UAE Federal Decree-Law on organ transplantation in effect from June 2026

Since our last update, the healthcare and life sciences sector across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider Gulf has continued its rapid regulatory evolution. Key developments include the UAE's new Federal Decree-Law No. (5) of 2026 on the Regulation of Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation, which came into effect in June 2026, and the continued implementation of the UAE's National Strategy for the Life Sciences Sector 2026-2031. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has introduced new guidelines for the registration of medical devices, while the Kingdom's Health Sector Transformation Program continues to drive privatization and foreign investment. The summer months also saw significant activity in the digital health space, with the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) launching a new framework for telemedicine and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) issuing regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Looking ahead, the autumn season promises further regulatory changes, including the expected enactment of new data protection laws in Qatar and Oman, and ongoing discussions around the harmonisation of pharmaceutical pricing across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These developments underscore the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the healthcare and life sciences regulatory landscape in the Middle East, presenting both opportunities and challenges for industry stakeholders.