UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market By Product Type (Cough, Cold and Flu, Vitamins, Mineral, and Supplements (VMS); Analgesics; Gastrointestinal Products; Dermatology Products; Others), By Route of Administration (Oral, Topical, Parenteral), By Dosage Form (Tablets, Capsules, Liquids & Solution, Creams/Lotions/Ointments, Others), By Distribution Channel (Retail Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, E-Pharmacy), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.91 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.79%
Fastest Growing Segment	E-Pharmacy
Largest Market	Abu Dhabi
Market Size (2031)	USD 4.08 Billion

Market Overview

The UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market will grow from USD 2.91 Billion in 2025 to USD 4.08 Billion by 2031 at a 5.79% CAGR. Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs are defined as pharmaceutical formulations available for purchase by consumers without a medical prescription, intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of minor ailments. The expansion of this market in the UAE is fundamentally supported by the government’s strategic drive towards pharmaceutical localization to ensure national drug security, alongside a growing population that is increasingly adopting self-care practices. This structural shift is further bolstered by substantial investments in domestic production capabilities. According to the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference, in 2025, the sector demonstrated its commercial robusticity by recording trade deals valued at AED 9.35 billion.

Despite these strong growth fundamentals, the market faces a significant impediment regarding the stringent regulatory landscape governing product registration and advertising. The rigorous compliance processes enforced by health authorities, while essential for safety, often result in lengthy approval timelines. This regulatory complexity can delay the commercial launch of new OTC products and restrict the marketing agility required for brands to effectively compete in a rapidly evolving retail environment.

Key Market Drivers

Supportive Government Regulatory Frameworks and Localization Initiatives are reshaping the UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market by reducing reliance on imports. The government’s strategic campaigns have incentivized significant infrastructure development, allowing local entities to produce generic and OTC medications more competitively. This shift secures the supply chain and encourages foreign direct investment. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), in January 2025, the International Pharmacy and Medicine Conference announced the establishment of three new pharmaceutical factories in Sharjah with a combined investment value exceeding AED 308.7 million. These facilities will accelerate the availability of locally produced medicines, stabilizing prices and improving market access.

The Increasing Incidence of Lifestyle-Related Chronic Conditions is acting as a parallel catalyst, driving sustained demand for management-oriented OTC products. As the prevalence of ailments such as diabetes rises, consumers are turning to non-prescription solutions for symptom management and preventive care. This trend is amplified by a heightened focus on health literacy, prompting individuals to seek early intervention through supplements. According to The National, in December 2025, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among the UAE's population was estimated at nearly 21% as of 2024. Domestic manufacturers are capitalizing on this need; for instance, according to WAM, in August 2025, Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) reported net revenues of AED 707.3 million for the first half of the year, reflecting the sector's operational resilience.

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Key Market Challenges

The primary challenge hampering the growth of the UAE Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs Market is the stringent regulatory landscape governing product registration and advertising. While rigorous compliance frameworks are essential for maintaining public health standards, the complex documentation and extended approval timelines create a significant bottleneck for pharmaceutical companies. This bureaucratic latency delays the commercial launch of new formulations, preventing brands from capitalizing on immediate consumer trends or seasonal health needs. Consequently, manufacturers struggle to maintain the operational agility required to compete effectively in a fast-paced retail environment, leading to missed revenue opportunities and slower return on investment for domestic and international entities alike.

The adverse impact of these regulatory delays is particularly pronounced given the sector's strong underlying commercial momentum. According to Dubai Customs, in the first quarter of 2025, the pharmaceutical sector recorded a 15% year-over-year growth in trade volume. This statistical evidence highlights a robust demand trajectory and increasing market activity; however, the lag caused by compliance procedures creates a disconnect between this potential volume and the actual speed of product availability. As a result, the market's ability to fully absorb and monetize this growing demand is restricted, as new OTC innovations face substantial lead times before they can reach the consumer.

Key Market Trends

Expansion of Digital Pharmacy and E-Commerce Channels is fundamentally altering consumer access to non-prescription medications by integrating seamless online ordering with rapid delivery logistics. This trend is driven by a tech-savvy population that increasingly prefers the convenience of app-based consultations and doorstep delivery for minor ailment treatments over traditional brick-and-mortar visits. The digital shift is further accelerated by the robust infrastructure of dedicated e-commerce zones which streamline the supply chain for healthcare retailers, allowing them to offer broader inventories and faster fulfillment. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), May 2025, in the 'EZDubai E-commerce Report', the UAE e-commerce sector reached a value of AED 32.3 billion in 2024, creating a fertile ecosystem for online pharmacy platforms to capture a larger share of consumer spending.

