Dubai Airport Free Zone participates in PABME 2009

Dubai: Dubai Airport Free Zone, home to multinational pharmaceutical companies in the UAE, is taking part in the largest Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology event (Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Middle East) PABME 2009 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center from April 20-22.

Mr Ibrahim Ahli, Marketing Director Dubai Airport Free Zone, said 'It is the first time that we've exhibited in PABME 2009 and we're definitely looking forward to expand on our sales and marketing activities.

PABME estimates that pharmaceutical sales revenue in the markets of North Africa, The Levant States and Iran as well as the newer markets of the GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the UAE): combined these markets are valued at over AED 44 billion (US$12 billion) and are estimated to be growing at an annual rate of over 10%.

Research has further shown that in the Middle East there is an estimated to be over 450 pharmaceutical manufacturers - a figure that is growing dramatically year on year. "This is a market that the Freezone is keen to attract," said Mr. Ahli.

Dubai Airport Free Zone has been participating in quite a number of specialised exhibitions which help the free zone attract multinational companies.

Mr. Ahli added, "PABME 2009 is an exciting stage to network and discuss business. "Our strategy in PABME 2009 is to increase our opportunities to attract and communicate with pharmaceutical companies to set up offices and invest in the Middle East in general and the UAE in particular..."

'The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are growing at such an incredible rate in the region. Several international companies are participating in this large event that it would give us a chance to meet the market leaders and new investors across the globe."

"Sales department representatives at the free zone will be present at the stand to address visitors inquiries and needs with all information and data that would be of interest to pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies," said Mr. Ahli

Middle East’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology congress opens in Dubai today (Monday 20 April)

DUBAI, Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) will play an active role at the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Middle East 2009 (PABME) congress which opens its doors today (Monday 20 April 2009) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The SFDA has been operating for a short period of time and is expected to improve and influence drug regulation across the region.

“We’re a brand new organisation and we will be making regular announcements in the future,” said Dr. Ibrahim Alshowaier, Consultant, SFDA. “The countries in the Middle East, especially our neighbours, are looking to see how the SFDA will proceed and develop. We work closely with other countries. Everyone understands that the SFDA will have standards in place that others will need to meet before they can market products in Saudi Arabia.”

Tightening of rules covering the sale of pharmaceuticals will be welcomed broadly. In the Middle East, the drug market is reportedly expected to grow by 15% annually over the next three years, and the SFDA will play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of medicines sold in Saudi Arabia, and indirectly in other countries across the region.

“We will offer a reasonable framework. It will not be very rich, but then it won’t be poor either,” Alshowaier said. “The basis of this framework is to oversee and verify. That’s what we see the countries around the world doing, and our ability to do this is crucial for us.”

Simon Page, Director of the Life Science Division, IIR Middle East understands the need to have greater scrutiny of the sale of medicines.

“The healthcare sector is growing rapidly, and a big part of this is the availability of quality pharmaceuticals. We’re talking about a multi-billion dollar industry that needs a strong level of regulation,” he said. “Governments across the region continue to introduce protocols that offer assurances about the safety of medicines on sale to members of the public.”

Page explained that over the next three days PABME 2009 will be playing its role in providing pharmaceutical industry professionals from the Middle East with all the latest information and findings from the sector. These are conveyed over several major high level conferences tailored for professional delegates. They include: Current Trends in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology; Innovative Therapeutics; Pharma and Biotech Opportunities in Emerging Markets; Facilities Design, Upgrade and Expansion; Pharma and Biotech Marketing; and the Clinical Trials Congress.

In addition to the conferences PABME 2009 will have around 100 companies from over 20 countries exhibiting.

The Middle East’s pharmaceutical sector is developing rapidly, and it is vital that all stakeholders are aware of how regulations and protocols are evolving. Page believes PABME 2009 provides the ideal platform for industry professionals to keep abreast of all of the latest issues in the fields of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

“PABME is essential for everyone working in the pharma and biotech industries in the Middle East, and also for anyone interested in entering the market here,” he said. “Some of the leading firms in the world are showcasing their latest products and services, and the range of conferences covers everything that industry professionals need to know about these lucrative sectors in this region.”

PABME 2009 opens today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and will run until Wednesday 22 April. ((ENDS))