UAE sets out plan to become major global pharma hub

Country aims to double number of drugs manufacturing factories by 2021, attract more pharma firms.The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and Jafza, a DP World company, have signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector in the country. Under the agreement, the UAE aims to attract more than 75 major pharmaceutical firms by 2021 up from the current 54 today, with investments of up to AED2 billion annually. The number of drugs manufacturing factories is expected to grow from 17 to 34 in the same period. The agreement is part of Jafza’s efforts to enhance the healthcare sector by providing the environment for companies to grow and establish Made in Dubai pharmaceutical products, a statement said. It added that Jafza will develop details for the licensing of pharmaceutical factories within the Free Zone and help them promote public health.