Saudi Arabia is aiming to localise the production of 200 essential medicines as part of its strategy to achieve pharmaceutical security. According to Minister Bandar Al Khorayef, 42 medicines are already being prioritised for domestic manufacturing through collaborations with government and private sectors. The kingdom’s goal is to become a hub for drug and vaccine production in partnership with global pharmaceutical companies.

The Push for Local Pharmaceutical Production

42 Medicines Underway for Localisation

Saudi Arabia has already begun steps to manufacture 42 essential medicines locally through collaboration between government and private entities, as announced by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Al Khorayef, during a global health forum in Riyadh.

Establishing Saudi Arabia as a Regional Pharmaceutical Hub

Partnerships with International Drug Companies

The kingdom is working to position itself as a leading hub for regional drug and vaccine production by forming strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies. Investors are encouraged to explore the opportunities in the Saudi pharmaceutical sector, which currently includes more than 8,000 medicines in use.

Remarkable Growth in Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Plants

Expansion of Factories Between 2019 and 2023

The number of pharmaceutical factories in Saudi Arabia grew from 42 to 56 between 2019 and 2023, while medical equipment factories surged from 54 to 150 during the same period. The cumulative value of these sectors exceeds $10 billion.

Cutting-Edge Technologies Driving the Growth

Saudi Arabia's adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies has significantly contributed to the growth of its pharmaceutical sector. Healthcare remains a strategic focus for the kingdom, aligned with its broader development goals.