Big Pharma Sets Sights on Middle East

The Middle East, traditionally renowned for its prominence in the travel and oil and gas industries, is shifting its focus towards the life sciences sector. The region is actively forging numerous partnerships, initiatives, and programmes, and spending billions to establish itself as a major hub for life sciences. As the population of the region continues to grow and age, there is a clear and growing demand for locally manufactured medical treatments and products. Big pharma players are also making substantial inroads into the Middle East, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading the way in these regional efforts. Areas such as rare diseases, genomics, personalised medicines, and pharmaceutical manufacturing have emerged as hotspots in the Middle East. Let’s delve deeper into the region’s endeavours to become a biotech powerhouse.

- Ayesha Siddiqui

 

The Middle East is rapidly emerging as a key player in the global life sciences and pharmaceutical industry. With ambitious initiatives, strategic partnerships, and substantial investments, the region is poised to make significant contributions to healthcare innovation.

Over the last decade, the UAE’s pharmaceutical industry has seen a significant transformation, with manufacturing facilities growing from four in 2010 to 23 in 2021. This expansion reflects a strong commitment to boosting regional pharmaceutical capacity, providing affordable, high-quality medicines, and fostering innovation. The local market’s value has surged from $1.5 billion in 2011 to an estimated $3.7 billion in 2021, projected to reach $4.7 billion by 2025. The UAE now produces over 2,500 different medications, serving both domestic and global markets. In 2020, pharmaceutical exports reached $251 million to 48 countries, with an expected increase to $297 million by 2025. While imports remain significant at $2.6 billion in 2020, the sector offers substantial investment opportunities for sustainable growth, according to reports from ADQ.