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ABU DHABI, WHERE THE WORLD UNITED FOR PATIENT SAFETY

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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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The World Pizza Champion Is Coming to Naughty Pizza in Dubai

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Daniel Staniak joins Naughty Pizza founder and UAE’s Mr Oven, Bart Misztal, for a one-night-only guest chef experience on October 9.

On October 9, Naughty Pizza at Vezul Residence in Business Bay will welcome Polish pizza chef and international consultant Daniel Staniak for a special guest chef evening. Staniak will join forces with Bart Misztal, founder of Naughty Pizza and the UAE’s Mr Oven, to bring three of Daniel’s specially created pizzas to the restaurant.

Naughty Pizza will open as usual from 1pm, with the Daniel Staniak guest chef experience beginning at 6pm. The three special creations will be available alongside Naughty Pizza’s regular à la carte menu, giving guests the opportunity to try Daniel’s creations while enjoying the restaurant’s signature offerings.

From Abu Dhabi to Dubai

The event follows Naughty Pizza’s participation in Abu Dhabi Global Food Week (Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition) from October 6–8, where the brand will appear alongside Esposito Forni, an Italian artisan pizza oven manufacturer known for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, and conduct daily pizza masterclasses.

After three days of pizza-focused activities in Abu Dhabi, Staniak will head to Dubai for the special guest chef evening at Naughty Pizza on October 9.

Pizza World Champion Daniel’s Creations

For his Naughty Pizza guest chef appearance, Daniel Staniak has created three special pizzas inspired by Italian ingredients and techniques, with each offering a different combination of flavours.

  • Amalfi Touch 2.0
  • Yellow tomato sauce, fried sardines, stracciatella, parsley gremolata, lemon zest and fresh basil.
  • Nolano 2.0
  • Basil pesto, semi-dried red and yellow tomatoes and creamy ricotta.
  • Sweet Dubai
  • Fior di latte, roasted peach, Gorgonzola, bresaola, walnuts and rocket leaves.
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Nilaa Coral Island Introduces a New Expression of Private Island Living to the Maldives

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Nilaa Coral Island Maldives, the first Maldives property from the Italian group, Holding Carisma, opens its doors on the 1st of November on the island of Kodegalaa in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, introducing a new expression of private island living defined by restraint rather than scale.

Home to just seven villas, each designed as an individual residence, Nilaa reimagines what an island resort can be: intimate and built to feel like a private home rather than a hotel.

“With Nilaa, we wanted to build something that felt like a home, not a hotel,” says Mila Zegna Cagnoli, a member of the owning family. “We wanted every villa to have the warmth and individuality of a home. That is what matters most to us.”

Set in the deep south of the Maldives, near the Equator, Nilaa enjoys a remarkably balanced rhythm of light, warmth and island life throughout the year.

Nilaa has been brought to life around a simple philosophy – luxury is not defined by excess, but by space, privacy, connection, and the freedom to experience each day entirely on your own terms. With a maximum capacity of approximately 40 guests, the island offers an exceptionally intimate setting. Personalised service and a genuine sense of belonging sit at the heart of the experience.

Seven Villas, One Reef
At Nilaa, the island itself is the centre of the experience. Unlike traditional Maldivian resorts where overwater villas extend into the lagoon, every structure at Nilaa sits gently on the island. This preserves the surrounding reef and keeps the natural relationship between sand, sea and vegetation at the forefront.

The seven villas, a collection of two- and three-bedroom homes alongside a single five-bedroom villa, have been designed as individual residences, with generous living spaces, kitchens, high ceilings and private outdoor areas that open towards the island and ocean. Each villa carries its own identity, inspired by the forms and colours of coral and anemones, with bespoke marble selections, natural materials and considered details creating a sense of individuality throughout the property.

The result is a private island experience that feels residential in scale, yet offers the intuitive service of a luxury retreat.

The Maldives of the Past
Nilaa offers a quieter, more authentic perspective on the Maldives – rooted in nature, simplicity and discovery. Its equatorial setting places guests within one of the archipelago’s most remarkable marine environments, where a pristine house reef remains accessible directly from the shore, untouched by the usual resort development.

The reef is an integral part of daily life at Nilaa. Guests can snorkel just moments from their villa, or explore further through the marine center where they offer guided diving, kite surfing, wing foiling, e-boarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, parasailing and private boat excursions across the atoll. The island also has a professional dive team that offers experiences ranging from house reef orientation and refresher dives to advanced diving, night dives and PADI courses.

