Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who suspect side effects after taking medications are strongly advised to report them to the relevant health authorities. This is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing medication safety levels.
The Emirates Drug Authority (EDA) has launched a campaign titled 'Speak Up .. Stay Safe.' This campaign is conducted in collaboration with five health authorities and calls on patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to share information about possible adverse reactions.
The campaign was announced on Wednesday, November 4th, and is part of the global MedSafetyWeek 2026, which runs from November 2nd to 8th. Authorities emphasized that reporting suspected side effects helps identify potential safety issues requiring further investigation, even if the drug has already received marketing approval.
Residents can use the EDA's DAWA intelligent tool to register suspected side effects of medicines and other medical products. This tool simplifies the process of submitting experiential information, after which reports are forwarded to specialists for assessment according to established procedures.
The tool was developed and approved through a partnership between EDA and the Uppsala Monitoring Centre and supports continuous monitoring of drugs available on the market. EDA also strongly recommended that patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals utilize official reporting channels.
Dr. Ruqaiya Aqeel Al Bastaki, Executive Director of the Medical Products Regulatory Sector at EDA, noted that drug safety monitoring does not cease after a product receives approval and enters the market. She explained that responsibility remains throughout the entire lifecycle of the drug, as new information regarding its impact on patients continues to emerge.
Reports provided by residents and healthcare professionals are analyzed alongside other scientific data. This information allows authorities to identify potential danger signals that require deeper investigation. According to Al Bastaki, an effective drug safety control system depends on cooperation among regulatory bodies, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, patients, and caregivers.
She also stressed that reporting should become an integral part of responsible drug use, rather than being limited only to informational campaigns. The nationwide campaign unites EDA, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Emirates Health Services, Dubai Health Authority, Abu Dhabi Department of Health, and Sharjah Health Authority.
This year's MedSafetyWeek is running under the slogan: 'Don't Ignore Side Effects, Report Them!' This initiative, now in its 11th edition, is coordinated by the Uppsala Monitoring Centre in collaboration with drug regulators, monitoring centers, and international organizations.
As part of the campaign, virtual seminars will be organized for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of drug safety monitoring and managing suspected adverse effects. Awareness events will also take place at the University of Sharjah, where students will attend lectures on pharmacovigilance, the drug safety monitoring process, and receive training on using official reporting channels.
A dedicated webinar for pharmaceutical companies will explain their obligations and requirements for drug safety monitoring. This guide defines the responsibilities of relevant organizations and the requirements for monitoring safety information and managing risks associated with drugs after they have received marketing authorization.
