PXL/HO/Cir-114/2021-22                                                                   Date: 20.12.2021

Hyderabad

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Regarding emerging favorable investment climate in the pharma sector of UAE

You are kindly aware that the Department of Commerce, Government of India is committed towards strengthening bilateral trade relations across the globe with an objective to create a competitive ecosystem and facilitating ease of doing business for Indian exporters.

The Govt of India is currently under process of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations with  the United Arab Emirates and Pharma  is one of the focused sector in bilateral trade promotion. UAEs pharmaceutical sector is expanding rapidly to meet the evolving needs of a growing population and UAE is envisioned to achieve sustainable growth for the pharmaceutical industry, prioritizing it as one of the focus sectors in “Abu Dhabi Vision 2030”. 

The UAE government is currently focusing on cost containment and local production of medicines to reduce the import dependence and achieve self-sufficiency in the pharma sector. Considering the priority focus on the sector, the UAE government announced their intent to seek investment from Indian-based pharmaceutical companies stating numerous incentives (including financial contributions) to support manufacturing firms with strong R&D facilities and promote set up of local production plants in the UAE. An overview of offered incentives and advantages while making an investment in the country is as below for your ready reference:

·   Customs exemptions

·   Exemption of industrial license

·   Reductions on electricity tariffs

·   Upto 100% profit repatriation in special economic zones

·   Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) preferential pricing for full manufacturing and primary packaging products in UAE.

·   Department of Health (DOH) support to local firms for coverage of products in insurance plans, blocking the coverage of non – registered products once the alternative registration is available.

·   Package of incentives to local manufacturers by Department of Economic Development (DED)

·   Emphasis on fast tracking innovative medicines and orphan drugs.

Member companies may take note of emerging favourable investment climate for the pharma industry in UAE and strategize their plans in regards to expansion, if any in the GCC region.  For detailed information on the investment opportunities and available assistance, you may kindly write to Abu Dhabi Investment Office at inquiries@adio.ae.

With regards,

Uday Bhaskar

Director General