UAE Moves to Regulate Traditional Medicine with New Standards

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 23, 2026

The United Arab Emirates announced four key commitments to regulate and integrate traditional and complementary medicine, focusing on safety, research, education, and international collaboration. These efforts aim to align with WHO guidelines, improve treatment standards, and foster evidence-based practices within the country's healthcare system.

The United Arab Emirates is advancing efforts to regulate traditional and complementary medicine through a series of new commitments aimed at enhancing safety, quality, and scientific backing for such treatments. The announcement was made during the second Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine held in Abu Dhabi from October 20 to 22, 2026.

The UAE Integrative Medicine Council (UAEIMC) unveiled four main commitments designed to strengthen the integration of traditional medicine within the country’s broader healthcare system. These initiatives align with the World Health Organization’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy for 2025–2034 and reflect the government’s intention to place evidence-based practices at the forefront of complementary and integrative health services.

The first commitment involves the development of national policies and regulations governing traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine. This includes implementing clinical guidelines and standards focused on ensuring treatments are safe, effective, and supported by scientific research. Licensing and training measures for practitioners, as well as the types of permitted treatments, will be part of these regulatory frameworks. Authorities anticipate that these measures will increase consumer confidence and promote the responsible practice of traditional medicine.

Secondly, the UAE plans to establish its first national research agenda for integrative medicine. This agenda aims to guide scientific investigations and foster innovation in treatment approaches that combine elements of traditional and conventional medicine.

The third commitment emphasizes education and training, aiming to equip healthcare professionals with better understanding of traditional and complementary therapies. In addition to professional development, public awareness campaigns will be launched to assist patients in making informed healthcare choices.

Finally, the UAE intends to strengthen collaboration with the WHO and other international organizations through research partnerships, knowledge exchange, and joint projects. This cooperation is expected to enhance standards, research capabilities, and professional training in the field.

Sheikha Salama Bint Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the UAE Integrative Medicine Council, highlighted that these initiatives support the nation’s broader goal of integrating traditional medicine practices alongside modern healthcare. She stressed the importance of scientific oversight and international cooperation as central to developing safe and effective treatment services.

The Al Shifaa Summit served as a platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, and global experts to discuss the evolving landscape of integrative medicine and the UAE’s commitment to regulated, evidence-based traditional healthcare. Further details on the implementation of the new standards and policies are expected in future announcements.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.