Table of Contents
Topic Summary
A Fast-Growing Market Worth Entering
The UAE veterinary medicine market generated USD 58.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 103.4 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.1%. Rising pet ownership, an active equestrian sector, and expanding livestock operations are all fuelling this demand.
Two Clear Audience Segments to Target
Traders can focus on companion animal medicines for clinics, pet pharmacies, and pet stores, or on equine and livestock products for racing yards and poultry operators. Both segments represent distinct and growing distribution channels across the UAE.
Know Exactly What Activity 4772.99 Covers
This licence covers veterinary pharmaceuticals, animal vaccines, antiparasitic treatments, equine supplements, and wound care products licensed specifically for animal use. Human pharmaceuticals fall under a separate pharmacy licence category, 4772.88, so the distinction matters.
Dubai's Equestrian Scene Is a Major Driver
The UAE is one of the world's most active equestrian markets, home to Meydan Racecourse and the Dubai World Cup, with hundreds of private stables and training yards. This creates consistent, specialised demand for equine medicines and performance supplements.
No Third-Party Approval Required
Veterinary medicines trading through Meydan Free Zone does not require third-party regulatory approval to obtain a business licence. This streamlines the setup process compared to many other health-related commercial activities.
AML Compliance Is Not Required for This Activity
This business activity is not subject to Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements under Meydan Free Zone's framework. That reduces the administrative burden for new traders entering the market.
Specialised Veterinary Care Is Expanding the Product Range
Growing veterinary specialisations in ophthalmology, orthopaedics, and dermatology are broadening the types of medicines and health products in demand. Traders who stock a diverse, clinically relevant product range are well positioned to serve this evolving market.
How to Start a Veterinary Medicines Trading Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
Veterinary medicines trading is a growing commercial category in the UAE, driven by rising pet ownership, the country's active equestrian sector, and its significant livestock and poultry industry. The UAE veterinary medicine market generated USD 58.1 million in revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 103.4 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 10.1%.[1] The broader UAE veterinary drugs market is expected to reach USD 450 million by 2030 growing at 7.5% CAGR.[2] The UAE is one of the world's most active equestrian markets, home to Meydan Racecourse and the Dubai World Cup, with hundreds of private stables and training yards requiring veterinary medicine supply.
Dubai's large pet ownership community, the country's poultry and livestock sector, and the growing specialisation of veterinary care -- including ophthalmology, orthopaedics, and dermatology -- all sustain expanding demand for veterinary medicines traders.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| COMPANION ANIMAL | Pet and Companion Animal Medicine Traders Traders supplying veterinary medicines, flea and tick treatments, dewormers, pet vitamins, and companion animal health products to veterinary clinics, pet pharmacies, and pet stores across the UAE. |
| EQUINE AND LIVESTOCK | Equine and Livestock Veterinary Medicine Distributors Distributors supplying equine medicines, vaccines, performance supplements, and veterinary products to the UAE's active equestrian community, racing yards, and livestock and poultry operators. |
4772.99 - Veterinary Medicines Trading
Activity 4772.99 covers the trading of veterinary medicines, interpreted within the retail sale of pharmaceutical and medical goods in specialised stores. This encompasses veterinary pharmaceuticals and drugs, vaccines for animals, antiparasitic treatments, flea and tick prevention products, veterinary antibiotics, animal nutritional supplements, equine performance supplements, veterinary wound care, and all medicinal products formulated and licensed for use in animals.
Activity 4772.99 covers veterinary medicines for animal use. Human pharmaceuticals require a pharmacy licence under 4772.88.
Veterinary equipment for surgical use falls under medical and veterinary equipment categories.
In short: if you are trading medicines and health products specifically licensed for animal use, you are in. Human pharmaceuticals require a pharmacy licence under 4772.88.
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Veterinary pharmaceuticals and drugsVeterinary prescription and OTC medicines, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and therapeutic drugs licensed for animal use. | Animal nutritional supplements Pet vitamins, joint supplements, omega-3 for animals, equine performance supplements, and nutritional support products for animals. |
| Animal vaccines and biologicsCompanion animal vaccines, equine vaccines, livestock vaccines, and biological products for animal disease prevention. | Veterinary wound care and equipment Veterinary bandages, wound sprays, surgical preparation products, and equipment for veterinary clinical and at-home animal care. |
| Antiparasitic and flea treatments | Flea and tick prevention spot-ons, collars, tablets, and antiparasitic treatments for pets and companion animals. |
Third-Party Approval
This activity does not require third-party approval to obtain a business license from Meydan Free Zone.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is not subject to AML compliance requirements.
References
- ¹ Grand View Research. (2025). UAE Veterinary Medicine Market Size and Outlook, 2024-2030. grandviewresearch.com
- ² Ken Research. (2025). UAE Veterinary Drugs Market. kenresearch.com
