Advancing healthcare, expanding possibilities

Founded in 1980 under the guidance of the late Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, then Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Julphar (Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries) became the first pharmaceutical manufacturer in the Gulf region. At a time when the UAE was fully dependent on imported medicines, Julphar addressed an urgent national need: producing essential drugs locally.

By 1984, it had registered its first 30 products with health authorities, covering antibiotics, pain relievers and other vital treatments, produced in a modest Ras Al Khaimah facility.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Julphar expanded its capabilities and range, steadily evolving from a small, national manufacturer into one of the Middle East’s leading pharmaceutical companies. These formative decades laid the groundwork for Julphar’s role as a pioneer in the healthcare manufacturing industry.

Brief history

Julphar’s early focus was on producing essential medicines for local needs. Over the course of two decades, it became a trusted regional supplier of widely prescribed medications. By the early 2000s, its expansion into specialised therapeutic categories, such as cardiology, gastroenterology and paediatrics, cemented its reputation as a homegrown healthcare success story.

In 2012, Julphar achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first biotech company in the region to launch large-scale production of recombinant insulin. This breakthrough marked its entry into advanced biopharmaceuticals and strengthened healthcare resilience across the Middle East.

Financials

REVENUE (FY 2024)

1.313 billion

2.7% YOY

NET PROFIT (FY 2024)

45 million

EBITDA (FY 2024)

145 million

International expansion

With facilities and partnerships in Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and Bangladesh, Julphar has built a strong presence across emerging markets. Its products reach more than 40 countries, covering the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Product diversification

Julphar’s portfolio spans hundreds of medicines across therapeutic areas, including cardiology, gastroenterology, paediatrics and women’s health. The company is actively expanding into biosimilars and vaccines to support national and regional health priorities.

High-quality job provider

Employing over 3,000 professionals across manufacturing, R&D, and quality assurance, Julphar plays a central role in developing technical skills and expertise in the Emirate.

Key non-oil exporter

By producing nearly one million medicine boxes daily, Julphar has made pharmaceuticals a vital non-oil export for Ras Al Khaimah, strengthening economic diversification.

Training and knowledge exchange

Through collaborations with local universities and health institutions, Julphar invests in knowledge-sharing programmes and capacity-building initiatives, developing future healthcare leaders.

Julphar - Global Pharma Innovator

Julphar has not only improved access to medicine in the UAE and beyond, it has also positioned Ras Al Khaimah as a trusted source of pharmaceutical innovation on the global map of high-value healthcare production.

More about Julphar

Overview

First Gulf-based pharma producer (est. 1980)

300 products registered by 1984

Nearly 1 million medicine boxes produced daily

10 internationally accredited manufacturing plants

Workforce of 3000+ (including R&D)

Distribution in 40 countries

In 2012, Julphar achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first biotech company in the region to launch large-scale production of recombinant insulin. This breakthrough marked its entry into advanced biopharmaceuticals and strengthened healthcare resilience across the Middle East.

Financials

Strategy

Julphar has pursued a dual strategy of expansion and diversification

Julphar has pursued a dual strategy of expansion and diversification

International expansion

Product diversification

Contribution

Julphar is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship industrial champions.

High-quality job provider

Key non-oil exporter

Training and knowledge exchange

Ras Al Khaimah

Government

Living

Investing

Visiting