The UAE is not a monolithic pharmaceutical market. Winning formulary access requires mastering the distinct regulatory, insurance, and clinical pathways...
Abu Dhabi DOH vs. Dubai DHA: The 2026 Formulary Submissio...
By Mohammad Ashour
Category: Market Research
Executive Summary
The UAE pharmaceutical market is bifurcated between Abu Dhabi (DOH) and Dubai (DHA). Abu Dhabi requires deep HTA rigor and evidence-based dossiers, while Dubai is driven by private insurance dynamics and physician pull-through. A successful UAE strategy must treat these emirates as distinct commercial ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between DOH and DHA?
DOH (Abu Dhabi) is centralized and evidence-driven, requiring strict HTA submissions. DHA (Dubai) is more fragmented, with access gated by private insurance companies and TPA negotiations.
How important is Malaffi for market access?
Extremely. Malaffi provides the epidemiological baseline data needed to validate market sizing and budget impact models during P&T committee negotiations in Abu Dhabi.