Pharmaceutical market access in the UAE—reimbursement, formulary listing, and physician adoption—depends on evidence and stakeholder alignment. Market research shapes pricing, value stories, and launch strategy. This article explains why it matters and how to use it for UAE and GCC market access.
Why Market Research Is Essential for Pharmaceutical Market Access in the UAE
By Mohammad Ashour
Category: Market Research
Executive Summary
KEY INSIGHTS: Market research is the foundation for pharmaceutical market access in UAE: it shapes pricing, value stories, and launch sequencing. UAE has multiple payer layers (MOHAP, DHA, DOH) and private insurers; research identifies what evidence and messages each values. Payer and physician research, value message testing, and landscape work together to support listing and uptake. Start early (12–18 months pre-submission), use bilingual approaches where needed, and align research with access and commercial teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is market research important for pharmaceutical market access in the UAE?
Market research answers what payers and physicians value, how decisions are made, and what evidence and messages resonate. It shapes pricing, value dossiers, and launch strategy. Without UAE-specific research, companies risk misaligned submissions, slower listing, and lower uptake.
What types of market research support pharma market access in UAE?
Payer and formulary research (interviews with committee members and pharmacy directors), physician access and adoption research (surveys and IDIs), value message and pricing research, and competitive and landscape research. Together they inform evidence needs, messaging, and sequencing.
How does UAE market access differ from other markets?
UAE has multiple payer layers—federal MOHAP, Dubai DHA, Abu Dhabi DOH—plus private insurers. Evidence expectations and committee processes vary. Market research identifies what each segment needs and how to tailor value stories and dossiers.
When should we conduct market research for UAE market access?
Ideally 12–18 months before planned submission so insights can inform evidence generation, dossier design, and pricing. Early research also supports prioritisation of geographies and accounts.