Retail expansion: Albatha deal enhances UAE presence, serving 15,000 customers each day.
Dubai: Albatha Healthcare has announced the acquisition of Health First Pharmacy in the UAE, previously owned by Planet Pharmacies and part of Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar).
The deal strengthens Albatha Healthcare’s retail footprint across the country, expanding its network to 121 pharmacies nationwide and enabling it to serve more than 15,000 customers daily. The acquisition further consolidates its position as one of the UAE’s leading pharmacy operators, while improving access to community-based healthcare services.
The milestone builds on the integration of Albatha Healthcare’s pharmacy network and aligns with its broader strategy to expand its retail platform, enhance distribution reach, and deliver consistent, patient-focused care across all locations.
To support its expanding operations, the company is also upgrading its digital capabilities through a refreshed Modern Pharmacy website and the rollout of a new mobile application aimed at improving accessibility, streamlining services, and enhancing the overall customer experience.
Hesham Abdalla said the acquisition of Health First Pharmacy strengthens Albatha Healthcare’s presence across the UAE and expands its ability to deliver trusted, patient-centred care to more communities.
He added that the milestone reflects the company’s commitment to building a leading pharmacy network while supporting the UAE’s broader vision of accessible, high-quality healthcare for all.
Basel Ziyadeh said the divestment of UAE retail pharmacy operations forms part of Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar)’s strategy to exit non-core assets and focus on its core pharmaceutical manufacturing and commercialisation business.
“We are advancing our investment programme to strengthen our biotech portfolio and introduce new manufacturing technologies at our state-of-the-art facilities in the UAE,” he said.
He added that as the company executes its strategy, it continues to reinforce the UAE’s pharmaceutical and biotech industrial base, supporting sustainable access to high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions across the region.
The deal marks Albatha Healthcare’s third acquisition in the past year, reflecting its ongoing strategy to expand its pharmacy network and strengthen its healthcare offerings across the UAE.
With rising demand for pharmaceutical and healthcare services and the market projected to nearly double over the next decade, the expanded retail footprint positions the group to better meet evolving patient needs while supporting the UAE’s growing healthcare ecosystem.
The transaction aligns with national healthcare priorities under the We the UAE 2031 Vision, which focuses on improving access to healthcare, strengthening preventive care, and delivering high-quality, patient-centred services.
Albatha Healthcare said it remains committed to sustainable growth, aiming to provide accessible and reliable healthcare solutions to communities across the UAE and to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
