Three new pharmaceutical factories are set to be established in Sharjah, with a combined investment of $84 million (Dh308.7 million). These developments aim to enhance the UAE’s pharmaceutical capabilities and strengthen its position as a global player in healthcare innovation.
The partnerships for the new facilities were finalized at the International Pharmacy and Medicine Conference (ICPM 2025), held at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. The factories will specialize in producing a range of pharmaceutical products, including respiratory treatments, eye drops, antibiotic capsules, stomach medications, and first aid materials.
Construction is already underway, with completion expected between mid and late 2026. The facilities will operate within an existing pharmaceutical plant in Sharjah.
Strategic Significance
Dr. Munir Rayyan, chairman of the ICPM organizing committee, emphasized the importance of these agreements in bolstering partnerships between global pharmaceutical companies and UAE-based factories. He described the development as a milestone in the country’s journey to becoming a leader in pharmaceutical innovation and global competitiveness in the healthcare sector.
“These factories underscore the UAE’s growing role in advancing healthcare technology and pharmaceutical manufacturing on a global scale,” Dr. Rayyan stated.
Investment Breakdown
The three factories will focus on different areas of pharmaceutical production, with each facility tailored to address specific healthcare needs:
- Eye Drops and Respiratory Products: The largest investment, valued at $44 million, will focus on producing treatments for respiratory conditions and eye care products. This factory is expected to be operational by late 2026.
- Antibiotic Capsules and Stomach Medications: A $35-million factory covering 10,000 square feet will have an annual production capacity of 600 million capsules. It is slated to begin operations in 2026.
- First Aid Products: The smallest of the three, with an investment of $5 million, will focus on manufacturing first aid materials. Construction is set to start later this year, with completion anticipated in early 2025.
A Growing Hub for Pharmaceuticals
The UAE has been ramping up its efforts to position itself as a hub for pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing. The establishment of these factories not only highlights the country’s commitment to advancing healthcare technologies but also strengthens its industrial partnerships on a global scale.
With these new developments, Sharjah continues to solidify its role as a critical player in the region’s health sector, poised to meet both local and international pharmaceutical demands.
