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.