The pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continue to grow rapidly, driven by innovation, regulatory reforms, and increasing investment in life sciences. Pharma conferences across the region play a vital role in shaping industry direction by bringing together policymakers, researchers, manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare professionals. These events provide platforms for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing the latest advancements in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare systems. Below is a detailed look at the top 10 MENA pharma conferences to watch this year, based on their influence, scale, and relevance to the evolving healthcare landscape.
1. Arab Health Congress – Dubai, UAE
Arab Health Congress remains one of the most influential healthcare and pharmaceutical gatherings in the MENA region. Held annually in Dubai, it attracts tens of thousands of healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical executives, and policymakers from across the globe. The conference focuses on innovation in healthcare delivery, digital health, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Its strong scientific agenda, combined with large-scale exhibitions, makes it a key event for companies seeking regional and international exposure.
2. CPHI Middle East – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
CPHI Middle East has quickly established itself as a cornerstone event for the pharmaceutical supply chain in the region. The conference brings together API manufacturers, formulation experts, contract manufacturers, and regulatory specialists. With Saudi Arabia investing heavily in local pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare infrastructure, CPHI Middle East provides critical insights into regional production capabilities, partnerships, and regulatory pathways.
3. DUPHAT – Dubai, UAE
Ranked third among the most important pharma events in the region, the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition, widely known as DUPHAT, is a must-attend event for pharmaceutical professionals. DUPHAT uniquely combines a strong scientific conference with a comprehensive exhibition focused on pharmaceuticals, pharmacy practice, and healthcare innovation. It attracts pharmacists, clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders, offering deep discussions on drug development, clinical pharmacy, and patient-centered care. Its academic strength and global participation make it one of the most respected pharma conferences in the MENA region.
4. Global Health Exhibition – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Formerly known under different healthcare platforms, the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh has grown into a comprehensive event covering pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, digital health, and biotechnology. Supported by government stakeholders, the exhibition aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Pharma companies benefit from direct engagement with regulators, hospital decision-makers, and healthcare investors shaping the future of the Kingdom’s healthcare ecosystem.
5. Maghreb Pharma Expo – Algiers, Algeria
Maghreb Pharma Expo is North Africa’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturing exhibition and conference. It focuses heavily on production technologies, packaging, APIs, and quality assurance. The event attracts a large audience from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and neighboring markets, making it an essential platform for companies looking to expand or strengthen their presence in Francophone Africa and the wider MENA region.
6. Africa Health ExCon – Cairo, Egypt
Africa Health ExCon has rapidly gained prominence as a strategic healthcare and pharmaceutical event connecting Africa with the Middle East. Hosted in Cairo, the conference addresses pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory harmonization, supply chain resilience, and access to medicines. Egypt’s role as a major pharma manufacturing hub makes this event particularly relevant for regional exporters and international partners.
7. Middle East Pharma and Regulatory Affairs Conference – UAE
This specialized conference focuses on regulatory frameworks, pharmacovigilance, quality compliance, and market access across the MENA region. It is especially valuable for regulatory affairs professionals and market authorization holders navigating complex approval pathways. With frequent updates from regional health authorities, the conference helps companies stay aligned with evolving regulations and best practices.
8. BioPharma Middle East – Abu Dhabi, UAE
BioPharma Middle East centers on biologics, biosimilars, vaccines, and advanced therapies. As the region increases investment in biotechnology and precision medicine, this conference provides insights into R&D trends, manufacturing challenges, and commercialization strategies. It attracts scientists, biotech startups, and investors interested in next-generation therapies.
9. Saudi Pharmaceutical Forum – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Pharmaceutical Forum brings together pharmacists, academics, regulators, and industry representatives to discuss professional practice, education, and pharmaceutical care. While more practice-oriented than trade-focused, the forum plays a crucial role in shaping pharmacy standards and policies within the Kingdom, making it an important event for companies engaged in professional education and healthcare services.
10. Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries Conference – GCC Region
This regional conference rotates across Gulf Cooperation Council countries and focuses on collaboration among local pharmaceutical manufacturers. Topics include regional manufacturing capacity, localization strategies, pricing policies, and supply chain security. The event is particularly relevant for companies involved in generics, contract manufacturing, and public-private partnerships within the GCC.
Why These MENA Pharma Conferences Matter
Pharma conferences in the MENA region are more than networking events. They reflect broader trends such as localization of manufacturing, regulatory modernization, digital transformation, and increased focus on patient outcomes. Governments across the region are prioritizing healthcare resilience, making these conferences critical platforms for dialogue between public and private stakeholders.
Attending or exhibiting at these events helps pharmaceutical companies stay competitive, understand regional market dynamics, and build long-term partnerships. From large-scale global exhibitions to specialized regulatory and biotech forums, each conference on this list offers unique value depending on business objectives and areas of focus.
Final Thoughts
The MENA pharmaceutical market is evolving at an unprecedented pace, supported by strong government initiatives and growing healthcare demand. Conferences like Arab Health, CPHI Middle East, and DUPHAT continue to shape the industry by fostering collaboration and innovation. Whether your interest lies in manufacturing, regulation, pharmacy practice, or advanced therapies, these top 10 MENA pharma conferences provide essential platforms to stay informed, connected, and ahead in a competitive healthcare landscape.
