The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has introduced a new framework aimed at measuring health research and development (R&D) expenditures within the UAE health sector. This initiative marks the first comprehensive framework designed to improve transparency and efficiency in data collection and analysis, thereby supporting evidence-based decision-making that enhances planning and performance in healthcare.

The framework was launched by the National Centre for Health Research during a ceremony in Dubai, attended by Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of the Health Regulations Sector, along with several officials from the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, Dubai Health Authority, the Advanced Technology Research Council, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City.

MoHAP highlighted that this framework is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation among health, academic, and private-sector entities. The goal is to build partnerships and enhance performance in health-sector R&D. The framework is designed to enable precise tracking of R&D expenditures, aiding the UAE in achieving its strategic objectives in this vital area.

The document outlines detailed definitions, principles, and mechanisms for measuring health-related R&D spending, aligning with guidelines from UNESCO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It is anticipated that this framework will assist health authorities, healthcare institutions, academic bodies, and private companies in systematically gathering and assessing R&D expenditures.

Moreover, the newly introduced framework will encourage strategic partners to adopt global best practices and standards for measuring R&D spending in the health sector. By standardizing data collection and analysis methods, it aims to enhance competitiveness through improved indicators, such as the ratio of spending to GDP, while promoting transparency and efficiency in tracking actual expenditures on research and development.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri stated that increasing investments in health research and development will undoubtedly strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and health research excellence. He emphasized, “Beyond enhancing healthcare quality, health research and development will bolster the UAE’s reputation internationally, thanks to its robust collaborations with academic and health institutions within UAE and abroad.”

Dr. Al Amiri further remarked that health research serves as a transformative force, guiding the nation toward a brighter future by anticipating emerging health challenges and shaping a coherent strategic vision. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem for development and empirical research in the health sector, aimed at enhancing competitive indicators in research and innovation nationally and internationally.

He also stressed that investing in health research is fundamentally an investment in the future and well-being of the UAE community. He noted that the UAE has made significant strides in health research funding, achieving a growth rate three times greater than the global average. This advancement reflects the nation’s dedication to establishing the UAE as a global center for healthcare innovation and research, in alignment with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the ‘UAE Centennial 2071’ Plan.