Rising Consumer Preference for Natural and Herbal Remedies is simultaneously reshaping product portfolios as buyers aggressively seek organic alternatives to synthetic pharmaceuticals. This shift is rooted in a broader wellness movement where individuals are prioritizing preventive health measures and clean-label ingredients to manage lifestyle-related concerns such as immunity, stress, and sleep quality. Manufacturers are responding by launching plant-based formulations and supplements that align with these holistic values, effectively expanding the addressable market for wellness-oriented OTC products beyond standard chemical options. According to ZAWYA, January 2025, in the 'Global Edge to tackle healthcare needs' article, the health and wellness retail market in the UAE is projected to reach approximately USD 2.57 billion by 2025, underscoring the substantial commercial potential of this natural segment.

Segmental Insights

Based on recent market research, the E-Pharmacy segment has emerged as the fastest-growing category within the UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by the country's extensive digital infrastructure and a marked shift in consumer behavior towards the convenience of online purchasing. Shoppers increasingly prefer mobile applications for acquiring non-prescription medications due to ease of access and privacy. Furthermore, regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) have established robust frameworks to ensure product safety and authenticity in digital sales. These government-led initiatives have fostered significant consumer trust, thereby accelerating the adoption of digital pharmacy platforms.

Regional Insights

Abu Dhabi stands as the dominant region in the UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure and high consumer purchasing power. The emirate’s leadership is reinforced by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which implements rigorous regulatory standards and strategic initiatives aligned with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. These policies foster a favorable environment for pharmaceutical expansion and ensure widespread access to non-prescription medications through an extensive network of pharmacies. Furthermore, significant government investment in local manufacturing and supply chain resilience secures Abu Dhabi's position as the primary hub for market growth.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, Haleon, a global leader in consumer health, signed a strategic partnership agreement with the University of Sharjah to enhance the skills of future healthcare professionals in the UAE. The collaboration focuses on training students and graduates in critical areas such as self-care, community health advocacy, and preventative health, which are vital components of the UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market. The General Manager of Haleon for the Gulf & Near East emphasized that this initiative aligns with the company's purpose of advancing everyday health through science and education, ensuring a resilient and inclusive healthcare ecosystem.
• In May 2025, Bayer Consumer Health forged strategic partnerships with the Emirates ENT Society and the Emirates Pharmacists Society to advance the management of allergic rhinitis in the region. Coinciding with these collaborations, the company launched ClariSpray, an innovative nasal spray designed to provide relief for allergy sufferers. The Vice President of Bayer Consumer Health highlighted that these initiatives underscore the company's dedication to empowering patients with effective self-care solutions and improving access to evidence-based treatments in the UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market. The partnerships aim to elevate awareness and support healthcare professionals in delivering better patient outcomes.
• In August 2024, OZON Pharmaceuticals entered into a significant agreement to establish a new manufacturing facility in Dubai Industrial City, representing an investment of AED 293 million. This strategic move aims to localize the production of high-quality medicines, including tablets and capsules, thereby strengthening the supply chain for the UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market and the broader healthcare sector. The General Manager of OZON Pharmaceuticals stated that the facility would enhance self-sufficiency and foster technological innovation in the region. The project is expected to operate at full capacity within the following year, serving markets across the GCC.
• In January 2024, Globalpharma, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai Investments, announced the launch of two new medicines during the DUPHAT conference, reinforcing its position in the UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market. The company introduced a new herbal medicine formulated with a blend of cloves and costus, drawing inspiration from traditional UAE heritage to address inflammation. Additionally, the pharmaceutical manufacturer unveiled a cardio-metabolic treatment combining Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe. These launches were described by the General Manager of Globalpharma as part of the company's commitment to delivering innovative, locally manufactured healthcare solutions that blend tradition with modern science.

Key Market Players

• Bayer Middle East FZE
• Novartis Middle East FZE
• GlaxoSmithKline (UAE)
• Sun Pharma Global FZE
• Johnson & Johnson Middle East
• Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries
• Pfizer Inc. (UAE)
• Galderma International SAS
• Sanofi UAE

By Product Type	By Route of Administration	By Dosage Form	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Cough Cold and Flu Vitamins Mineral Supplements (VMS); Analgesics; Gastrointestinal Products; Dermatology Products; Others	Oral Topical Parenteral	Tablets Capsules Liquids & Solution Creams/Lotions/Ointments Others	Retail Pharmacy Hospital Pharmacy E-Pharmacy	Dubai Abu Dhabi Sharjah Rest of UAE

Report Scope:

In this report, the UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Product Type:

• Cough
• Cold and Flu
• Vitamins
• Mineral
• Supplements (VMS); Analgesics; Gastrointestinal Products; Dermatology Products; Others

• UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Route of Administration:

• Oral
• Topical
• Parenteral

• UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Dosage Form:

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Liquids & Solution
• Creams/Lotions/Ointments
• Others

• UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Retail Pharmacy
• Hospital Pharmacy
• E-Pharmacy

• UAE Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Region:

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• Rest of UAE