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 setting itself up as a serious base for pharmaceutical R&D. It has the regulators, the free zone incentives, and it sits next to fast-growing healthcare markets across the Gulf and beyond.
This guide covers what activity code 7210.93 allows, who it suits, how to set it up, and what the market looks like.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity code | 7210.93 |
|---|---|
| Activity name | Pharmaceutical Researches & Studies |
| ISIC classification | Division 72 – Scientific Research and Development |
| Who regulates it | Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, plus the Department of Economy and Tourism or your free zone authority |
| UAE pharmaceutical market | Projected to reach USD 6.5 billion by 2027 – IMARC Group |
| Ownership | Up to 100% in free zones. Mainland depends on activity-specific approvals |
| Setup time | 3–6 weeks for a straightforward free zone setup, 8–12 weeks on the mainland with full approvals |
| License fees | Free zone packages usually AED 15,000–30,000 a year including the establishment card |
What This License Covers
Code 7210.93 sits inside ISIC Division 72, scientific research and development, applied to pharmaceutical and biomedical work.
The scope is research and studies. That means clinical investigations, drug efficacy assessments, formulation studies, and pharmaceutical testing.
It is not a manufacturing license, not a pharmacy permit, and not a drug trading authorisation. If your money comes from conducting or managing research rather than selling drugs, this is your code.
Who Your Clients Will Be
The operators who use this license are well defined:
- Contract research organisations
- Biotech startups
- Academic and commercial research units
- Multinational pharmaceutical firms setting up a regional R&D base in the Middle East
Your clients are the companies and institutions that need studies run and cannot or will not run them in-house.
Mainland vs Free Zone
Mainland
You get broader local market access and you can work directly with government hospitals and public research institutions. That matters for a contract research organisation doing government-partnered studies.
Free zone
Meydan Free Zone and others give you 100% foreign ownership, a simpler setup, and possible 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. International firms establishing a regional hub tend to pick this route when they do not need immediate government-sector engagement.
On ownership, free zones give you 100% outright. On the mainland it depends on activity-specific approvals rather than a blanket entitlement, so check the current position before you commit.
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Step-by-Step Setup Guide
The process is structured, and it is not complicated if you take it in order.
- Step 1, choose your jurisdiction: Mainland for local access and government institutions, or a free zone for ownership and simplicity. Let your operating model decide.
- Step 2, book your trade name: Confirm code 7210.93 is approved in your chosen jurisdiction. Use the Department of Economy and Tourism portal for mainland or your free zone portal.
- Step 3, get initial approval: File with your jurisdiction authority, and at the same time file for research activity approval with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and DHA registration where it applies.
- Step 4, secure premises: This license needs proper facilities, whether a laboratory, testing space, or an approved research facility. Free zones often have fitted lab units or flexi-desk options depending on your scope.
- Step 5, submit the full application: Include every regulatory NOC before you submit, or you risk rejection and a restart.
- Step 6, pay the fees and collect your license: Then apply for staff and researcher visas under MOHRE rules. Confirm professional license requirements for your lead researchers with the Dubai Health Authority at this point.
Documents you will need: passport copies for all shareholders and directors, a detailed description of your research activity and business plan, your Ministry of Health and Prevention initial approval letter, your tenancy contract or free zone unit agreement, and the CV and credentials of your lead researcher or principal investigator.
Compliance and What You Need in Place
Run the approvals in parallel
Two bodies govern this work. The Ministry of Health and Prevention holds national authority over pharmaceutical research approvals, including clinical trial registration and study authorisation. The Dubai Health Authority holds emirate-level jurisdiction for health activities inside Dubai.
You must satisfy both before you start any study. Running the two processes at the same time rather than one after the other saves you weeks.
Clinical trials
Any trial involving human subjects needs additional ethics committee approval and registration through the Ministry of Health and Prevention clinical trials portal. That is a federal requirement, not a matter of judgement.
Staff
Researchers and laboratory technicians need valid UAE residency visas, and some roles need professional licenses mandated by the Dubai Health Authority. Build that into your hiring timeline, because it is slower than ordinary recruitment.
Renewals
Renew the license annually. Approvals tied to active studies also need renewing, and updating whenever your study scope changes.
Corporate tax
The UAE brought in a 9% corporate tax from June 2023. A qualifying free zone entity may get 0% on qualifying income, subject to substance requirements. Check the Federal Tax Authority for current guidance.
Market Opportunity
The UAE pharmaceutical market is projected to reach USD 6.5 billion by 2027, driven by population growth, more chronic disease, and continued government spending on healthcare.
For a research operator, the domestic market is only part of the story. Dubai's position gives you clinical research access across MENA, South Asia, and East Africa, which means large and ethnically diverse patient populations. That suits multi-site studies in a way few other bases do.
Policy backs it up. UAE Vision 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 both prioritise knowledge-based industries, with biomedical R&D named in scope. Invest in Dubai has the detail on incentives.
There is also a regulatory tailwind. Regional regulators increasingly want GCC-based clinical data, which pushes demand for bioequivalence and Phase II and III trials run locally rather than imported from elsewhere.
Conclusion
A Pharmaceutical Researches and Studies license under code 7210.93 is a credible structure for contract research organisations, biotech firms, and multinational R&D units.
The regulatory path runs through the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Dubai Health Authority alongside your jurisdiction authority. It takes preparation. The market access, the ownership rights, and the operating environment justify the time and the cost.
The UAE's market trajectory, its geographic reach, and the government's commitment to knowledge industries make this one of the stronger places in the world to build a regional research presence.
Talk to a Meydan Free Zone adviser to confirm the right jurisdiction, map your approval pathway, and get the license issued without delays.
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References
- Ministry of Health and Prevention
- Dubai Health Authority
- IMARC Group
- Invest in Dubai
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Federal Tax Authority
