The UAE has become only the second country in the world to approve an oral form of Wegovy, a once-daily GLP-1 weight loss pill developed by Novo Nordisk, following clearance from the Emirates Drug Establishment.

The approval marks a significant regulatory milestone for weight management care in the region, expanding treatment options for patients managing obesity as a chronic condition. To mark the occasion, Novo Nordisk illuminated Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel at 250 metres above Bluewaters Island, as a public celebration of the achievement.

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The pill delivers semaglutide in an oral daily format, working by mimicking a naturally occurring appetite-regulating peptide that helps patients feel fuller sooner and consume less over time, supporting gradual weight reduction alongside lifestyle modifications.

Emil Kongshøj Larsen, Executive Vice President of International Operations at Novo Nordisk, welcomed the development, describing the UAE as a leader in advancing access to innovative healthcare solutions and framing the approval as part of a wider shift toward recognising obesity as a condition requiring long-term, evidence-based treatment.

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The EDE’s decision signals continued momentum in the UAE’s push to provide residents with timely access to globally recognised therapies meeting the highest regulatory standards.