Globalpharma, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in the UAE and a subsidiary of Dubai Investments PJSC, has partnered with India’s ZIM Laboratories to introduce EU-certified Oral Dispersible Film (ODF) technology to the UAE market. This innovative technology has already received EU Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) certification, ensuring that it meets the highest international quality and safety standards.

The agreement was announced at the AIM Congress 2025, held from April 7 to April 9. This collaboration highlights the UAE’s growing influence in global pharmaceutical innovation and its commitment to providing cutting-edge healthcare solutions. The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, who witnessed the signing by Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani, General Manager of Dubai Investments Industries, and Zulfiquar Kamal, Promoter & Finance Director at ZIM Labs. Dr. Mariam Galadari, a Board Member of Globalpharma, was also present.

During the congress, Dr. Basem Al-Barahmeh, Globalpharma’s General Manager, emphasized the significance of the UAE’s emergence as a pharmaceutical manufacturing powerhouse. He delivered a keynote address on the topic, while Dr. Geeta Gujaran, Globalpharma’s Site Head, provided insights during the “Leaders’ Panel: Manufacturing 2030 — Key Trends Shaping the Industry,” discussing key innovations in the sector.

Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani remarked that this collaboration with ZIM Labs represents a transformative step for Globalpharma. He noted that bringing EU-certified ODF technology to the UAE strengthens the region’s pharmaceutical capabilities and enhances patient-centric treatment options. This initiative aligns with the company’s vision of investing in innovations that improve healthcare standards in the region and position the UAE as a leader in advanced drug manufacturing.

Oral Dispersible Films are a significant advancement in drug delivery, providing thin, fast-dissolving strips that dissolve in the mouth without the need for water. This makes them particularly suitable for children, elderly patients, and individuals with swallowing difficulties. ZIM Labs’ proprietary technology allows for the effective incorporation of medications into these rapid-acting films, which improves patient compliance and treatment effectiveness.

Dr. Basem Al-Barahmeh further explained that by localizing ODF production within its UAE facility, Globalpharma is not only introducing innovative treatments but also establishing a benchmark for pharmaceutical manufacturing in the region. The company plans to introduce a dedicated production line with a growing portfolio of ten ODF products, positioning itself as a leader in this technology in the Middle East.

Zulfiquar Kamal from ZIM Labs also acknowledged the significance of this collaboration, stating that the technology transfer with Globalpharma marks a major milestone in their mission to enhance access to patient-friendly drug delivery systems worldwide. He highlighted that their EU-GMP certified ODF technology, combined with Globalpharma’s regional reach and manufacturing strength, will set a new standard for pharmaceutical innovation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

ZIM Laboratories Limited is a research-driven pharmaceutical company that specializes in developing and supplying differentiated generic products in oral solid dosage forms. The company also has advanced in-house research and development capabilities, focusing on innovative drug delivery solutions to improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment. ZIM Laboratories is publicly traded on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and BSE Limited.

Globalpharma, established in 1998, has become a market leader in key generic pharmaceutical segments and has expanded its operations across 14 countries in the GCC and select African markets. The company operates two manufacturing plants in the UAE, including a state-of-the-art Beta-Lactam Penicillin Manufacturing plant and a General Medicine Manufacturing Plant that produces a variety of liquid and oral solid dosage forms.