Future of Industry Dialogue: fourth in series focuses on the UAE's pharmaceutical sector
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention meet chief executives of drug makers
The UAE's Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology held the fourth of its Future of Industry Dialogue online meetings, highlighting the key role that artificial intelligence and other innovations can play in enhancing local production of medicines and medical equipment.
The first in the series, which began last month, focused on the heavy industries, the second on supporting resilient food and beverage manufacturing and the third on ways of increasing advanced technology sector’s contribution to the country's economic growth.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology led the session which was attended by Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.
Also in attendance were JürgenLauterbach, CFO of Julphar, BasemAl-Barahmeh, General Manager of Globalpharma, EmadNazihBaloosh, General Manager of Medpharma, Dr ShamsheerVayalil, Chairman of LIFEPharma, MadhukarTanna, CEO of Pharmax, Dr Salwa Sami, General Manager of Medysinal, Dr ZuhdiSawalhi, CEO of Medisal, HeldaAlosta, General Manager of Monrol, Dr FirasRazouk, General Manager of Fine Healthcare, Mohammed Hamad Al Badi, CEO of Tawam Medical Instruments Factory, VivekanandaShenoy, General Manager of MicroSynergy Pharmaceuticals, AshishKoshy, CEO of G42 Healthcare, and Farhan Malik, General Manager of Pure Health.
Dr Al Jaber said the application of advanced technology would support the sector's resilience.
"We can and must enhance local production of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment by leveraging artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 solutions," he said. "Not only will this diversify our economy and increase our local efficiencies, but it will improve our preparedness to scale production when it’s most needed, and this is vital to the industry’s future resilience.”
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the future of the health care sector would depend on the widening of its network of global partners, reinforcing supply chains and sufficiently planning ahead, said Dr Al Jaber.
The bio
His favourite book - 1984 by George Orwell
His favourite quote - 'If you think education is expensive, try ignorance' by Derek Bok, Former President of Harvard
Favourite place to travel to - Peloponnese, Southern Greece
Favourite movie - The Last Emperor
Favourite personality from history - Alexander the Great
Role Model - My father, Yiannis Davos
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Company profile
Name: Thndr
Started: October 2020
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Sector: FinTech
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Rating: 4.5/5
Labour dispute
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