The UAE is experiencing a significant increase in its local medicine production, with expectations of a 40% growth in the coming year. This surge is anticipated to contribute to more affordable medicines across the country. Currently, more than 35 factories are operational nationwide, and the local production growth is driven by the rapid changes that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Experts believe that this growth in local manufacturing has the potential to lower medicine costs, provided that regulatory frameworks and competitive market dynamics are well managed. Dr. Mona Al Moussli, co-founder and managing director of PRA Consultancy, stated that this expansion would lead to reduced reliance on imports, improved price stability, competitive pricing, and better access to specialized medicines.

Dr. Al Moussli pointed out that the pandemic significantly influenced the local medicine industry’s growth, particularly with the production of Hayat-Vax, the first Covid-19 vaccine manufactured in the Arab region. She explained that during the pandemic, the UAE excelled in maintaining medicine registration, market access, and regulatory operations, earning international recognition for its efforts.

The UAE is also integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into its healthcare systems. Dr. Al Moussli noted that the country is committed to extending these AI solutions into local medicine manufacturing. She highlighted that the UAE government has established several free zone facilities, including Kizad and Jebel Ali Free Zone, to further enhance local manufacturing opportunities.

The medicinal manufacturing sector in the UAE is primarily divided into full manufacturing and secondary packing, with the latter currently more prevalent. With over 35 factories already operational and more in development, the sector is poised for considerable growth. Dr. Al Moussli emphasized that the government is actively supporting and incentivizing investors to establish local manufacturing businesses.

A recent example of this trend is the Swiss pharmaceutical company Acino Pharma, which has opened new facilities in the UAE. Dr. Mariam Galadari, board advisor for Globalpharma and former head of the Pharmacy Division at the UAE Ministry of Health, noted that government support has played a crucial role in the rise of local manufacturing, which has expanded from just a few factories to more than 35.

Globalpharma produces a wide variety of medicines, including those for hypertension, diabetes, flu, and vitamins, available in multiple forms such as tablets and injections. In light of emerging health challenges like Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Dr. Galadari mentioned that the company is conducting studies to develop effective treatments. She emphasized that increased local production is enhancing accessibility and affordability while maintaining high-quality standards.