Dr. Ruqaya Al Bastaki is an accomplished pharmaceutical leader with over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries. With a deep understanding of the sector’s complexities, challenges, and dynamics, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in leadership, regulatory compliance, and operational enhancement. As a results-driven professional, Dr. Ruqaya Al Bastaki is highly regarded for her ability to foster innovation, lead cross-functional teams, and implement strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals.

Currently serving as a Regulating Medical Products at the Emirates Drug Establishment since October 2024, Dr. Ruqaya Al Bastaki brings with her a wealth of experience from her extensive career, including her tenure as Director of the Drug Department at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) from 2017 to 2024.

Career Milestones

Director of Drug Department, Ministry of Health and Prevention (2017–2024)
In her role as Director, Ruqaya oversaw numerous key functions, including the registration and pricing of medical products, ensuring regulatory compliance with international standards for conventional medicines, healthcare products, and medical devices. She was responsible for driving the department’s strategic direction and working alongside domestic and international stakeholders to shape regulatory frameworks for the pharmaceutical industry.

• Strategic Leadership: Developed and implemented strategic initiatives aligned with the MOHAP vision, while also leading and mentoring a team of over 100 employees in the Drug Department.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensured the highest standards of quality and safety for medical products in the UAE, managing all aspects of medical product registration, pricing, and compliance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked closely with global organizations such as the WHO, INCB, PICS, ICH, and the Arab League to advance the objectives of the Arab Drug Agency and improve drug registration processes.
• Clinical Research and Manufacturing Oversight: Administered and supervised all clinical research and local manufacturing facility activities, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Pharmacovigilance and Narcotics Management: Led initiatives on pharmacovigilance as per WHO standards, and managed the import/export of narcotics and controlled substances in alignment with international requirements, including the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

Under her leadership, MOHAP’s Drug Department became renowned for having the fastest drug registration timelines in the UAE and the MENA region, according to IQVIA studies.

Key Achievements and Contributions

Throughout her career, Ruqaya has been at the forefront of pharmaceutical policy development, contributing significantly to the enhancement of intellectual property practices in pharmaceutical licensing. She has also been a main contributor in composing pharmaceutical laws and regulations that govern the industry in the UAE, ensuring that the country stays in alignment with global standards and regulatory requirements.

Her efforts in improving local medical manufacturers’ GMP have resulted in higher quality standards across UAE pharmaceutical production, further ensuring that the country meets international pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality benchmarks.

Ruqaya’s expertise extends beyond her professional roles. She has served as a Member of the Pharmacy Advisory Board at Sharjah University, and she is a member of several committees dedicated to ensuring compliance with MOHAP’s pharmaceutical standards.

Legacy and Future Goals

Ruqaya Aqeel Mohamed is widely recognized for her ability to drive change, enhance operational efficiencies, and ensure the highest standards of regulatory compliance across the pharmaceutical sector. Her legacy includes helping transform the UAE’s pharmaceutical and medical devices landscape, making it more efficient, transparent, and aligned with global best practices.

This biography highlights Ruqaya Aqeel Mohamed’s significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, her leadership roles, and the impact she’s made on the development and regulation of medicines and medical devices in the UAE.

Dr. Hanady Yousef Shourrab is a strategic and results-driven Senior Pharmacist with over a decade of experience at the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention. She has 13 years of experience in retail pharmacy and is known for pioneering digital transformation initiatives in pharmaceutical regulation.

Holding a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Technology and pursuing a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hanady excels in optimizing compliance processes, fostering inter-departmental collaboration, and leveraging expertise in Import & Export, Registration, and Pharmacovigilance. She has a proven track record in representing the department at international conferences and driving performance enhancements.

Dr. Nisreen Mohammad Nassr is a distinguished pharmaceutical executive with over 22 years of expertise in regulatory affairs and strategic leadership. Dr. Nassr holds an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science with distinction from the University of East London, UK, and certified lean six sigma black belt. As the Director of Drug Control at the Ministry of Health in Oman, Dr. Nisreen has demonstrated strong commitment to regulatory compliance and alignment with international standards. She has been instrumental in formulating strategies that optimize market responsiveness and improve medication availability. Her leadership includes oversight of cross-functional teams, risk management, and stakeholder engagement with global regulatory authorities

Ph. Muna Al Saidi stands as a dedicated professional at the forefront of healthcare administration, currently holding the esteemed position of Section Head in the Registration Section of Human Medicine at the Ministry of Health, Oman. With a passion for ensuring the seamless operation of medical registration processes, Muna Al Saidi has become a respected figure in the healthcare sector of Oman.

