Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Activity Code 7210.93 cover in Dubai
Activity Code 7210.93 is classified under ISIC Division 72 — Scientific Research and Development and specifically covers Pharmaceutical Researches & Studies. The scope includes clinical investigations, drug efficacy assessments, formulation studies, and pharmaceutical testing.
It is important to note that this is not a manufacturing licence, a pharmacy permit, or a drug trading authorisation. If your business generates revenue from conducting or managing pharmaceutical research rather than selling drugs, this is the correct activity classification.
Who is the Pharmaceutical Researches & Studies licence best suited for
This licence structure is designed for operators whose core business is research rather than drug sales or manufacturing. The most common applicants include:
- Contract research organisations (CROs)
- Biotech startups
- Academic-commercial research units
- Multinational pharmaceutical firms establishing a regional R&D presence in the Middle East
If your revenue model centres on conducting, managing, or supporting pharmaceutical studies, Activity Code 7210.93 is the appropriate classification to pursue.
Which regulatory bodies oversee pharmaceutical research licences in Dubai
Two primary regulatory bodies govern this space. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) holds national authority over pharmaceutical research approvals, including clinical trial registration and study authorisation at the federal level.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) holds emirate-level jurisdiction for health-related activities operating within Dubai. Operators must align with both MOHAP guidelines and DHA requirements before commencing any studies. Running these approval processes in parallel — rather than sequentially — is strongly recommended to save time.
What is the size and growth outlook for the UAE pharmaceutical market
According to IMARC Group, the UAE pharmaceutical market is projected to reach USD 6.5 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by population expansion, rising chronic disease prevalence, and sustained government investment in healthcare infrastructure.
For research-focused operators, Dubai's geographic position also provides access to large, ethnically diverse patient populations across MENA, South Asia, and East Africa — making it well suited for multi-site clinical studies. Regional regulators are increasingly requiring GCC-based clinical data, further driving demand for locally conducted trials.
What government policy frameworks support pharmaceutical R&D in Dubai
Two key policy frameworks explicitly prioritise knowledge-based industries including biomedical R&D. UAE Vision 2031 sets out a long-term national agenda for diversifying the economy toward science and innovation sectors. The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 reinforces this at the emirate level, with biomedical research within its stated scope.
Further details on investment incentives and policy direction are available through Invest in Dubai. These frameworks provide a stable, policy-backed environment for operators considering a long-term R&D presence in the region.
Should a pharmaceutical research business set up on the mainland or in a free zone
The right jurisdiction depends on your operational model. Mainland Dubai (DED) provides broader local market access and the ability to work directly with government hospitals and public research institutions — an important consideration for CROs and organisations conducting government-partnered studies.
A free zone such as Meydan Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, a simplified setup process, and potential 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Free zones are often preferred by international firms establishing a regional hub without an immediate need for direct government-sector engagement.
Can foreign investors own 100% of a pharmaceutical research company in Dubai
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is available for pharmaceutical research businesses established within Dubai's free zones. This makes free zone setup particularly attractive for international CROs, biotech firms, and multinational R&D units entering the UAE market.
On the mainland, foreign ownership for this activity is subject to activity-specific approvals rather than a blanket entitlement. Operators should verify the current ownership rules with the DED or a licensed business setup adviser before committing to a mainland structure.
What are the first steps in setting up a Pharmaceutical Researches & Studies licence in Dubai
The setup process follows a defined sequence. The first step is choosing your jurisdiction — mainland Dubai (DED) or a relevant free zone — based on your operational and ownership requirements. This decision shapes every subsequent step.
Once jurisdiction is confirmed, you should reserve your trade name and verify that Activity Code 7210.93 is approved for your chosen jurisdiction, using the DED e-Services portal for mainland checks or your free zone authority's portal. The next step is obtaining initial approval from the DED or free zone authority before progressing to regulatory approvals from MOHAP and DHA, which should be pursued in parallel where possible to reduce overall setup time.
Pharmaceutical Researches & Studies License in Dubai
Dubai is positioning itself as a serious hub for pharmaceutical R&D, backed by regulatory infrastructure, free zone incentives, and proximity to high-growth healthcare markets across the Gulf and beyond. This guide covers what the Pharmaceutical Researches & Studies licence (Activity Code 7210.93) covers, who it suits, how to set it up, and what the commercial landscape looks like in 2024–2025.
| Key Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Activity Code | 7210.93 |
| Activity Name | Pharmaceutical Researches & Studies |
| ISIC Classification | Division 72 — Scientific Research and Development |
| Regulatory Bodies | MOHAP, DHA, DED or relevant Free Zone Authority |
| UAE Pharmaceutical Market Size | Estimated USD 6.5 billion by 2027 |
| Foreign Ownership | Up to 100% in free zones; mainland subject to activity-specific approvals |
| Setup Jurisdictions | Mainland Dubai (DED), Meydan Free Zone, other relevant free zones |
What This Licence Covers and Who It Is For
Activity Code 7210.93 sits within ISIC Division 72 — Scientific Research and Development, specifically covering pharmaceutical and biomedical research. This is not a manufacturing licence, nor a pharmacy or drug trading permit. The scope is research and studies: clinical investigations, drug efficacy assessments, formulation studies, and pharmaceutical testing.
