Starting your pharmacy in Dubai offers a great opportunity to manage a business that benefits your local community's health. Plus, it can be a smart financial move.
For instance, the UAE's online pharmacy market is projected to grow by 9% annually over the next five years, indicating a strong demand for medications. Even before the pandemic, healthcare businesses were on the rise in the UAE, with healthcare spending reaching $18.2 billion in 2018, expected to reach $21.3 billion this year.
To open an independent pharmacy in Dubai, it's common for the owner to be a qualified pharmacist accredited by the Dubai Health Authority. However, if the owner isn't a pharmacist, they can hire one to handle customer medications. Alternatively, you can choose to open a franchise with one of Dubai's well-known pharmacy chains.
Why Start a pharmacy in Dubai, UAE
Opening a pharmacy in Dubai offers a thriving market, a business-friendly environment with no taxes, and a straightforward setup process and other variours benefits like:
Growing Market Opportunities
The healthcare market in the United Arab Emirates is expanding rapidly, as the data indicates. Additionally, the country's population is continually increasing. This means you'll have access to a large and growing market of potential customers seeking healthcare products and services.
Favorable Tax Rates
Pharmacies in Dubai enjoy a highly competitive tax rate, allowing you to keep a significant portion of your revenue. This extra income can be reinvested into your business, fueling its growth.
Fulfilling Career
Pharmacists play a crucial role in treating illnesses and enhancing the well-being of their communities. Your knowledge of human physiology and various treatments can significantly improve people's quality of life, making for a highly rewarding career.
Permitted Business activities under Pharmacy License in dubai, UAE
A Pharmacy License in Dubai allows you to sell and prepare approved drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and dispense herbal and medical medications based on medical prescriptions, in line with the regulations set by the UAE's competent authority. The pharmacy should have a licensed pharmacist working there full-time.
Here are the available business activities in the United Arab Emirates under this category:
Pharmacy:
A pharmacy is a place authorized to sell and prepare approved medicines, medical supplies, and give out prescription medications, following the rules set by the UAE's healthcare authorities. A licensed pharmacist is always there to make sure things are done right.
Para Pharmaceutical Trading:
This means selling over-the-counter health and personal care items that aren't meant for medical treatment. These can include things like band-aids, aftershave, creams, products to help quit smoking, toothpaste, mouthwash, and so on.
Required personnel on-board
The pharmacy manager, who must be a certified pharmacist, can personally train the staff. The number of employees needed varies based on the pharmacy's size and services offered, like supplying medicines to healthcare facilities. Specific rules and regulations apply when importing and selling pharmaceutical products in Dubai.
Rules and Regulations for Importing and Selling Pharmaceutical Products in Dubai:
- The pharmaceutical sector covers manufacturing, preparation, composition, sale, and distribution of medicines for both humans and animals.
- International investors aiming to establish a pharmaceutical company in Dubai must have a UAE partner holding a pharmacy license.
- According to Federal Law No. 4, all investors intending to manufacture or sell pharmaceutical products in Dubai must obtain a mandatory license before commencing operations.
Steps to start a Pharmacy Business in Dubai, UAE
Pharmacists have a big responsibility in giving medicines and treatments to people. Opening a pharmacy in Dubai involves a few important steps that you need to follow carefully.
Before starting a pharmacy business in Dubai, you must hold a pharmacy certificate from a recognized medical training institute. If you plan to employ a pharmacist, ensure they have the required qualifications.
Pharmacists need at least two years of professional experience and must undergo a pharmacy evaluation by the Ministry of Health and Prevention before opening their own business. Proficiency in both Arabic and English is essential.
To trade as a pharmacist, approval from the Health Regulation Department is necessary. The Dubai Health Authority will inspect your proposed pharmacy premises, and you may need a medical examination. This process typically takes around 20 days.
For those aspiring to establish a pharmacy in Dubai, the selection of an appropriate company name is paramount. It is essential that the chosen name adheres to stringent naming conventions, avoiding the use of acronyms. Names that could be construed as offensive or blasphemous must also be avoided.
Apply for a trade license from the Department of Economic Development. Complete the application form with business details, founder information, and submit a copy of your passport with two passport-sized photos.
You can operate your pharmacy business as a limited liability company or a sole establishment. Most Dubai pharmacies are limited liability companies, requiring a local partner if you're not a UAE national. A sole establishment grants full control but combines personal assets with the business, posing potential risks.
Choose premises that meet pharmacy standards and secure approval. Opt for a strategic location with good foot traffic. Prepare to invest in stock and manage it efficiently to open your Dubai pharmacy successfully.
Remember that the process may vary depending on your chosen jurisdiction and business activities. Consulting legal and business experts familiar with Dubai's Pharmaceutical landscape is highly recommended.
Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.
Required documents for setting up a pharmacy in Dubai
The necessary documents for setting up a pharmacy in Dubai include:
- Completion of the application form to be submitted to the Dubai Economy.
- Initial approval for the premises from both the Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Municipality, along with the submission of the physical store blueprint.
- A copy of the tenancy contract.
- Passport copy of the investor.
- A copy of the pharmaceutical license issued by the Dubai Economy.
- A comprehensive list of all employees with the requisite healthcare certifications.
In order to engage in the sale or manufacture of pharmaceutical products within the UAE, a company must acquire a license from the Dubai Health Authority. Securing specific permits is a prerequisite before commencing operations.
Cost of Establishing a Pharmacy License in Dubai
Getting a pharmacy license in the Dubai typically comes with a price tag ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 AED. The exact amount you pay depends on factors like your business plan, where you set up shop, the type of structure you opt for, and how many employees you intend to hire.
For a more detailed breakdown of all the expenses tied to acquiring a pharmacy license in Dubai, reach out to Smart Zones® UAE. Our skilled advisors can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect in terms of costs.
Opening a pharmacy in Dubai offers a thriving market, a business-friendly environment with no taxes, and a straightforward setup process. You also have access to a large and growing market of potential customers seeking healthcare products and services.
A Pharmacy License in Dubai allows you to sell and prepare approved drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and dispense herbal and medical medications based on medical prescriptions. It also allows for para pharmaceutical trading.
The pharmacy manager must be a certified pharmacist. The number of employees needed varies based on the pharmacy's size and services offered.
International investors must have a UAE partner holding a pharmacy license. All investors must obtain a mandatory license before manufacturing or selling pharmaceutical products in Dubai, as per Federal Law No. 4.
The steps include obtaining pharmacy certification, choosing a company name, applying for a trading license, determining your business structure, selecting your location, and commencing trading. The process may vary depending on your chosen jurisdiction and business activities.
The cost of getting a pharmacy license in Dubai typically ranges from 10,000 to 12,000 AED, depending on various factors like your business plan, location, business structure, and the number of employees you intend to hire. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, you can consult Smart Zones® UAE.
Want to know more, talk to Smart Zones® Dubai advisory team they will be happy to help. Ready to invest in your future?
