The UAE’s domestic medicine production has seen remarkable growth over the last five years, with more than 35 pharmaceutical factories now operating nationwide. This sector is expected to expand by 40% in the next year, helping to drive down the cost of medicines for residents.
Experts suggest that the growth of local manufacturing in the UAE could lead to more competitive pricing, reduced reliance on imports, and enhanced access to specialized medicines, provided regulatory frameworks are well-managed.
Dr. Mona Al Moussli, co-founder of PRA Consultancy, emphasized the role that local production will play in stabilizing medicine prices. “This growth will ensure easier access to medicines and more price stability, but affordability will depend on factors like initial investments, regulatory policies, and market competition,” she said.
The surge in local medicine production can largely be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a turning point for the industry. The production of Hayat-Vax, the first COVID-19 vaccine manufactured in the Arab region in Abu Dhabi, marked a key milestone for the sector.
“The UAE played a pivotal role during the pandemic, maintaining medicine registration, market access, and regulatory operations, which led to global recognition for its efforts,” Dr. Al Moussli explained.
AI Integration in Healthcare
In addition to the expansion of manufacturing, Dr. Al Moussli noted that the UAE is also incorporating advanced technologies, such as AI, into its healthcare systems. The integration of AI into medicinal production is expected to further boost the growth of local manufacturing. "We expect local production to rise by 40% within the next year, aided by the establishment of free zone facilities like Kizad and Jebel Ali Free Zone," she added.
Expansion of Local Manufacturing Facilities
Currently, the UAE's pharmaceutical sector is composed of full manufacturing units and secondary packing facilities, with more than 35 factories already operational and additional ones in development. The UAE government has supported this growth through various incentives and initiatives to encourage investment in local manufacturing.
One example of this growth is the expansion of Swiss pharmaceutical company Acino Pharma, which has recently established new facilities in the UAE.
Dr. Mariam Galadari, board advisor for UAE-based Globalpharma, stated that the government’s focus on boosting local manufacturing has contributed significantly to this development. "Previously, there were only a few factories, and now we have more than 35. The local industry now produces a wide range of medicines, including treatments for hypertension, diabetes, and other common health concerns," she said.
Ensuring Accessibility and Affordability
The increase in local production is improving both the accessibility and affordability of medicines. Dr. Galadari highlighted that Globalpharma has been able to meet government demand for affordable medicines while ensuring high-quality standards.
"With the growing number of factories and local manufacturing, we're able to maintain better control over production quality and costs. This enables us to meet the demands of local tenders while keeping prices competitive," she explained.
As local production increases, it’s expected to help the UAE’s pharmaceutical industry address emerging health challenges, such as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), while making essential medicines more accessible and affordable for residents.
In conclusion, with government support, industry growth, and technological advancements, the UAE’s expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is set to make a significant impact on the affordability and availability of medicines in the near future.
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