Pharmacies for sale in UAE are among the most sought-after opportunities for pharmacists and investors, whether they are citizens of the country or expatriates from other nations. The United Arab Emirates has opened its doors to various industries, and one of these sectors is healthcare. This sector provides various business and investment opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs targeting hospitals, pharmacies, private clinics, and more.
Pharmacies for sale in UAE is considered one of the most profitable commercial ventures, being vital and indispensable. The success of such a venture is significant, especially in locations lacking pharmacies. Providing essential medications and treatments, pharmacies attract substantial demand, with prices being relatively stable. Pharmacies offer not only medications but also various other products, including cosmetics, hair care products, skincare items, and more.
Pharmacies for sale in UAE, 5 Steps to Establish a Pharmacy in the UAE
Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications and treatments to patients, making this a highly responsible profession. Several essential steps need to be completed when attempting to establish Pharmacies for sale in UAE:
Step 1: Obtain a Pharmacy Certificate and Register with Healthcare Authorities
Before starting your pharmacy project in the UAE, you first need to obtain a pharmacy certificate from a recognized college. If you are not a pharmacist but plan to hire one, ensure they have the necessary qualifications.
Pharmacists must have at least two years of professional experience in the trade and complete the pharmacy evaluation from the Ministry of Health and Community Protection before opening their businesses. Proficiency in both Arabic and English languages is also required. Before commencing work as a pharmacist, you also need approval from the Health Regulation Department.
The Dubai Health Authority will conduct a site assessment for the buildings where you plan to open your pharmacy. You may also need to undergo a medical examination yourself. This entire process may take around 20 days to complete.
Step 2: Choose and Register a Company Name in the UAE
If you intend to establish Pharmacies for sale in UAE, you need to choose a company name. The pharmacy company's name in Dubai must comply with strict naming rules (avoiding abbreviations) and must avoid any names that could be considered offensive or defamatory.
Step 3: Apply for Your Trading License
The next step in establishing a pharmacy in the UAE is to apply for a business license from the Department of Economic Development. You will need to fill out an application form providing information about the company, its address, and details about its founders. You will also need to submit a copy of your passport and two colored passport-sized photos.
Step 4: Decide on Your Business Structure
When starting Pharmacies for sale in UAE, you can choose to operate as either a limited liability company or a sole proprietorship. Most pharmacies in Dubai are limited liability companies, and the application process is relatively straightforward. If you are not a UAE citizen, you will need to find a local partner who holds a majority stake (at least 51%).
Step 5: Choose Your Location and Start Trading
To open Pharmacies for sale in UAE, you need to choose a location that complies with specific pharmacy standards and obtain approval for it. It is also crucial to ensure that the location is suitable and likely to receive good foot traffic. Pharmacists must make a significant upfront investment in inventory and manage it efficiently.
Important Locations for Establishing Pharmacies for Sale in UAE
When searching for real estate locations to establish Pharmacies for sale in UAE, several factors must be considered, including population density, accessibility, competition, and regulatory requirements. Here are some potential areas to consider:
Urban Centers
Urban centers such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide a large population base and high traffic levels. Urban centers attract residents, tourists, and expatriates, offering a diverse customer base for pharmacies.
Pharmacies for sale in UAE, Residential Areas
Consider locating your pharmacy in high-density residential areas, such as Jumeirah in Dubai or Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. These areas often experience high demand for healthcare services and are suitable for residents.
Medical Districts
Explore areas with medical facilities, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare services. For example, medical facilities in Dubai Healthcare City and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company could be suitable locations for establishing a pharmacy, attracting a significant number of patients and healthcare professionals.
Shopping Centers
Pharmacies are often situated in shopping centers, popular destinations for both residents and visitors. Many shopping centers in the UAE, such as the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai or Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, have designated areas for pharmacies and healthcare services.
Pharmacies for sale in UAE, Mixed-Use Developments
Consider mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and retail spaces. These developments create a sense of community and provide easy access for residents.
Free Zones
Explore the possibility of establishing a pharmacy in one of the free zones in the UAE, such as Dubai Healthcare City or Abu Dhabi Global Market. Free zones offer various incentives and streamlined procedures for setting up businesses.
Costs of Setting Up and Opening a Pharmacy Project in the UAE
After finding locations with Pharmacies for sale in UAE, the process involves researching the costs of setting up these pharmacies and launching the project for the benefit of the community. However, before starting this project, you must have sufficient capital, as a limited budget may not be suitable for its execution.
The costs of starting a business in this field vary from one pharmacy to another and depend on factors such as location, employment costs, and your inventory of medications. Therefore, your capital for starting a pharmacy project in the UAE should range from AED 450,000 to AED 700,000.
Required Documents to Open Pharmacies for sale in UAE
If you wish to establish a pharmacy in the UAE, you will need to gather the following documents:
- Trading approval from the Health Regulation Department.
- Your pharmacy certificate from a recognized educational provider.
