Launching the Framework for Measuring Health Research and Development Expenditure in the UAE

About the Event

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has introduced a framework for measuring health research and development (R&D) expenditures within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) health sector. This initiative, the first comprehensive framework in the Arab and Gulf regions, seeks to enhance transparency and efficiency in data collection and analysis while supporting evidence-based decision-making to improve planning and performance.

The framework was unveiled by the National Center for Health Research at a ceremony in Dubai attended by His Excellency Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of Health Regulations Sector, alongside several ministry officials and strategic partners, including the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, Dubai Health Authority, the Advanced Technology Research Council, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. Representatives from universities, health authorities, and private firms were also present.

MOHAP said the framework is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between health, academic, and private-sector bodies, and build partnerships to promote performance in health-sector R&D. It will facilitate accurate tracking of R&D expenditures, helping the UAE improve its national competitiveness innovation indicators.

The document provides detailed definitions, principles and mechanisms for measuring health-related R&D spending in line with UNESCO and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. It is designed to help health authorities, healthcare institutions, academic bodies, and private companies systematically gather and measure R&D expenditures.

The newly unveiled framework aims to help strategic partners adopt global best practices and standards for measuring R&D spending in the health sector. It standardises data collection and analysis methods, bolster competitiveness by refining indicators such as the ratio of spending to GDP and promotes transparency and efficiency in tracking actual expenditures on research and development.

Start date

20 January 2025

End date

20 January 2025

Location

Dusit Thani Hotel - Dubai

Agenda

Registration

20 January 2025

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Opening speech

20 January 2025

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

H.E. Dr. Amin Al Amiri – Assistant Undersecretary of the Health Regulation Sector

Research and Development Expenditure Status in the UAE

20 January 2025

10:15AM - 10:30AM

Ms. Fayeqa Abdulla – Director of Economic Statistics at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center (FCSC)

Overview of the Framework for Measuring Health R&D Expenditure in the UAE

20 January 2025

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Dr. Ahmed Alosi – Research Consultant at the National Center for Health Research at MOHAP

Coffee Break

20 January 2025

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Research and Development: Expenditure Measurement, Investment, and Good Practices in the UAE

20 January 2025

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Dr. Rami Beiram – Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Professor Stefan Du Plessis – Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Dubai Health Dr. Ahmed Alosi – Research Consultant at the National Center for Health Research at MOHAP. Mr. Faisal Haji – Division Director Health Sector Innovation at the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH). Dr. Ravi Kumar Trehan – Acting Medical Director of Research at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC).