Abu Dhabi Unveils Golden List to Enhance Pharma Trade and Reliability

In a pioneering move, Abu Dhabi Customs has teamed up with the Emirates Drug Establishment to introduce the Golden List of Pharmaceutical Companies. This initiative is designed to bolster supply chains and establish a dynamic regulatory framework in line with global best practices.

Focused on marrying pharmaceutical safety with efficient trade, the Golden List aims to facilitate smoother transit through Abu Dhabi’s border ports. This initiative aligns closely with the UAE’s We the UAE 2031 vision, aiming to foster health innovation and sustainability across the nation.

Currently, the Golden List features 31 vetted pharmaceutical companies in its inaugural phase. These entities will enjoy streamlined customs procedures, heightened regulatory compliance, and expedited shipment processing. Benefits include automatic accreditation of shipments and quicker customs clearance operated under a seamless customs ecosystem.

This announcement underscores Abu Dhabi’s pivotal role as a center for pharmaceutical production in the UAE, contributing roughly 27% of the nation’s total pharmaceutical output. This initiative is vital for enhancing both domestic health security and the UAE’s competitive standing on a global scale.

H.E. Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, the Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, emphasized that the Golden List strengthens collaboration between government entities and private sector participants. He noted that it optimizes regulatory procedures while permitting compliant companies to utilize flexible pathways without sacrificing safety.

H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, stated that this initiative signifies robust institutional integration and dedication to pharmaceutical safety. She highlighted its role in promoting investment in high-value pharmaceutical industries, expediting processes for compliant firms, and solidifying the UAE’s status in global pharmaceutical manufacturing.

To be included on the Golden List, companies must adhere to several prerequisites, such as:

• A clean customs compliance history with no significant infractions

• Robust internal controls and risk management frameworks

• Willingness to comply with technical standards set by appropriate authorities

• Complete adherence to Emirates Drug Establishment guidelines

This initiative promises to improve transparency, effectiveness, and competitiveness in Abu Dhabi’s pharmaceutical landscape, aligning with the wider economic and health security ambitions of the UAE.