This document provides an overview of the retail pharmacy market and management in the United Arab Emirates. It discusses the key players in the market, the licensing bodies that regulate pharmacies, the importance of customer service, staff management structures, strategies for products and pricing, and a SWOT analysis. The key players identified are Aster Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, Super Care, and Bin Sina Pharmacy. Licensing is handled by different authorities depending on the emirate, including MOH, DHA, and HAAD.

1. Retail Pharmacy Management
& Dynamics
Project 8 Arabia
Info@Project8Arabia.com

2. Background
 Retail Pharmacy Key Market Key Players
• Aster Pharmacy ( > 111 Pharmacies).
• Life Pharmacy.
• Super Care.
• Bin Sina Pharmacy(Oldest in Dubai).
 Licensing Health Authorities/Bodies
• MOH: Ministry Of Health ( Northern Emirates:
Sharjah , Ajman , Fujirah & RAK).
• DHA: Dubai Health Authority ( Dubai).
• HAAD: Health Authority Abu Dhabi ( Abu Dhabi).

3. Customer Service
Importance
• Brand Differentiation.
• Loyalty Driver.
Key Principles
• Service.
• Attitude.
• Consistency.
• Team Work.

4. Staff Management & Structure
 Management Structure
• Retail/ Operations Manager.
• Area Supervisor /Manager.
• Pharmacy/Store Manager.
• Pharmacist In-Charge ( Appointed After
approval of Health Authorities).
• Staff Pharmacists.
• Candidate Pharmacists (CP) , Assistant
Pharmacists(AP) , Sales Executive (SE).

5. Product Strategy
 Product Mix.
 Store /Private Labels.
 Customizing Product Ranges.

6. Product Pricing
 POM & OTC Products Governmental
Price Control.
 Discounts as a Loyalty driver.
 Special Offers & Promotions.
 Pricing Methods.

7. SWOT Analysis
 Strengths
• High living Standards.
• High Income levels.
• Continuous increase in UAE Retail Space
(Dubai Retail Space up 263% since 2006).
 Weakness
• Health Insurance companies powers.
• Key Players market domination.
• Lack of Innovation ,and adoption of
International Standards.

8. SWOT Analysis
 Opportunities
• Mandatory Health Insurance : Dubai & Abu
Dhabi.
• Recovering local economy.
• Increasing UAE population.
 Threats
• Further POM Price Reductions.
• Decreasing profit Margins.
• Increased Operating Expenses including Rents.
• International players tying up with local
business conglomerates to enter UAE market.