The operators this structure suits are well-defined: contract research organisations (CROs), biotech startups, academic-commercial research units, and multinational pharmaceutical firms establishing a regional R&D presence in the Middle East. If your business generates revenue from conducting or managing pharmaceutical research rather than selling drugs, this is the correct activity classification.
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Two regulatory bodies govern this space in Dubai. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) holds national authority over pharmaceutical research approvals, including clinical trial registration and study authorisation. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) holds emirate-level jurisdiction for health-related activities operating within Dubai.
Operators must align with both federal MOHAP guidelines and DHA requirements before commencing any studies. Running these approval processes in parallel — rather than sequentially — saves significant time.
Market Opportunity and Commercial Context
The UAE pharmaceutical market is projected to reach USD 6.5 billion by 2027, driven by population growth, rising chronic disease prevalence, and sustained government investment in healthcare infrastructure, according to IMARC Group. For research-focused operators, this is not just a domestic market — Dubai's geographic position bridges clinical research access across MENA, South Asia, and East Africa, offering access to large, ethnically diverse patient populations suited to multi-site studies.
Policy direction reinforces the opportunity. UAE Vision 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 both prioritise knowledge-based industries, with biomedical R&D explicitly within scope. Details are available via Invest in Dubai. At the same time, regional regulators are increasingly requiring GCC-based clinical data — driving demand for locally conducted bioequivalence and Phase II/III trials.
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The process is structured but not complicated if you approach it in the right sequence.
Step 1 — Choose your jurisdiction. Mainland Dubai (DED) provides broader local market access and the ability to work directly with government hospitals and research institutions. A free zone such as Meydan Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup, and potential 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Your operational model should drive this decision.
Step 2 — Reserve your trade name and confirm Activity Code 7210.93 is approved for your chosen jurisdiction. Use DED e-Services for mainland verification or your free zone authority's portal.
Step 3 — Obtain initial approval from DED or your free zone authority. Simultaneously, file for MOHAP research activity approval and DHA registration where applicable. Running these in parallel reduces total setup time materially.
Step 4 — Secure physical premises. A pharmaceutical research licence requires appropriate facilities — a laboratory, testing space, or approved research facility. Free zones often offer fitted lab units or flexi-desk options depending on the scope of operations.
Step 5 — Submit the full licence application with all supporting documents (see below). Ensure all regulatory NOCs are included before submission to avoid rejection or delays.
Step 6 — Pay licence fees and receive your trade licence. Proceed to visa applications for staff and researchers under MOHRE guidelines. Professional licence requirements for lead researchers should be confirmed with DHA at this stage.
Typical timeline: three to six weeks for a straightforward free zone setup. Mainland applications with full MOHAP approvals can extend to eight to twelve weeks depending on study scope and documentation completeness.
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- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Detailed research activity description and business plan
- MOHAP initial approval letter for pharmaceutical research
- Tenancy contract or free zone unit agreement
- CV and professional credentials of the lead researcher or principal investigator
Costs, Compliance, and Ongoing Obligations
Licence fees vary by jurisdiction. Free zone packages typically range from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 annually, inclusive of establishment card. Mainland costs depend on office or lab space, activity approvals, and any additional regulatory fees. Budget for MOHAP and DHA filing fees separately.
On taxation: the UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax from June 2023. Qualifying free zone entities may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income, subject to substance requirements. Full guidance is available from the Federal Tax Authority.
Annual licence renewal is mandatory. MOHAP and DHA approvals tied to active studies must also be renewed or updated if study scope changes. Any clinical trials involving human subjects require additional ethics committee approval and registration via MOHAP's clinical trials portal — this is a federal requirement, not discretionary.
Staffing obligations are worth noting early. Researchers and laboratory technicians require valid UAE residency visas, and certain roles may require professional licences mandated by DHA. Factor this into your hiring timeline.
Conclusion
A Pharmaceutical Researches & Studies licence in Dubai (Activity Code 7210.93) is a credible, commercially viable structure for CROs, biotech firms, and multinational R&D units. The regulatory pathway runs through MOHAP and DHA alongside your chosen jurisdiction authority — it requires preparation, but the market access, ownership rights, and operating environment justify the investment of time and cost.
The UAE's pharmaceutical market trajectory, combined with its geographic reach and government commitment to knowledge-based industries, makes this one of the stronger jurisdictions globally for establishing a regional research presence.
Speak to a UAE business setup specialist to confirm the right jurisdiction, map your MOHAP approval pathway, and get your licence issued without unnecessary delays.
References
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) (mohap.gov.ae)
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) (dha.gov.ae)
- IMARC Group (imarcgroup.com)
- Invest in Dubai (investindubai.gov.ae)
- DED e-Services (eservices.dubaided.gov.ae)
- MOHRE (mohre.gov.ae)
- Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae)
