The shift of market preferences towards generic drugs and other medical products may shape the future trajectory of the UAE pharmaceuticals market, as companies increasingly seek to manufacture generics in an effort to keep pace with modern market dynamics. As such, there is good scope for manufacturing businesses in pharmaceuticals, as well as adhesive dressings, wadding and gauzes, gel preparations for surgery, first aid boxes and kits, and orthodontic fittings.

In addition to the fact that the UAE has a burgeoning domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, many international pharmaceutical companies have set up in the country. Some of these companies – such as Pfizer and Janssen EMEA (the pharmaceutical arm of Johnson & Johnson) – have decided to make the UAE the site of their regional headquarters.