Sharjah's Pharmaceutical Expansion: Three New Factories
Sharjah will soon expand with three new pharmaceutical factories, with a total value of 308.7 million dirhams ($84 million), expected to be completed by mid to late 2026. The new facilities will produce specialized pharmaceutical formulations, including respiratory products, eye drops, antibiotic capsules, medications for stomach ailments, and first-aid materials.
Background of the new pharmaceutical factories
The agreements to establish the three new factories were signed at the recently held International Conference on Pharmaceutical and Medical Industries (ICPM 2025), hosted at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). The collaboration aims to strengthen partnerships between the United Arab Emirates and global pharmaceutical companies and enhance the competitiveness of the country's healthcare sector in the international market.
At the event, the chairman of the ICPM organizing committee emphasized that these new facilities represent a significant milestone in the pharmaceutical innovation of the United Arab Emirates and contribute to the international involvement of the local industry.
Details of the investments
The new pharmaceutical factories consist of three main investments:
1. Respiratory products and eye drops factory
a, Investment amount: $44 million
b, Main profile: Production of eye drops and respiratory products
c, Expected completion date: End of 2026
2. Antibiotic capsules and medications for stomach ailments factory
a, Investment amount: $35 million
b, Area: 10,000 square meters
c, Capacity: Production of 600 million capsules annually
d, Start of operations: 2026
3. First-aid products factory
a, Investment amount: $5 million
b, Main profile: Production of first-aid materials
c, Expected start date: Construction begins this year, completion expected by early 2025.
Why is this investment important for Sharjah?
The new pharmaceutical factories represent a significant advancement for Sharjah as they:
1. Expand local manufacturing capacity: The country increasingly emphasizes healthcare self-sufficiency, and the new factories contribute to strengthening the region's pharmaceutical infrastructure.
2. Increase global competitiveness: The United Arab Emirates aims to play a leading role in pharmaceutical innovations, and these investments help establish a stronger presence in global markets.
3. Job creation: The new facilities open career opportunities for many professionals, contributing to the development of the local labor market.
4. Research and development opportunities: The new plants are expected to launch new research and development projects in collaboration with the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park.
Future prospects
With the completion of the projects, Sharjah can further strengthen its position in health innovation, while opening new export opportunities for the country. For the local market, easier accessibility and a wider range of quality medicines may provide the greatest benefits.
The United Arab Emirates is continually expanding its healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, which can contribute to economic diversification and local industry growth in the long term.
