For professionals in drug discovery, staying connected with industry developments, networking with peers, and exploring emerging technologies is essential. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, several high-impact pharmaceutical events provide these opportunities. Whether you work in research, regulatory affairs, clinical development, or biotech innovation, these conferences and exhibitions deliver insights that help you stay ahead.

In this article, we present the top 10 pharma events in the GCC and MENA region that drug discovery professionals should consider attending. These events range from global summits to specialized regional conferences covering research trends, partnerships, and regulatory updates.

1. Arab Health

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When: January

Arab Health is one of the largest healthcare exhibitions in the world. While it covers the broader healthcare sector, its pharmaceutical and life sciences segments draw significant participation. For drug discovery professionals, Arab Health provides access to cutting-edge medical technology, networking with industry leaders, and insight into how healthcare delivery and research intersect.

The event includes a strong scientific conference and tracks focused on digital health, diagnostics, and clinical innovation. You can attend sessions on biomarkers, translational research, and collaborations between academia and industry. The presence of international healthcare companies and research institutions enhances opportunities to explore partnerships.

2. CPhI Middle East & Africa

Location: Typically rotating within the region
When: Varies

CPhI Middle East & Africa is part of the global CPhI series of pharmaceutical exhibitions. It brings together pharmaceutical manufacturers, suppliers, and research professionals from across the region and beyond. The event is focused on pharmaceutical ingredients, drug formulation, and production technologies.

For drug discovery experts, CPhI MEA offers workshops and discussions on novel compounds, biologics, API development, and quality control. Exhibitors include chemical suppliers, contract research organizations, and formulation specialists. The event also provides matchmaking services that help delegates connect with potential partners.

3. DUPHAT (Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition)

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When: March

DUPHAT is one of the most important pharmaceutical events in the MENA region. It is a comprehensive event that includes a large exhibition and a scientific conference. DUPHAT attracts pharmaceutical professionals, researchers, academic leaders, and representatives from regulatory bodies.

For professionals in drug discovery, DUPHAT delivers valuable content on research trends, drug development processes, and regulatory frameworks. The scientific program often includes sessions on medicinal chemistry, clinical trials, biotech innovations, and emerging therapies. The exhibition showcases suppliers, laboratory equipment manufacturers, and technology providers serving the life sciences industry.

Networking opportunities at DUPHAT are strong, with delegates from multiple countries and sectors. Whether you are looking to identify collaborators, learn about state-of-the-art drug discovery tools, or gain insights into market access in the MENA region, this event is worth attending.

4. Pharma Integrates

Location: Typically Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When: Annually

Pharma Integrates is a strategically focused event designed to drive discussion on growth, innovation, and investment in the pharmaceutical sector. It brings together leaders from big pharma, biotech startups, investors, and policy makers.

For drug discovery professionals, Pharma Integrates provides access to high-level panels on R&D strategy, technology adoption, and regional opportunities. Sessions often cover topics such as artificial intelligence in drug discovery, precision medicine, and regulatory evolution in the GCC and North Africa. The curated format encourages meaningful dialogue between speakers and the audience.

This event blends conference sessions with networking and matchmaking, making it useful if your role includes business development or strategic planning alongside scientific work.

5. MENA Life Sciences Summit

Location: Varies across the region
When: Yearly

The MENA Life Sciences Summit focuses on innovation, investment, and scientific excellence in life sciences. It gathers researchers, entrepreneurs, pharma executives, and policy makers to discuss opportunities and challenges in the regional ecosystem.

Drug discovery professionals will find value in workshops and panels on translational research, biotech advancements, and drug development policy. The summit also explores how ecosystems can support research commercialization and startup growth.

Although it is broader than pure pharma, the life sciences focus makes it relevant for anyone interested in how regional research translates into pharmaceutical products and therapies.

6. Future Pharma Middle East

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When: December

Future Pharma Middle East is an event focused on innovation, technology, and digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry. It brings together professionals working in manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and R&D.

Sessions on data analytics, automation in research labs, and digital tools for drug development provide useful insights for drug discovery teams. The event also highlights how industry 4.0 technologies are changing pharmaceutical research and operations.

Networking at Future Pharma allows scientific professionals to meet technology providers, regulatory professionals, and peer researchers from key markets in the GCC and Africa.

7. Life Sciences Qatar

Location: Doha, Qatar
When: Annually

Life Sciences Qatar is a growing event that connects academic researchers, clinical scientists, and industry professionals. It aims to position Qatar as a center for research excellence in areas including biotechnology, genomics, and drug discovery.

The scientific program typically features research presentations, panel discussions, and poster sessions. Drug discovery professionals can engage with regional research teams, explore collaboration opportunities, and learn about emerging science initiatives.

The event also highlights national and regional strategies for supporting research infrastructure and innovation.

8. BioAsia

Location: Hyderabad, India (but draws GCC/MENA participation)
When: Annually

While BioAsia is technically outside the MENA region, it attracts significant participation from GCC pharma and biotech sectors. It is one of Asia’s largest life sciences forums, encompassing biotech, pharmaceutical research, digital health, and investment opportunities.

For drug discovery professionals in the GCC and MENA, BioAsia offers exposure to global science, potential collaboration with Asian research partners, and insights into emerging technologies. Sessions on drug discovery platforms, biologics, and regulatory trends are typical.

Including this event on the list recognizes its relevance to regional professionals seeking broader international engagement.

9. World Vaccine Congress Middle East

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (occasionally)
When: Annually

The World Vaccine Congress series is known globally for its focus on vaccine science, policy, and commercial strategy. The Middle East edition brings these themes to a regional audience.

Although centered on vaccines, the event covers aspects of immunology, antigen discovery, clinical development, and regulatory pathways relevant to drug discovery professionals. If your work touches on biologics, immunotherapies, or translational research, this congress provides targeted insights.

Sessions also explore partnerships between academic labs, industry, and public health institutions, which can support collaborative research projects.

10. Arab Pharmacists Conference

Location: Rotates among Arab countries
When: Annually

The Arab Pharmacists Conference is a professional gathering of pharmacists, educators, and researchers from across the Arab world. It focuses broadly on pharmacy practice, clinical science, education, and policy.

While the event is not exclusively about drug discovery, it includes scientific sessions that highlight new drug research, therapeutic advances, and pharmaceutical science education. For researchers early in their careers or those involved in academic drug discovery, this event provides useful connections and regional perspective.

It also offers opportunities to engage with pharmacy leaders who influence workforce development and healthcare delivery.

Choosing the Right Events

When planning which events to attend, consider your specific goals. If you want cutting-edge research content and scientific networking, events with strong scientific programs like DUPHAT, Life Sciences Qatar, or the World Vaccine Congress may be most valuable. If your priorities include industry trends, technology adoption, and strategic partnerships, events like Pharma Integrates and Future Pharma Middle East are worth exploring.

Calendar timing is also a factor. Some events occur early in the year and can help you set strategic direction, while others late in the year offer opportunities to reflect on annual progress and plan collaborations.

Final Thoughts

The GCC and MENA region are growing hubs for pharmaceutical development and life sciences research. The events listed here bring together international and regional leaders, creating platforms where drug discovery professionals can learn, connect, and drive new innovations. Attending these events can expand your network, deepen your expertise, and position you at the forefront of developments in the region’s pharmaceutical landscape.