Saba Pharma Chairman Announces Annual Grant of USD 100,000–200,000 to Support Scientific Research and Upgrade Faculty of Pharmacy Laboratories
Sana’a – Sana’a University Media
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (22 Safar 1448 AH)
In a step that reflects the growing partnership between higher education institutions and the industrial sector, the Rector of Sana’a University, Prof. Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Yemeni Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Union and Chairman of the Board of Saba Pharma Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr. Ihsan Al-Rabahi, during which a landmark initiative was announced to support scientific research and upgrade the laboratories of the Faculty of Pharmacy.
Under the initiative, Saba Pharma will provide an annual grant ranging from USD 100,000 to USD 200,000 to enhance the Faculty’s research and educational infrastructure.
The grant will finance a comprehensive program to modernize the Faculty’s laboratories by equipping them with state-of-the-art pharmaceutical analytical instruments, quality control equipment, and advanced microscopes. It also includes the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing laboratories, upgrading occupational safety systems, and supplying laboratory consumables, chemicals, and certified reference materials required for practical training and scientific research.
During the meeting, the Rector praised the national initiative, expressing his appreciation to Saba Pharma and its Chairman, Dr. Ihsan Al-Rabahi, for their generous support. He noted that the grant would be allocated according to a scientific needs assessment prepared by specialists from the Faculty of Pharmacy in coordination with the company, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and impact.
Prof. Al-Bukhaiti explained that the partnership would help bridge the gap between academic education and the needs of the pharmaceutical industry by providing a modern educational and practical training environment. The initiative will enable students to acquire hands-on skills across the various stages of pharmaceutical manufacturing, including production, quality assurance, quality control, packaging, and final processing, thereby enhancing graduates’ readiness for the labour market.
He further emphasized that Sana’a University continues to implement its vision of directing scientific research and graduation projects to address societal needs and transform innovative ideas into practical projects through partnerships with the private sector, thereby supporting sustainable development and promoting a knowledge-based economy.
For his part, Dr. Ihsan Al-Rabahi affirmed that allocating part of Saba Pharma’s annual budget to support Sana’a University reflects the company’s firm belief in the importance of investing in higher education and scientific research, as well as its commitment to preparing highly qualified national professionals capable of advancing Yemen’s pharmaceutical industry.
He explained that the initiative aims to strengthen the educational and research environment at the Faculty of Pharmacy, provide practical training opportunities for students, rehabilitate laboratories, and equip them with modern instruments and supplies, thereby improving the quality of education and learning outcomes while enhancing the competitiveness of national pharmaceutical professionals.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharif, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Board of Drugs, commended the initiative, describing it as a successful model of cooperation between higher education institutions and the private sector. He noted that it would encourage other pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers to contribute to supporting scientific research and developing educational infrastructure, ultimately improving pharmaceutical education and serving the wider community.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Rector presented the University’s Shield to Dr. Ihsan Al-Rabahi in recognition of his valuable contributions to supporting scientific research, upgrading the laboratories of the Faculty of Pharmacy, and Saba Pharma’s national role in advancing higher education and Yemen’s pharmaceutical sector.
The announcement ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharif, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Board of Drugs; Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Alafi, Executive Director of the Yemeni Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Union; Dr. Zaid Al-Warith, Rector’s Assistant for Scientific and Research Centers; Eng. Osama Al-Bukhaiti, Director of the Rector’s Office; Mr. Adel Al-Hababi, Rector’s Assistant for Media Affairs; Dr. Mohammed Abbas Hamid Al-Din, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy; the Faculty’s Vice Deans for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research and for Student Affairs; a number of academic staff members from the Faculty of Pharmacy; Dr. Adel Hamid and Dr. Najeeb Saif, Directors of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Scientific Administration Departments at the Supreme Board of Drugs; Dr. Amr Wahas and Mohammed Al-Sharafi, Technical Director and Research and Development Manager at Saba Pharma, respectively; in addition to several university officials and representatives of the Supreme Board of Drugs.
Following the meeting, the Rector and the Chairman of Saba Pharma, accompanied by the attendees, toured the Bioavailability and Bioequivalence Center at Sana’a University to inspect the ongoing rehabilitation and renovation works. The Center is one of the University’s specialized scientific facilities dedicated to pharmaceutical testing, evaluation, and quality monitoring, and is expected to strengthen the University’s research and applied capabilities while supporting the development of Yemen’s national pharmaceutical industry.