Known for her strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail, Muna Al Saidi has played a pivotal role in streamlining registration procedures within the Ministry of Health. Her commitment to excellence has not only earned her the trust of her colleagues but has also contributed significantly to the overall efficiency of the healthcare system in Oman.
As a seasoned leader, Muna Al Saidi brings a wealth of experience to her role, coupled with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in managing the registration of human medicine. Her dedication to advancing healthcare services reflects a commitment to enhancing the well-being of the Omani population.

• Msc – Supply Chain & Logistic Management (Glasgow, Strathclyde University, UK)
• Master of Pharmacy (M-Pharm) (Liverpool John Moores University, UK)
• Diploma – Pharmacy (Institute of Pharmacy, Oman)
• Positions
• Regulatory Staff – Drug Control Department – Variation Section (November 2022 onwards)
• Director of Medical Store (Laboratory Materials & Supplies)- Directorate General of Medical Supply )2021-2022 )
• Head of Department of Receiving Section – Directorate General of Medical Supply )2019-2021)
• Pharmacist in Quality Department – Directorate General of Medical Supply )2018-2019)
• Head Of Department of Injection Section – Directorate General of Medical Supply )2017- 2018)
• Acting Head of Injection Section – Directorate General of Medical Supply )2016- 2017)
• Acting Head of Syrup Section – Directorate General of Medical Supply )2015-2016)
• Pharmacist in Directorate General of Medical Supply (2011- 2015)
• Pharmacy In charge – Wilayat Bousher  (2008-2011)
• Pharmacist in Al khuwair Health Center  (2003 – 2008)
• Publications
• Lean Practitioners project (Accuracy in Quantifying the annual requirement of lab disposable items ( February 2022 till June 2022)
• Literature review on statins & rhabdomyolysis published in LENS magazine March 2011 Oman
• Acne (Is isoisotretinion the solution?) – The Reflection (Wilayat Muscat Health services Newsletter) on January 2006

She is a seasoned expert in Pharma Policy, Public Affairs, and Regulatory Affairs, with over 30 years of diverse industry experience. Nadia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Jordan University, a Master’s degree in Healthcare Management from Zayed University, and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Leadership & Policy from Johns Hopkins University, USA, she also completed two years of advanced DrPH studies in same University.

Nadia’s illustrious career that encompasses roles in both multinational corporations, such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca, and government regulatory authorities. She notably served as the Head of the Registration & Pricing Department at the UAE Ministry of Health, where she played a crucial role in shaping the GCC-UAE regulatory frameworks. Her international engagements include representing the UAE at esteemed platforms like the WHO and the Gulf Health Council.

As the Managing Director of Stellar Pharma Consultancy, Nadia has been a trusted advisor, leading complex regulatory and policy advocacy projects for top multinational pharmaceutical companies.

Currently, she serves as a consultant for Drugs Regulations & Medical Products at the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, Life Sciences Sector.

Nadia is passionate about advocating for Regulatory System Strengthening (RSS) among regulatory authorities. She actively promotes Regulatory Active Collaborative models to achieve higher Regulatory Maturity Levels. Her work has been presented at workshops and through policy position papers to Medicinal National Regulatory Authorities in Algeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Kenya, and Turkey.

Dr. Anees Puthan Veettil is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in Drug Development, specializing in pharmaceutical studies and clinical trials. He holds a Pharmacy Post-Graduation in Pharmacology from Dr. MGR Medical University, India, and a specialization in Clinical Research & Regulatory Affairs from York College, Canada.

Dr. Veettil currently leads the Evaluation Unit of Pharmaceutical Studies at the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE. He has expertise in Pharmaceutical Studies Evaluation, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, R&D, GMP Audits, and Project Management, with experience working with global pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline.

In addition, he is a visiting faculty member at various research and pharmacy institutes and has trained doctors and ethics committees on clinical research.

Education and experience:

– pharmacist, graduated from Hawler medical university (HMU)

College of pharmacy (2014,2015)

-over 8 years experience in regulatory affairs and registration regulations for pharmaceutical sites and products, ensuring:

1.the compliance with national and international regulations, fostering adherence to healthcare standards.

2.Provided expert guidance to pharmaceutical companies, enhancing their understanding of compliance requirements.