Sharjah announces 3 new pharmaceutical factories worth Dh308.7M by 2026

Sharjah is set to strengthen its position in the global pharmaceutical sector with the establishment of three new factories, backed by a $84 million (Dh308.7 million) investment. The announcement was made during the International Pharmacy and Medicine Conference (ICPM 2025) at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. These facilities will expand the emirate's pharmaceutical capabilities by focusing on the production of respiratory treatments, eye drops, antibiotic capsules, stomach medications and first aid materials.

Construction of the factories is already underway, with completion dates scheduled between mid and late 2026. The facilities will be integrated into an existing pharmaceutical plant in Sharjah, further enhancing the region's healthcare manufacturing infrastructure. Dr. Munir Rayyan, chairman of the ICPM organizing committee, highlighted the importance of these partnerships in fostering collaboration between UAE-based factories and global pharmaceutical companies. He emphasized that these agreements reflect the UAE's growing role in pharmaceutical innovation and its ability to compete on a global scale.

The largest of the three factories, with a $44 million investment, will specialize in the production of eye drops and respiratory products and is expected to be completed by late 2026. Another factory, valued at $35 million and spanning 10,000 square feet, will focus on manufacturing antibiotic capsules and stomach medications, with a production capacity of 600 million capsules annually. This facility is also slated to begin operations in 2026. The third factory, a $5 million project dedicated to producing first aid materials, is set to start construction later this year and is expected to be operational by early 2025.

This major investment marks Sharjah's vision to advance its healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. By leveraging international partnerships and boosting local manufacturing capabilities, the emirate is positioning itself as a key player in the global health industry. These developments are expected to meet both domestic and international demand, further cementing the UAE’s reputation as a hub for medical innovation and production.