Professor Sherief Khalifa, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Pharmacy at Dubai Medical University (DMU), and Dr Bassam Atallah, Associate Dean – Clinical Affairs, participated in the Dean’s Reception Panel Discussion held during the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT) 2026 in Dubai on August 27, 2026, with Dr Atallah serving as moderator of the session. Bringing together deans and academic leaders from pharmacy colleges across the UAE, the panel explored the future of clinical pharmacy education and practice, including strengthening the clinical pharmacy leadership pipeline, enhancing collaboration between academia, healthcare organizations, and regulatory authorities, defining competencies for future pharmacists, and establishing effective mentorship, succession planning, and career pathways. The panel disucussed the  importance of clinical pharmacy competencies for all pharmacists. The discussion also highlighted the need for stronger engagement with regulatory authorities to support the evolution of clinical pharmacy practice and the development of sustainable clinical pharmacy positions within healthcare systems. The panel concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration among pharmacy colleges, healthcare organizations, and regulators to strengthen the clinical pharmacy workforce and advance the pharmacy profession across the UAE.