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Home Services Pharmaceutical Business in the UAE: Licensing & Opportunities

Pharmaceutical Business in the UAE

The pharmaceutical sector in the UAE is a strictly regulated industry with high standards of safety and quality. To import, distribute, store, or manufacture medical products, a company must obtain a license from MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) or local authorities: DHA (Dubai), DOH (Abu Dhabi). MIRAD assists with company registration, warehouse and pharmacy licensing, product certification, and import procedures.

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What the Pharmaceutical Business Includes

  1. Import and distribution of medicines.
  2. Sale of dietary supplements, vitamins, medical devices, and equipment.
  3. Manufacturing and packaging of pharmaceutical products.
  4. Pharmacies and online pharmacies.
  5. Pharmaceutical warehouses and logistics.
  6. Veterinary pharmaceuticals.
  7. Pharma consulting and licensing.

Mandatory Licenses and Permits

  • Pharmaceutical Import & Export License.
  • Pharmaceutical Store License — warehouses and logistics.
  • Pharmacy License — retail pharmacies.
  • Manufacturer License — production facilities.
  • MOHAP Product Registration — mandatory for all medicines and supplements.
  • Facility certification (GPP/GDP/GMP).
  • Registration of a Responsible Pharmacist (licensed professional).

Licensing Features

  • Only UAE-based companies are eligible for a pharma license.
  • A local licensed pharmacist is mandatory.
  • Each medicine or supplement must be registered with MOHAP.
  • Warehouses must comply with temperature and sanitary control requirements.
Planning to launch a pharmaceutical business in the UAE?

MIRAD will help register your company, obtain licenses, and bring products to market legally and safely.

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HowTo: Start a Pharmaceutical Business in the UAE

  1. Define your model: pharmacy, warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing.
  2. Register a company in Mainland (DED) or an eligible Free Zone.
  3. Appoint a licensed Responsible Pharmacist.
  4. Apply for the relevant license: Pharmacy / Store / Import / Manufacturer.
  5. Pass facility inspections (MOHAP/DHA/DOH).
  6. Certify warehouses or factories (GPP/GDP/GMP).
  7. Register products or supplements with MOHAP.
  8. Register for VAT and Corporate Tax.

What MIRAD Does

  • Select the right license: wholesale, retail, warehouse, manufacturing.
  • Register the company and apply with MOHAP/DHA/DOH.
  • Assist with pharmacist and staff licensing.
  • Prepare facilities and documents for GPP/GDP compliance.
  • Support certification and product registration.
  • Assist with imports, contracts, and IT systems.

Why MIRAD

  • 7+ years of experience in medical and pharma licensing.
  • Direct work with MOHAP, DHA, DOH, Emirates Health Services.
  • Support for importers, manufacturers, and retail chains.
  • Expertise in taxation, compliance, and certification.

FAQ: Pharmaceutical Business in the UAE

❓ Can I open a pharmacy without a licensed pharmacist?
❌ No. MOHAP/DHA require a verified pharmacist diploma.

❓ How long does product registration take?
✅ From 2 to 6 months, including lab testing and approvals.

❓ Can an online pharmacy be registered?
✅ Yes, but only if linked to a licensed physical pharmacy and with MOHAP approval.

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