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ABU DHABI, WHERE THE WORLD UNITED FOR PATIENT SAFETY

Published

6 months ago

December 4, 2025

At the 2nd International Forum of Pharmaceutical Inspectorates (IFPI), held on November 24–25 at the Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, global regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical industry leaders reaffirmed a shared commitment to ensuring safe, effective medicines worldwide. Co-chaired for the second year by the Russian Federation, the Forum drew representatives from more than 50 countries. With medicines often manufactured in one country, packaged in another, and prescribed in a third, the Forum stressed that shared standards and transparent dialogue remain essential to global patient safety.

The program opened with high-level plenary sessions attended by heads of representatives of the regulatory authorities and experts from Russia, the UAE, France, Serbia, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, the US, Cuba, Chile, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ecuador, and others, and African nations participating in the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) initiative. Subsequent sessions focused on GMP regulatory challenges, the harmonization of pharmaceutical production requirements, and approaches to mutual recognition of GMP inspection results. Delegates also examined inspection mechanisms for biological products and strategies to improve access to modern medicines across different health systems.

Shared mission: patient safety above all: “Cooperation between regulatory authorities increases the availability of high-quality, safe, and effective medicines while improving transparency,” said Vladislav Shestakov, Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee and Director of the State Institute of Drugs and Good Practices (SID & GP). “Quality is not merely about inspections and reports—it begins with the mindset of its creators. Like classical music, achieving a pure sound requires professional instruments and fine-tuning.” For the second consecutive year, Russia served as Co-Chair of the Forum’s Organizing Committee. The representative of the UAE, Dr. Shaikha Al Mazrouei, Director of Reference National Laboratory, Drug Department, Emirates Drug Establishment, stressed that countries that strive to ensure the modern level of quality of medicines and their accessibility to patients, as well as to develop their own R&D-based pharmaceutical industry, are convinced of the efforts to deepen the harmonization process. “Today, we are discussing how regulatory harmonization can help ensure that medicines are available to patients in our countries on faster and safer pathways. And, of course, the GxP practice system is the most important part, the core of the entire process. Closer integration into global regulatory processes and the development of digital healthcare are the tools that ensure the success of this movement. In this regard, the Forum provides an important chance for the entire GMP community to gather and discuss the challenges that we face and how we can help each other overcome them.”

Collaborate: This year’s Forum brought together GMP authorities, business leaders, and technical experts to enhance transparency, support regulatory convergence, and strengthen global GMP oversight. The message—collaborate—resonated throughout keynotes and panel discussions, underscoring that interconnected health systems require unified regulatory approaches. As biotechnology advances, global supply chains expand, and AI reshapes healthcare, regulators must work together to safeguard the quality and safety of medicines. Participants included officials and regulators from about 50 countries—among them Jordan, Cuba, Indonesia, the UK, the US, China, India, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Serbia, Mongolia, and Turkey—alongside pharmaceutical manufacturers and international experts.

Key themes and high-level discussions: The Forum addressed critical areas shaping the global

pharmaceutical landscape, including:

● Harmonization of pharmaceutical manufacturing regulations and movement toward unified quality standards

● Access to modern medicines across diverse healthcare systems

● Regulatory trust, reliance, and mutual recognition of GMP inspections

● Inspection approaches for biological medicinal products and mechanisms for information exchange

Dmitry Galkin, Director of the Department for the Development of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry at the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and Head of the Russian GMP Inspectorate, noted that the global regulatory environment is undergoing rapid transformation. With innovations—from gene therapy to antibody-based drugs—emerging at unprecedented speed, regulatory systems must adapt continuously. “A new architecture of global pharmaceutical regulation is taking shape, where mutual recognition of inspections, data exchange, and comparable quality standards become key elements,” he said.

A space to learn, exchange, and evolve: Alongside high-level discussions, delegates participated in workshops and case-based sessions to strengthen technical expertise and inspection competencies. The Forum served as a space for shared learning and practical problem-solving. Participation by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and the State Institute of Drugs and Good Practices underscored ongoing efforts to integrate with the global GMP community. The Forum aspires to continue to serve as a key platform for shaping a unified GMP agenda, reinforcing professional trust, and coordinating regulatory initiatives.

