The UAE government has provided various soaps to drug makers by creating free zones for them in the country. They have become hubs for pharma companies. Examples of such areas are – Dubai Healthcare City, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Science Park, etc. The export and re-export of pharmaceutical products from the United Arab Emirates is also increasing (Dh 5 billion in 2018).
The government has also adopted the latest technology which has enhanced manufacturing quality. In the coming days, the pharma industry in the UAE is poised to grow rapidly, based on the growing demand for better health services among a growing population – as new lifestyle-related diseases continue to rise. As of 2018, more than 85% of drug sales of $ 3 billion were prescription drugs.
Some niche markets have also started growing – such as developing halal pharmaceuticals, mHealth, and orphan medicines. Some companies are eyeing these areas to create a separate market for themselves.
The UAE has a number of pharma companies and we have compiled a list of top trusted players in paramedical industries. The UAE is at the heart of the Gulf countries in Middle-East Asia. The country, especially Dubai, is the center of a wide variety of industries in the world, such as travel, service, etc. The country makes up 2% of the global pharmaceutical industry – but is growing at a substantial rate of around 10%. every year. Therefore, many global investors have gone on to invest in this particular sector in Dubai.
One of the main features of this scheme is to reduce dependence on import of pharmaceutical products. The main pharmaceutical exporters of the United Arab Emirates are the United States, Switzerland, Germany and Finland. The total value of pharmaceutical imports as of 2018 was close to Dh 15 billion. Thus, the UAE government is aiming to develop indigenous manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. A study conducted by the IQVIA Pharmaceutical Market Insights report also confirms this fact.
Talk not only of the growing domestic market of the UAE attracting foreign investors. The country is strategically placed on the world stage with convenient access to most corners of the world via air and sea. The entire GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) countries surround the African continent as well as the United Arab Emirates.
List of Top 10 Pharmaceutical Brand / Companies in the UAE 2023
| Sl. No. | Company | Establishment | Head office |
| 1 | Julphar Pharmaceuticals | 2007 | Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE |
| 2 | Medpharma | 2014 | Guildford, United Kingdom |
| 3 | Pharmax | 1959 | New Jersey, United States |
| 4 | Neopharma | 2003 | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| 5 | Global Pharma | 1995 | Dubai, UAE |
| 6 | Al Hayat Pharmaceuticals | 1982 | Sharjah, UAE |
| 7 | MEDA Pharmaceuticals (a Mylan company) | 1995 | Dubai, UAE |
| 8 | NewBridge Pharmaceuticals FZ LLC | 2007 | Dubai, UAE |
| 9 | PHAAX | 2014 | Dubai, UAE |
| 10 | Synergy Pharma | 2007 | New York, United States |
Details of Top Pharmaceutical Brand / Companies in the UAE 2023
1. Julfer Pharmaceuticals
His Majesty Sheikh Saqqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the late ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, helped set up the company back in 1980. Since then, the company has achieved sustained growth – innovation, research, and accountability to customer needs. The company’s core business focuses on diabetes care, general medicines and the consumer business division.
The company distributes its products across 5 continents. Their manufacturing facilities in Asia and Africa produce more than 1 million medicines per day.
2. Medpharma
Medpharma is a Sharjah-based pharmaceutical company, founded in 1998. It is the second GCC-based manufacturer of earthen and pharmaceuticals. The company has world-class production facilities, with an annual production capacity of several hundred million units of every commodity. The company thrives on resourcefulness, research and ethics.
3. Pharmax
Dubai-based Pharmax is one of the major pharmaceutical manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates. It received an European Union GMP license in 2019 giving it access to the larger EU markets. It is a high-quality manufacturer, producing pharmaceutical products in a 100,000-square-foot facility, which conforms to strict domestic and international regulatory guidelines.
4. Neopharma
Neopharma started its journey in 2003. It has 10 well-built manufacturing facilities spread over 3 continents. It aims to provide global standard pharmaceutical products from local facilities at affordable prices. Continuous research and development has been the driving force of the company. It is present in many segments such as neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology, gynecology, and more. The company currently ships its products to more than 50 countries in Asia and Africa.
5. Global Pharma
Dubai-based Global Pharma commenced operations in 1998. At its 27,000 square meter production facility, the company can manufacture 300 million tablets, 150 million capsules and more than 7 million liters of syrup every year. In the coming days, Global Pharma is poised for high growth by expanding into new markets.
6. Al Hayat Pharmaceuticals
Al Hayat Pharmaceuticals began production in 1982. Today, it is counted among the major pharmaceutical manufacturer companies based in the United Arab Emirates. It has achieved substantial growth in the last 40-odd years and has strengthened its position in several countries besides the Gulf region. Supported by a dedicated and dedicated team of expert management, the company is set to touch new heights of success in the coming days.
7. Maida Pharmaceuticals (a mylan company)
The company is one of the leading international pharmaceutical manufacturers. Its product portfolio comprises more than 80% of all types of drugs sold. The major product areas where Meda operates are medicines related to respiratory, dermatology and pain and inflammation.
8. Newbridge Pharmaceuticals FZ LLC
Dubai-headquartered Newbridge is a progressive company, which is trying to bring the latest in pharmaceuticals to the large market it operates. Industry experts held and mentored the company through continuous innovation and research to reach its current top position. Currently, the company is focusing on a few key areas – immunology, neuroscience, oncology and metabolism and rare diseases.
9. PHAAX
PHAAX is a new entry into the market, which began operations in 2014. But in this short period, it has carved a niche for itself as a respected and respected pharmaceutical organization of the UAE. This privately owned company is one of the leading providers of skincare products, healthcare products, wound care products and immunology solutions. The company has a strong presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and is set to expand into other regions.
10. Synergy Pharma
Synergy Pharma is a Dubai based fast growing pharmaceutical company which was launched in the year 2009. It is one of the leading organizations serving the GCC and MENA regions. Aided by the latest manufacturing technologies and a highly-qualified staff team, the company’s growth has been fast and steady. Ethics, transparency and concern for its customers are what the company does for its purposes.