News

Emirates Drug Establishment launches national initiative to advance pharmaceutical manufacturing in the UAE

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has announced a landmark initiative set to transform the pharmaceutical landscape in the United Arab Emirates, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to building a resilient, innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem. As global supply chains continue to face pressure, countries worldwide are prioritizing local pharmaceutical production to safeguard access to essential medicines. Nations that…

Dubai becomes the global headquarters of food trade as Gulfood 2026 delivers 100% more scale, suppliers, business and innovation

The biggest F&B sourcing and innovation event returns with a historic dual-venue expansion Set to welcome 8,500+ exhibitors and visitors from 195 countries, unlocking new high-growth sectors, major partnerships and a transformative focus on AI and food-economy intelligence The global food and beverage industry is entering a defining era of change, powered by the convergence…

GS1 brings trusted medicine information to smartphones through collaboration with Google – empowering patients

GS1 and Google have announced a breakthrough that extends the power of the GS1 DataMatrix, a barcode printed on millions of medicine packages, to every smartphone. Using Google tools such as Google Lens, users can now scan medicine packs directly – no separate app required. Each scan is capable of opening a trusted source of…

An important announcement for our members

Dear Valued Member, As a member-governed, not-for-profit organization, GS1 UAE is dedicated to providing our members with licenses, services, and tools that enable businesses to grow efficiently, sustainably, and safely. In light of the expected inflation forecasted for next year, we, like many organizations, are experiencing rising operational costs. To ensure the continued delivery of…

GS1 UAE CEO Joins Panel on Food Clusters at Future Food Forum 2025

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy, the Future Food Forum 2025 brought together leaders and innovators to shape the next chapter of the UAE’s food ecosystem. Among them was Rami Habbal, CEO of GS1 UAE, who joined a high-level panel discussion on the role of food clusters in driving the nation’s food security…

GS1 UAE and UAE Food Cluster Announce the Universal Product Catalog at Future Food Forum 2025

Dubai, UAE – 23 September 2025 – GS1 UAE, in partnership with the UAE Food Cluster, today announced at the Future Food Forum 2025 the Universal Product Catalog (UPC) — a groundbreaking platform designed to transform product data sharing and management across the nation’s food and beverage ecosystem. Developed under the umbrella and patronage of…

FTA seizes over 17.6 million illegal goods — how GS1 standards help combat illicit trade

The UAE is stepping up its fight against illicit trade with record seizures — and GS1 standards are playing a key role. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has seized more than 17.6 million counterfeit and non-compliant excise goods in the first half of 2025, as part of a nationwide crackdown to protect consumers and safeguard…

GS1 UAE visits Dubai Health to Advance Healthcare Transformation in the UAE

As part of our ongoing commitment to driving healthcare transformation across the United Arab Emirates, the GS1 UAE healthcare team recently visited our valued partners at Dubai Health. This visit represents a significant step forward in our collaborative efforts to bring greater efficiency, safety, and transparency to the region’s healthcare ecosystem. The meeting centered on…

GS1 UAE Joins UAE Ministry of Economy Delegation to Switzerland to Champion Food Innovation and Global Collaboration

GS1 UAE was honored to participate in the UAE Ministry of Economy’s official economic delegation to Switzerland, led by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The high-level delegation included prominent national companies operating in the food and agriculture sectors, united in their mission to explore global innovations and partnerships…

GS1 Vision 2030: Helping businesses, consumers, patients and society

Businesses today are navigating rapid digital change, growing regulatory pressures and rising expectations for transparency and sustainability. GS1, the global not-for-profit standards organization best known for the barcode, has launched Vision 2030—a five-year global strategy designed to help industries grow, innovate and meet regulatory demands in a data-driven world. In a-world increasingly shaped by digital…