The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are quickly growing in the UAE, spurring endless business opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals in this sector. Based on the data shown by Statista, the revenue in the OTC pharmaceuticals market alone amounts to US$342.80 million in 2023. The projections by experts have been made that 15.8% of total revenue in the OTC pharmaceuticals market will be generated via online sales this year.

Hence, the idea of opening a pharmacy in Dubai is brilliant and will be a profitable one. However, for that, you will first need to get a pharmacy license in Dubai. In this blog, we will help you understand the process of company registration in UAE free zones to get a pharmacy license in Dubai.

The Process of Company Registration in UAE Free Zones to Open a Pharmacy

The journey to open a pharmacy business in Dubai starts with obtaining a trade license in Dubai from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) – the governing authority of the healthcare sector. This license will allow you to manufacture or sell pharmaceutical products, such as medicines, vitamins, supplements, home-based health monitoring products, etc.

Under the pharmacy license, you can operate only specific activities. For instance, according to the UAE’s Federal Law no. 4, 1993, a pharmacist license in Dubai enables individuals and companies to begin manufacturing, buying, or selling pharmaceutical products in the UAE.

Pharmaceutical products permitted under this license include retail items that can be sold to end customers in residential areas, individual housing areas, as well as residential complexes. This license also extends to private stores registered in the UAE.

How to Obtain a Pharmacist License in Dubai?

The process of registering your pharmacy and obtaining a pharmacist license consists of two stages: initial approval and final approval.

Steps to Get Initial Approval for a Pharmacy License in Dubai

• First of all, submit an application to the Health Regulation Department (HRD). The application should be for a new pharmacy facility and must include the details for the location, such as the pharmacy address (the plot number) with schematic design (blueprint). These documents describe the general cross-section design of the pharmacy building structure.
• Then, the HRD will review your business application and will give approval only if your documents are prepared in accordance with the HRD regulations. If your application is rejected, you will get a detailed list of shortcomings so that you can make corrections and submit your application again.
• If your application is approved initially, the letter of approval will go to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland applications and to the respective free zone authorities for free zone applications.

Steps to Get Final Approval for a Pharmacy License in Dubai

• Once you get initial approval, you will need to submit an online request for final inspection by the HRD.
• When all the recommendations and requirements are met, the DHA will issue you the pharmacy license.

Are you ready to start a pharmacy in Dubai? If yes, connect with EmiraZone today. We specialize in company registration in UAE free zones as well as in the mainland.