Contributions from leaders such as Dr. Olga Lidia Jacobo Casanueva, Director of Cuba’s Center for State Control of Medicines, further highlighted the value of international cooperation. “The IFPI Forum demonstrates how global collaboration can substantially strengthen regulatory systems and elevate the quality, consistency, and integrity of GMP inspections worldwide. This platform allows us to share experiences openly, learn from one another, and build confidence among inspectorates—an essential foundation for safeguarding public health across borders. ASEAN is committed to contributing actively to this shared vision. Through harmonized standards, capacity building, and a science-based inspection approach, we aspire to become a trusted regulatory partner in the global pharmaceutical ecosystem. Indonesia is proud to support these efforts, ensuring that our collective work ultimately leads to improved access to safe, effective, and high-quality medicines for patients everywhere,” said Prof. Dr. Taruna Ikrar, M.Biomed., Ph.D., Head of the Indonesian FDA (BPOM).

Looking ahead: Across the two days, one message stood out: progress in pharma begins with people—those who inspect, regulate, innovate, and ask, “Can we do this better?” The discussions set the stage for ongoing collaboration and the return of a more robust next edition.

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WHY PERSONALISATION IS THE NEW CURRENCY IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

By Kalpesh Khakhria, Group Chairman at Klay Group

Everyone in the wealth management industry claims to offer “personalisation.” Yet, for most traditional institutions, it remains a hollow buzzword, a superficial exercise of sorting investors into predefined “conservative” or “aggressive” risk boxes. This transaction-led and product-pushing model is fundamentally broken for today’s ultra-high-net-worth families, whose lives, businesses, and assets span multiple global jurisdictions. Real personalisation is a structural necessity that requires a radical overhaul of how advice is delivered.

We are operating in an era where wealthy families are building complex, cross-border portfolios. A business might be headquartered in the GCC, hold properties in Europe, and have beneficiaries residing across continents. The most critical point is “What does this capital need to achieve across generations?” Traditional banking silos, driven by high client-to-advisor ratios and transactional commissions, simply lack the agility and independence to answer this effectively.

While personalisation is a growing trend across the broader service industry, in wealth management, it has become the new currency. It is the primary driver of growth and retention, shifting the industry standard from generic products to trust-based, tailored advice. The future of wealth management will be exclusively influenced by trust and deep customisation. True personalisation relies on two specific, uncompromising differentiators: structural independence and relationship-plus-data intelligence.

First, it is impossible to fully understand a family’s cross-border tax realities, liquidity needs, or succession plans if an advisor manages multiple different accounts. Personalisation requires time and undivided attention. That is why boutique advisory models that deliberately cap an advisor’s roster, such as limiting it to just 20 families, are so critical. By removing the pressure of aggressive sales targets and replacing transaction-led commissions with a transparent advisory fee structure, advisors gain the freedom to ask the “why” behind a client’s wealth. This structural independence aligns the advisor’s interests directly with the client’s long-term outcomes, enabling the advisor to act as a true partner.

Second, modern personalisation demands the seamless integration of advanced financial technology. We have entered the era of “Wealth 3.0,” where artificial intelligence and data analytics are fundamentally changing how the industry forecasts risk and segments clients. AI must be utilised to codify a family’s complex constraints, such as multi-currency exposures, jurisdictional rules, and legacy holdings, into actionable, real-time portfolio adjustments and proactive stress testing.

However, the industry must draw an uncompromising line between automation and autonomy. While AI powerfully accelerates scenario analysis, it cannot replace the human connection. The nuanced human judgment, discretion, and contextual understanding required to navigate complex, multi-generational wealth remains absolutely irreplaceable. Technology provides the speed and the insight, but seasoned human strategists must retain ultimate autonomy to ensure that personalisation scales without compromising suitability or compliance.

Wealth management today must transcend simple market timing. It is about actively building multi-generational partnerships. The families that succeed over time are those who partner with independent advisors who are unconditionally in their corner. By combining bespoke human expertise with cutting-edge data intelligence, true personalisation transforms wealth from a static collection of assets into a powerful, coherent legacy that thrives across generations.

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ZAHRA’S KITCHEN SHARES ITS GUIDE TO EASIER SUMMER EATING IN THE UAE

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

As summer routines shift across the UAE, Zahra’s Kitchen, the UAE homegrown premium food brand, is encouraging consumers to rethink convenience food with simple, flexible meal ideas designed to make everyday eating easier, more flavourful and less time consuming. The seasonal guide comes as the brand expands its ready meal range with three new additions and prepares to launch a limited edition single-portion collection exclusively on Noon Minutes this summer.

Created for busy everyday routines, Zahra’s Kitchen offers handcrafted ready meals, snacks and nibbles inspired by comforting recipes and familiar flavours. Made using responsibly sourced ingredients, with no artificial additives or preservatives, products are frozen at peak freshness to help preserve flavour, texture and nutritional value, while offering greater ease, flexibility and variety throughout the week.

