Specialty Pharma Growth and Challenges in GCC

Q1. Could you start by providing a brief overview of your professional background, with a particular focus on your industry expertise?

I bring over 22 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry across multinational and regional companies, where I’ve led country operations, market entries, and large commercial teams. My expertise spans specialty care, biologics, and generics, with a strong focus on market access, pricing strategies, and tender management. Most recently, I’ve been leading sales and operational strategies in the UAE, driving sustainable growth while ensuring patients gain access to innovative and cost-effective treatments.

Q2. Which GCC markets or verticals show the strongest growth potential or unmet needs in specialty pharma and biologics?

Oncology and immunology are among the fastest-growing therapeutic areas, characterized by significant unmet medical needs.

Rare diseases and orphan drugs remain largely underserved, though governments are increasingly open to establishing new funding pathways.

Biosimilars: Significant cost pressure on healthcare budgets is driving faster uptake.

Saudi Arabia is the region’s largest market by value and is placing a priority on localization and improving access to specialty care.

The UAE and Qatar are innovation-driven markets, often early adopters of advanced therapies.

Kuwait and Oman are showing growth, though their…