First from the Middle East and North Africa: ICMRA Announces Saudi Arabia as a Full Member

The International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) announced the full membership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). This achievement makes the SFDA the first regulatory authority from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to become full member in ICMRA.

This accession reinforces the Kingdom’s global leadership in pharmaceutical regulation and strengthens its influential role among international decision-makers. It reflects the international community's recognition of the advanced status achieved by the Kingdom, represented by the SFDA, in ensuring drug product safety and continuously developing its regulatory system to meet the highest global standards.

This milestone highlights the Kingdom's commitment, driven by its leadership, to making human safety a top priority. It validates the SFDA's dedicated efforts to develop its pharmaceutical regulatory system, anticipate future challenges, and contribute effectively to international programs and initiatives. Furthermore, it highlights the SFDA’s adherence to implement best regulatory practices aligned with scientific and professional advancements. This reinforces the commitment of the Saudi pharmaceutical industry to the highest standards of safety and quality. Ultimately, this supports the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030 and strengthens the Kingdom's position in the global pharmaceutical system and its participation in international health protection and decision-making initiatives.

The announcement was made during the ICMRA Summit 2025 in Amsterdam (October 21-23), which saw the participation of H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, CEO of the SFDA. Full membership enables the SFDA to actively participate in formulating ICMRA's policies and decisions and in approving its annual projects and plans, reflecting international confidence in the Authority's pioneering role in promoting drug safety.

ICMRA is a global forum of heads of drug regulatory and oversight authorities. It aims to enhance cooperation and coordination to improve the effectiveness, safety, and quality of drugs and vaccines by sharing regulatory expertise, unifying efforts during global health crises, and supporting innovation to accelerate approvals without compromising safety.