This summer, the brand is spotlighting one of the simplest ways to approach mealtimes at home. One ready meal does not need to mean one meal. Instead, Zahra’s Kitchen is sharing how its dishes can become the starting point for multiple meal ideas, helping consumers create more variety with less effort.

Simple ways to rethink summer meals include:

Beef Bolognese: Serve with pasta for an easy dinner, or turn it into lasagne, pasta bakes, stuffed vegetables or eggplant fattah.
Chilli Con Carne: Use as a base for tacos, enchiladas, nachos, rice bowls or loaded baked potatoes.
Butter Chicken: Pair with rice and naan, or fold into wraps, flatbreads, sandwiches and pizzas for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
Plant-Based Sweet Potato and Chickpea Red Curry: Enjoy on its own, or serve alongside grilled fish, chicken or vegetables for an easy summer meal.

The expanded ready meal range now includes Lentil Soup, Chicken Freekah and Plant-Based Sweet Potato and Chickpea Red Curry, joining customer favourites including Beef Bolognese, Butter Chicken, Beef Meatballs, Chilli Con Carne and Basmati Rice.

Currently available in two-serving portions, the ready meal range has been designed to offer flexibility, value and multiple meal occasions. The upcoming limited edition single-portion range, launching exclusively on Noon Minutes this summer, has been developed for consumers looking for greater flexibility during busier days.

Alongside its ready meal collection, Zahra’s Kitchen also offers a range of snacks and nibbles rooted in Middle Eastern flavours and entertaining traditions, including Musakhan Rolls, Beef Kibbeh, Falafel and Spinach Puff Bites. Ideal for sharing platters, lunchboxes, family gatherings, casual hosting or everyday snacking, the range reflects the same commitment to quality ingredients and ease.

Zahra’s Kitchen is available through Talabat Mart, Noon Minutes, Kibsons and selected retail partners across the UAE.

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MOONWALK INTO JUNE

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Lucky Voice Goes Full Michael Jackson This Summer

Lucky Voice, the iconic karaoke and entertainment venue at Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, is dedicating the first half of June to the one and only King of Pop. Kicking off with a midweek open mic night on the 10th, building through a glittering Friday night party on the 12th, and closing out with a legendary themed brunch on the 13th, three days of non-stop Michael Jackson magic await.

Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight at the mic or raising a glass over a three-hour brunch, Lucky Voice has crafted three distinct experiences that celebrate the greatest entertainer of all time.

The Experiences

Open Mic: MJ Week — Wednesday, 10th June

The MJ takeover begins on Wednesday evening with Lucky Voice’s Open Mic night, reimagined in full King of Pop fashion. This is your chance to take the stage, choose your favourite Michael Jackson track, and own it. With an electric crowd and a venue dressed for the occasion, even the shyest singer will find their inner MJ. As part of the celebration, guests can compete for the title of best Michael Jackson impersonator or performer, with the winner receiving a brunch for two voucher.

Details at a glance: Date: Wednesday, 10th June, 8 PM – 1 AM | Venue: Lucky Voice, Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai

Summer Bash Party — Michael Jackson Edition, Friday 12th June

Two days later, Lucky Voice turns up the energy for its Summer Bash Party, Michael Jackson Edition. From 8 PM onwards, the venue transforms into a full-on MJ celebration, with a DJ spinning all of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits and keeping the dance floor alive all night.

With ladies’ packages starting at AED 99 and gentlemen’s at AED 250, this is one of the most accessible nights out on the Dubai social calendar and easily one of the most unforgettable.

Retro Rewind: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Brunch Enough — Saturday 13th June

The weekend closes with a brunch that dares you to sit still. Retro Rewind: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Brunch Enough is a Michael Jackson-themed afternoon experience running from 1 PM to 4 PM, where unlimited food and drinks are paired with open mic karaoke, a live MC, and a DJ spinning nothing but classic MJ hits. It’s equal parts feast and performance, and entirely impossible to leave without singing at least one song.

Guests can choose from three beverage packages: starting at AED 195 for unlimited soft drinks, AED 275 for unlimited house beverages, or AED 350 for unlimited sparkling, making it easy to tailor the experience to the occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a girls’ day, or simply a Saturday well spent.

Details at a glance: Date: Saturday, 13th June | Timings: 1 PM – 4 PM | Venue: Lucky Voice, Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai | Packages: AED 195 (soft) | AED 275 (house) | AED 350 (sparkling) — all inclusive of unlimited food | Highlights: Michael Jackson theme, open mic karaoke, Live MC & DJ

Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai Hosts Michael Jackson Tribute. Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai presents Lucky Voice Michael Jackson nights, brunch, karaoke, and summer entertainment.