- Your resume shows at least two years of experience.
- Lease agreement for your building.
- Your pharmacy license from the Dubai Health Authority.
- Copy of your residence visa.
- Details of your company's bank account.
- Completed business license application form.
- Copy of your passport.
- Two colored passport-sized photos.
General Conditions for Opening a Pharmacy Project in the UAE
Several conditions must be met when starting your project after finding Pharmacies for sale in UAE, including:
- The designated location for your project must be on the ground floor. If it is in a commercial center, it may be on an upper floor.
- The pharmacy building must be made of concrete, painted with materials resistant to bacteria, easy to clean, and with a roof made of non-flammable material. It should comply with safety and civil defense requirements.
- The pharmacy floor should not be lower than the public road level, preferably covered with ceramic tiles. Doors should be wide enough to allow the passage of wheelchairs and other baby strollers, with a width of not less than 120 cm.
- Ventilation and light openings must be covered with wire mesh to prevent insects.
- Wooden doors are preferred, and walls should be painted with oil-based paint or its equivalent.
- The water supplied to Pharmacies for sale in UAE must come from a public source, with exceptions for pharmacies within commercial centers.
- The pharmacy must have a separate entrance, not connected to a medical clinic or any unrelated activity.
Setting Up a Pharmacies for sale in UAE
When preparing Pharmacies for sale in UAE to license them, consideration must be given to their overall professional appearance and ease of movement. They should provide spaces that accommodate sufficient quantities of medications in line with the volume of work and services offered. Consider the following:
- The pharmacy must have air conditioning to maintain a temperature inside of less than 25 degrees Celsius.
- The pharmacy's name should be written in clear, large Arabic letters. It may also be written in English alongside it, but the use of a general name for a pharmacy chain is not allowed unless officially approved by the Ministry of Health.
- A prominently displayed sign indicating business hours is required at the pharmacy's entrance.
- Licenses for the pharmacy, pharmacists, and their assistants should be visibly posted on any wall accessible to the public.
- The pharmacy must have secure and well-organized cabinets for storing medications. These cabinets should be locked to keep controlled medications away from the public. A designated key should be kept by the pharmacist or assistant. Prescription medications should also have a dedicated space.
- A designated safe for first aid and medical supplies, labeled "First Aid" or with a recognized logo, should be present externally.
- Pharmacies for sale in UAE must comply with general safety and security requirements, including readily available, Civil Defense-approved fire extinguishers.
- A designated area for expired medications is required, with clear labeling indicating they are not for sale or use.
- Ideally, the pharmacy should have a separate and dedicated space for providing medical consultations to the public, away from the sales area.
Licensing Procedures for Pharmacies for sale in UAE
Several procedures must be followed to obtain a license for practicing pharmacy in the UAE, whether as a responsible pharmacist, assistant pharmacist, or second pharmacist. Key steps include:
- Registration on the electronic services platform to obtain a username and password.
- Accessing the electronic system to license professionals through the licensed facility's account, providing necessary information and documents for the required license type.
- Submitting the transaction to the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
- The responsible employee reviews and approves the application if all conditions are met. The transaction is then sent to the facility for electronic payment.
- The pharmacy pays the fees through the website, and the transaction is automatically transferred to the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
- The final auditing employee approves the transaction and the paid amount if all conditions are met. The request for the initial license issuance is then approved.
Conditions for Obtaining a Pharmacy Practice License
When opening Pharmacies for sale in UAE, obtaining a license to practice pharmacy requires meeting several conditions, such as:
- Having at least two years of experience in the field.
- The break period from work should not exceed two years.
- Possessing a valid evaluation certificate for a maximum of five years.
Key Requirements for Pharmacists and Their Assistants
Pharmacists and their assistants in Pharmacies for sale in UAE must meet several requirements, including:
- Holding a valid license to practice pharmacy issued by the Ministry of Health and the local health authority.
- Complying with all laws and regulations issued by the Ministry of Health.
- Adhering to a code of conduct and ethics for the profession.
- Wearing a white coat for pharmacists and a blue coat for assistants, with identification cards indicating their roles.
- Pharmacist trainees may wear a white coat with a trainee identification card in Arabic or English.
- Pharmacies should only purchase medications from authorized agents within the country, with an official invoice. The purchase of medications from unlicensed entities is strictly prohibited.
Devices and Equipment in Pharmacies
Any pharmacy in the UAE must include essential devices and equipment, including:
- A desk for the pharmacist.
- A landline telephone.
- A computer.
- A fax machine.
- A printer.
- Internet service.
- An email address accessible to pharmacy staff.
- A scale to measure the temperature and humidity inside the pharmacy.
- A refrigerator for storing specific medications or pharmaceutical products. No food or beverages should be stored in it.
- A freezer for storing vaccines requiring temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius.
- Handwashing soap, sanitizer, paper towels, and an instructional poster for proper handwashing.
