How to set up a pharmaceutical company in Dubai, UAE

Overview of the pharmaceutical industry in UAE

In the past 5 years, the UAE has unveiled 2 major plans, Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 and Abu Dhabi Vision 2020, Both aimed at high-growth sectors in the country. This includes the pharmaceutical industry as a priority for development.

The country makes up only 2% of the global pharmaceutical industry but is growing at a substantial rate of almost 10% YoY. The UAE government is aiming to develop the indigenous manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. It’s not just the ever-growing domestic market of the UAE that attracts foreign investors, but also it is strategically placed on the globe with convenient access and transport.

Why you should set up a pharmaceutical company in Dubai

There are a number of reasons that would favour the decision to open a pharmaceutical company in Dubai. Some of them are listed below:

• Dubai boasts world-class health facilities; the standard of medical equipment and procedures is of highest quality
• Flourishing medical tourism top notch medical facilities at a reasonable cost has attracted a large number of medical tourists from all over the world in past few years
• A large proportion of Dubai’s population enjoys good income
• Due to abundance of opportunities, several multinational pharmaceutical companies are already having their subsidiaries in Dubai
• Extensive support from the government of Dubai
• Dedicated pharmaceutical-free zones in the UAE:
  • Dubai Healthcare City
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone
  • Dubai Science Park

Types of pharmaceutical businesses you can set up in Dubai, UAE

Depending on your requirements, there are different types of pharmaceutical businesses you can set up in the mainland or the free zone(s). Taking necessary approvals from government agencies like the municipality, the ministry of health and Dubai’s environment remains valid for all types of pharmaceutical businesses:

• Pharmacy: A pharmacy is a store licensed to sell registered pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, along with toiletries and other convenience products.

Pharmacies are one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical businesses in the UAE. They are present across all the famous malls and commercial and residential places in the UAE. These pharmacies are created by either independent operators or renowned multinational brands. So, if you take the latter route to open a pharmacy in the UAE, not only will you get a global brand name but also the assistance in picking the right property, training and support to efficiently run business operations.

It is important to note that a law by the UAE government needs to be followed by all pharmacists to remain within the store most of the time.

• Drug Store: A drug store is a wholesaler of the same products that are sold in a pharmacy. It acts as a hub and provides products to many pharmacies.
• Para-Pharmaceutical Trading: This involves the trade of medical goods which may not fall under a prescription but be closely related to it. Plasters, bandages, and lotions are some examples of such products.

 Things to keep in mind for

Importing and selling pharmaceutical products in Dubai, UAE

The pharmaceutical market of the UAE is dominated by foreign companies. In order to regulate their pharmaceutical operations that encompass manufacturing, preparation, composition, selling and distribution, the health authorities introduced Federal Law No. 4 in 1983.

Under the Federal Regulation, foreign investors or companies looking to

• To open a pharmaceutical company in Dubai, one must have a UAE associate.
• Those who manufacture or sell pharmaceutical products in Dubai are required to obtain the health authority pharmacy licence. The UAE associate will be the pharmacy licence holder.

Obtaining a pharmacy license in Dubai, UAE

Getting a pharmacy License in Dubai, UAE, requires certain steps to be followed. This is simply keeping in mind that no unregulated products are sold in the market and the population of Dubai, UAE, is always safe since healthcare is of utmost importance.

As a part of the policy, the Dubai government has mandated that all pharmaceutical products must be registered with Dubai Municipality before they reach the market. A properly registered product will ensure that consumers get to know the origin of the products as well as their ingredients.

Pharmaceutical company registration in UAE/Dubai

In order to register a pharmaceutical company in Dubai, UAE, the company owner has to obtain two approvals:

1. For the preliminary approval for this, you will have to deal with Health Regulation Department (HRD)
2. The final approval of the establishment for this, you will have to deal with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Ministry of Health

Note: Inspection of the establishment by the Drug Control Department in Dubai is also required.

To get the above approvals and register your pharmaceutical company successfully, the following documents need to be submitted:

• An application form
• Copy of the tenancy contract
• Preliminary approval of the premises
• Blueprint of the location of the pharmaceutical company
• Architectural planning certified and issued by an architect
• A copy of location licence issued by the Dubai Municipality (DM)
• Copy of the owner’s passport
• List of employees and their certification details
• Copy of pharmaceutical licence issued by the Dubai Trade Register

Why choose us to set up your pharmaceutical company in Dubai, UAE

MBG offers a suite of Business Setup Services in Dubai, UAE, that is customisable as per your needs.

We understand your business idea well and map and process the requirements of your business. Our seasoned business setup experts are here to guide you at every step of the business, right from advising what’s best for you before the initiation of the entire process of setting up your business to guidance through the entire process to completion of the entire company setup process, along with complementary services right after you have your business setup in the UAE.

We help you with licensing, registration, finding sponsors or local partners, PRO services, and obtaining an office, along with the consultations required at different steps throughout the process.

Additional Resources: 

• Are You a Foreign National Who Intends to set up a Business in India

For more info, contact us at:

• Website:  Business Setup in UAE
• Email: communications@mbgcorp.com
• Whatsapp: +91-8860190008