Jeffrey B. Kindler, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer Inc, the world’s premier research-based pharmaceutical company, today visited the UAE to emphasize the company’s presence in the Middle East region. This is one of many international visits made by the CEO to meet Pfizer colleagues and leaders around the globe to better understand local and regional business operations.
During the visit, Mr. Kindler was received by His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of State for Cabinet Affair.
Mr. Kindler also met with His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Health.
“It was a great pleasure to meet His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi and His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, and hear of the UAE’s vision for the long-term welfare and wellbeing of its residents,” said Kindler.
“We are aware of the great progress being made in the UAE on numerous fronts including healthcare. At Pfizer, our main goal is to ensure that patients have access to innovative medicines. Only through the protection of our intellectual property rights can research based companies fund the innovations necessary to meet current and future unmet medical needs and we recognize the UAE government’s commitment to protect intellectual property,” said Kindler.
In addition, the UAE Minister of Health and local Pfizer leadership discussed areas of cooperation, and confirmed Pfizer’s support for the UAE’s efforts to provide smoke-free environment.
“Smoking is one of the major avoidable causes of death within the UAE, and co-ordinated action is essential if we are to reduce its impact on this generation and the next. Pfizer will be launching, through the support of a Pfizer Foundation Grant, a project to engage non-governmental organizations in promoting smoke free environment,” said Mohamed Salah Roushdy, Pfizer’s Regional Director for the Middle East Region.
“Pfizer’s visit to the UAE has been productive, providing us with insight into the important work that is being developed here, as well as cementing our strong relationships with our partners and peers in this fast-developing region,” concluded Kindler.
Pfizer employs more than 1,300 people within the Middle East region, which includes regional offices in Dubai and Cairo.
In the UAE, the company supports several health educational programs including the International Cardiovascular Conference in coordination with Partners International and Harvard Medical School, as well as working with the Ministry of Health on campaigns for smoking cessation, disease awareness and public welfare.
About Pfizer
Founded in 1849, Pfizer is the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical company taking new approaches to better health. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers quality, safe and effective prescription medicines to treat and help prevent disease for both people and animals. At Pfizer, nearly 90,000 colleagues in more than 90 countries work every day to help people stay happier, healthier and longer. Worldwide, Pfizer provides treatment for over 38 million patients a day. The company’s overarching purpose; Working Together for a Healthier World.
