How the UAE’s healthcare ecosystem is developing

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of healthcare in the world, especially in the UAE, Lilly is a key leader when it comes of innovation and progress, putting health above all. At the helm of this transformative journey in UAE, Tony Terzis, Medical VP at Lilly META, passionately discusses the company’s mission to revolutionize patient care and align with the UAE’s top health priorities. “We boldly drive innovation to redefine healthcare in the UAE. Our cutting-edge treatments align with the country’s top health priorities, spanning obesity, mental health, oncology, neurology, digital health, AI, genomics, precision medicine, and preventive care,” he states.

Lilly’s dedication to accelerate research and development is evident in its substantial investments globally; “We invest where it matters. In 2023, we dedicated $9.3 billion – 27.3% of global sales – to R&D, one of the highest industry investments. This bold commitment has accelerated drug development timelines from 11 years to just six. Since 2020, we’ve invested $23 billion in manufacturing to scale production of our breakthrough therapies. The UAE was among the first markets worldwide to launch two innovative treatments outside the US. Lilly isn’t just keeping pace with innovation -we’re setting the standard” Tony asserts.

As the UAE’s healthcare system is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and patient-centric care, its faces challenges and opportunities. Through close collaborations with the UAE’s healthcare sector, Lilly is swiftly improving treatment options. “We act, we don’t wait,” Tony adds, “Since 2020, we’ve delivered 19 new indications and 8 groundbreaking therapies. We work hand-in-hand with UAE regulators and healthcare leaders to accelerate access to cutting-edge treatments and deliver innovations to patients faster than ever. Obesity is a national crisis—over 30% of adults and 17% of children in the UAE are affected. By 2035, its economic toll will hit 5% of GDP, with today’s costs already nearing $12 billion annually. Lilly is driving change, working with policymakers to reshape obesity management, lower healthcare costs, and boost economic productivity”.

Tony highlights Lilly’s proactive approach: “We don’t just follow healthcare trends—we create them. By partnering with governments and policymakers, Lilly is building a future were innovation fuels better health outcomes. We champion groundbreaking innovation, establish centers of excellence, and empower scientists and healthcare professionals to shape the future of medicine. At the heart of it all? Patients. We don’t just deliver treatments – we empower people to take control of their health. By collaborating with the UAE’s top decision-makers, we’re making healthcare more advanced, faster, and more accessible”.

Looking ahead, Tony Terzis foresees emerging healthcare trends in the UAE over the next few years, he said: “The future of healthcare isn’t coming—it’s here. The UAE is leading the charge in AI-driven medicine, personalized healthcare, value-based care, and preventive health strategies. Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. From AI-driven diagnostics to breakthrough treatments, healthcare is advancing at an unprecedented pace, reshaping the way diseases are prevented, detected, and treated. Lilly isn’t watching these trends—they’re driving them. They’re shaping the next era of healthcare in the UAE, ensuring innovation isn’t just a promise—it’s a reality”.