For those looking beyond the reef, Nilaa’s private fleet opens the wider Indian Ocean to exploration, from leisurely cruises and sunset fishing to diving, big game fishing and watersports.

Rather than encouraging guests to fill every moment, Nilaa invites them to slow down and let the island shape the rhythm of their stay.

Where Italian Soul Meets the Maldives
The Italian spirit is woven throughout Nilaa, not as a theme, but as a way of approaching hospitality, design and food. The island has been designed by Hus, the architecture studio based between Milan and Como, drawing from the natural forms of the surrounding environment.

Travertine, coloured marble and natural textures reflect Italian craftsmanship while echoing the tones of the Maldivian landscape. Curved forms inspired by the wishbone, anemone and circle appear throughout the architecture, creating a dialogue between the built environment and the island’s natural character.

This same philosophy extends to service, where warmth, intuition and thoughtful care are prioritised over formality.

A Culinary Journey Across Cultures
Food is central to the Nilaa experience, bringing Italian–Asian culinary dialogue, shaped by Maldivian ingredients and island influences.

Dining unfolds across a number of settings on the island: refined restaurant experiences, intimate chef’s table menus, relaxed poolside dining, homemade bakery offerings, rooftop aperitivo at sunset, and private meals served within the villas.
The emphasis is on food as an experience in itself, rooted in quality, craftsmanship and the pleasure of sharing a meal in remarkable surroundings.

Wellness, Nature and the Art of Slowing Down
Wellness at Nilaa extends beyond the traditional spa experience, with space for guests to attune to both body and surroundings. The island’s boutique spa incorporates traditional and Ayurvedic treatments, while movement and outdoor experiences offer a more active dimension to island life.

Guests can spend the day exploring the reef, playing tennis, taking part in local artisanal workshops, or simply retreating to the beach with nowhere else to be.
For Nilaa, wellness is about creating space: space to rest, explore, and experience the natural rhythm of island life.

An Island Entirely Yours
With only seven villas, Nilaa offers an inherently private setting for travellers seeking an escape shared with those closest to them. The entire island can be completely booked out, creating a private setting for families, multi-generational travel, intimate celebrations, weddings and milestone occasions.

Whether experienced as a private retreat for two or as an intimate island gathering, Nilaa is built on a simple idea: the most meaningful island experiences are often the most personal.

As the Maldives continues to evolve as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, Nilaa offers a quieter alternative. Here, nature remains at the centre. Design is deeply considered, hospitality is personal, and time is allowed to unfold without hurry. Nilaa Coral Island is an invitation to experience the Maldives differently, not as a destination to simply visit, but as a place to feel truly at home.

Reaching Nilaa
Getting there is part of the experience. Guests fly into Malé International Airport, then continue by private jet or a one-hour domestic flight to Maavarulu Airport. From there, Nilaa’s own boat carries guests across the atoll to the island in just twenty minutes.

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Good Hair Days Start At Breakfast: Mary Ruth’s Liquid Multivitamin + Hair Growth, Now on iHerb Middle East

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The days of thinking haircare starts and ends in the shower are officially behind us. Today’s approach is a little more holistic, bringing together everything from your favorite hair products to the little wellness habits that make up your day. With iHerb Middle East offering an extensive selection of wellness, beauty and self-care essentials from leading global brands, discovering new favorites for every part of your day has never been easier. 

Founded by health educator and nutritional consultant MaryRuth Ghiyam, the brand built its name on liquid vitamins that are as easy to take as they are to enjoy. Today it is known for clean, thoughtfully formulated supplements for every stage of life. 

MaryRuth’s Liquid Morning Multivitamin + Hair Growth – AED 225.46

Consider this your morning multivitamin with a beauty twist. Featuring Lustriva®, it is formulated to support hair growth and healthier-looking skin, but that’s only part of the story. With 10,000 mcg of biotin, all eight B vitamins, vitamin D3 and zinc, it also supports energy metabolism, immune function and your overall everyday wellness. It comes in an easy liquid format with a peach mango flavor, so it feels less like a chore and more like a little morning treat, and it’s vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free as well. Because your haircare routine deserves a spot beyond the bathroom shelf, too. To order the products, visit https://ae.iherb.com/ and keep an eye on iHerb Middle East Instagram, @iherbmiddleeast, for the latest wellness finds, updates, and offers.

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