ARABIAN ETHICALS CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY, LOOKS FORWARD TO AN INNOVATIVE FUTURE
PROJECT SPONSOR
HEALTHY BUSINESS IN UAE HEALTHCARE
Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, Arabian Ethicals (AE) is one of the best-established pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare distributors in the Gulf region. In this milestone year, Rawhi Al-Khatib, GM at AE, describes the company’s success and development
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ccording to the Government of Dubai, under a recent MoU signed by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the UAE is looking to attract international pharmaceutical firms, with investment of up to AED 2bn (approximately US$544mn) annually. Such investment is aimed at transforming Dubai – Arabian Ethicals’ (AE) home city – into a regional hub for medical tourism as the country prepares for the post-oil era. “Arabian Ethicals was established in 1977 in Dubai as an agent for pharmaceutical and medical equipment, alongside consumer health products. Over the last 40 years, AE has grown to become
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a major distributor for many multinational brands such as Merck Serono, Acino, Sandoz, Ferring, Himalaya, API, Medpharma, Avalon, Dr. Theiss, Naterra, Lohman, Norbrook and many others specialising in a wide range of pharmaceutical, consumer, and veterinary medicine,” reveals General Manager, Rawhi Al-Khatib. “AE is a part of a larger regional Group, Aban Investments, which has a presence in various industries such as chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, retail, F&B, IT, and digital office imaging and office services, with a strong financial capability. Currently, AE has offices and pharmaceutical standard logistical hubs in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as regional distribution
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partners,” details Al-Khatib. While AE is based out of the two most populous cities in the UAE, its scope is not limited to them. “We actually cover the entire UAE from these two hubs, which operates a large fleet of MOH licenced vehicles and qualified sales teams. We cover various channels including pharmacies, government sectors, hospitals, clinics, retailers, veterinary clinics and animal farms in the UAE, and we have a strong appetite for growth regionally,” explains Al-Khatib. “The development of the healthcare market in the UAE, and the ongoing government initiatives to attract international renowned healthcare players and manufacturers, has been a key factor to AE growth. Alongside this, the support of the government to build state-of-the-art healthcare insurance systems and relevant healthcare facilities, with best-inclass technology infrastructures,
has created a favourable environment for the growth of the UAE healthcare market.”
Growing market In 2016, the market value of pharmaceuticals in the UAE amounted to AED 9.61bn (US$2.6bn), according to figures published by the Government of Dubai. Furthermore, the Government of Dubai predicts that by 2020, spending on medicine is expected to reach AED 13.13bn (US$3.5bn) and by 2025 AED 21.74bn (US$5.9bn), driven by population growth – a 21.9% increase is predicted from 2015 to 2030 – alongside changing morbidity and the use of modern medicines such as biotechnology drugs. Such trends are reflected across the region, with the MENA region projected to grow by 8.8% year-on-year from 20152020 in the pharmaceutical sector, according to a recent report by Business Monitor International. Such growth has resulted from many major players entering the UAE market in recent years. “More pharma businesses and pharma
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manufacturing investors came in, alongside the emergence of chain pharmacies in this part of the world, for example Aster, Life, Boots and Bin Sina. These pharmacies are now contributing up to 70% of the pharmaceutical retail business in the UAE,” comments Al-Khatib. “All of this helps grow the market and the business for us, and we will continue to complement our portfolio with new innovative brands and healthcare related technologies.”
quality assurance departments, which perfects and supports our operations,” notes Al-Khatib. Moreover, this dedication by AE to its goals is reflected in the relationships the company enjoys with its business partners. “We want to develop longterm, sustainable relationships with our suppliers and customers. We strive to build our business around our core values which are respect for people, excellence in all aspects of the company, customer focus Outstanding and satisfaction, Number of service transparency and employees at AE As part of its mission, communication, AE aspires to provide honesty and integrity, high quality products and and building trust at all outstanding service to its clients in levels,” reveals Al-Khatib. various fields. “We are certified by the UAE Ministry of Health, Dubai Continual focus on development Municipality and relevant Ministries, The high level of training offered to alongside being ISO certified. AE staff is a reflection of its parent Our internal bylaws are governed company, Aban Investments. “It’s in-line with industry standards, a priority and an ongoing focus for as well as our internal code of the Group to remain competitive ethics. We have effective HR and and as an employer of choice. We
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“WE HAVE OVER 150 EMPLOYEES FROM 25 DIFFERENT NATIONS, EXPERIENCES AND BACKGROUNDS. THIS MAKES US AN INTERNATIONAL AND DYNAMIC TEAM WORKING UNDER A LOCAL GUIDANCE UMBRELLA” RAWHI AL-KHATIB, GENERAL MANAGER
Pioneering research and evidence based natural medicine since 1930. Present in more than 80 countries with a mission to make herbal wellness a part of every home. Vision Our vision is to bring wellness into every home through scientifically researched herbal solutions for the entire family.
Innovation at Himalaya We have filed 83 global patents. We have already been granted 7 patents for noval discoveries.
Research & Development Himalaya’s Research & Development Center has over 100 multidisciplinary scientists.
Global Presence Himalaya is present in over 80 countries with hub offices in India, USA, Middle East, South Africa, Latvia and Singapore. Today, Himalaya’s products are prescribed be over 400,000 doctors worldwide.
The Himalaya Drug Company FZCO Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, 4 E, B Block, 4th Floor, P.O.Box 54637, Dubai - U.A.E.
ABOUT NATERRA The company recently celebrated its new partnership with Arabian Ethicals – known for curating a collection of sought out brands – is set to introduce consumers to leading Naterra brands made in the U.S.A. including Tree Hut, creator of America’s favorite body scrubs and butters, TIGI Cosmetics, professional makeup and skincare line, and Baby Magic, iconic baby care brand. Since 1923, Naterra has been committed to developing and manufacturing personal care products of the highest quality to promote a better lifestyle. The company is dedicated to representing reliability, integrity, and honor in their products and will continue its legacy in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East and North Africa regions. For more information on Naterra and its brands, visit www.naterra.us
have a learning and development department, talent acquisition team, alongside motivation and incentive systems. We are constantly investing in the latest technologies and applications in order to keep on developing staff experience and build new skills,” says Al-Khatib. AE’s high standards and the employees maintaining them have been key to the company’s success over the past 40 years. “We are a 40-year-old company, but we are the most dynamic and young organisation at heart. Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of our business that makes AE unique. Our international and cross-cultural team experience brings in diverse different talent,” Al-Khatib details. “We have over 150 employees from 25 different nations, experiences and backgrounds. This makes us an international and dynamic team working under a local guidance umbrella,” advises Al-Khatib. “We are forever evolving to meet the expectations of our stakeholders.
Therefore, we are investing in new technologies and infrastructures, especially in logistics and distribution, as well as in our people.”
The Future Al-Khatib continues: “Supported by Aban Investments, we plan to bring innovative healthcare businesses and investors into the region and the UAE specifically. As part of our organic growth strategy, we are currently expanding our distribution footprint in the GCC and the Middle East,” Al-Khatib explains. “Being a local Emirati Company, we have a social responsibility towards our country and community. Therefore, we strive to work closely with relevant health authorities and our business partners to continuously create health awareness in our society and bring innovative affordable medical solutions to combat prevailing illnesses in this part of the world especially obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.”
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M 10, Makeen Building Airport Road, Dubai PO Box 9081 +971 (4) 2088400 info@arabianethicals.ae www.arabianethicals.ae