey towards the future and the cornerstone of the development of our services and initiatives. We will continue to work based on an ambitious vision aimed at embedding innovation and state-of-the-art technologies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of our world-class infrastructure. We further aim to empower innovators and creative minds, solidifying an innovative environment that promotes sustainable development,' concluded Al Tayer. At the end of the conference, Al Tayer honoured the speakers and participants of the conference, commending their efforts in supporting innovation at DEWA. Keynote speeches and panel discussions The 'Future Next Conference' featured a speech titled 'Digitisation and 10X' by Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE; a speech titled 'Digital Transformation in Energy Systems' by Dr Ralf Blumenthal, Vice President and Grid Software MD at Siemens; and a speech titled 'SAP Artificial Intelligence Journey in Utilities', delivered by Marwan Zeineddine, SAP Managing Director, UAE. The conference also included panel sessions on digitisation, AI and 10X, with the participation of DEWA employees and Digital DEWA subsidiaries. Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, said: "In today's digital landscape, AI and digitisation are essential for business success. At Microsoft, we are dedicated to empowering UAE organisations to leverage AI for innovation and efficiency. Our collaboration with DEWA highlights this commitment. By using AI solutions like the Rammas chatbot, DEWA has significantly improved customer engagement and operational efficiency, setting an important benchmark for the region. Their progressive approach and dedication to excellence are is not just shaping the future of business; it is transforming it. Microsoft is proud to partner with organisations like DEWA to drive this transformation, promoting a future characterised by innovation and resilience." Dr Ralf Blumenthal, Vice President and Grid Software MD at Siemens, said: 'Speed is at the core of the energy transition. Harvesting the benefits of data and AI needs us to act fast and now.' Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE, said: 'The UAE's commitment to innovation is accelerating transformation across industries, with AI at the forefront. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to unlocking the full potential of these advancements, and DEWA Innovation Day is a powerful platform to showcase how these partnerships are shaping the future of innovation in the UAE. At SAP, we are proud to collaborate with the public and private sectors to support innovation with SAP Business Data Cloud, which seamlessly integrates enterprise and industry data to fuel the next generation of Business AI. This is a new era of AI, where SAP-powered super agents provide end-to-end visibility, streamline processes, and close operational gaps.' Innovations On the sidelines of the 'Future Next Conference', Al Tayer reviewed some of DEWA's innovations and the projects of DEWA Academy students. These included the world's first Plant Intelligent Controller to enhance automation in asset management, improving efficiency in power generation and water desalination; the ' Roll-in Roll-Out' principle for pumps and demister pads to improve efficiency and reduce costs by accelerating the dewatering process from 2 days to 12 hours; the AC Power Strength Controller system, which precisely controls the amount of power supplied to a connected load, protecting it from excess voltage; the solar-powered seawater desalination system, a sustainable solution that converts seawater into freshwater through a multi-stage filtration and reverse-osmosis process; a remotely operated underwater vehicle for maintaining underground wiring systems, eliminating the need for human divers and enhancing safety and efficiency; the 3D printing solutions for efficient spare parts management, aimed at improving spare parts management by lowering costs, shortening lead times and reducing dependency on suppliers; the Alharis IoT-based project, which uses advanced sensor technologies to accurately detect tampering attempts while minimising false alarms; Microsoft Copilot AI, which integrates Microsoft's generative AI chatbot into a wide range of key activities across DEWA; and the Sign Language to Text Translation Glove, a wearable assistive device that translates hand gestures into text, enabling more seamless interaction.
