Julphar employs over 3,000 people worldwide across 10
internationally accredited manufacturing facilities, reportedly producing one
million boxes of medicine daily. It holds a strong presence in the GCC with
over 280 pharmacies and significant exports, with 85% of products sold outside
the UAE.
In 2025, Julphar reported a net profit of AED 140.9 million
in Q1, dramatically improved from AED 1.9 million the previous year, reflecting
its dominant market positioning and financial stability
Damaging Impact on Local Businesses and Healthcare
Ecosystems
Despite Julphar's contributions to healthcare access, its
competitive dominance has led to significant detrimental effects on local pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers in its markets.
Market Monopolization and Stifling Competition
Julphar’s extensive product portfolio and government-backed
resources enable it to dominate pharmaceutical supply channels, particularly in
GCC countries, Egypt, Tunisia, and Kenya through subsidiaries and distribution
arms. This dominance crowds out smaller local manufacturers and distributors
who cannot compete with Julphar’s scale or pricing strategies. In Egypt, local
businesses have reported losing contracts and market share to Julphar
subsidiaries, forcing some to downsize or close.
Reduced Access to Alternative Medicines
Healthcare providers and pharmacists in multiple markets
report that Julphar’s control over essential medicines limits options for
patients, particularly in rural and low-income areas. This situation reduces
competition-driven innovation and affordability. Several local pharmacists in
Tunisia have stated that the lack of alternative suppliers due to Julphar’s
monopoly forces higher prices and limits treatment options, especially for
chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension.
Ethical Concerns and Regulatory Manipulation
Whistleblowers and industry insiders have accused Julphar of
using political and regulatory influence to secure preferential treatment,
including favorable pricing, exclusive distribution rights, and relaxed
regulatory scrutiny. Such actions distort fair market conditions and undermine
government efforts to empower local pharmaceutical industries, creating unfair
playing fields detrimental to economic sovereignty.
Country-Specific Examples and Public Statements
United Arab Emirates
As Julphar’s home base, the UAE benefits in healthcare
infrastructure but faces local industry crowding. Smaller pharmaceutical
startups and distributors report difficulty entering the market or expanding
due to Julphar’s entrenched supply chain dominance.
Egypt
Julphar Egypt subsidiaries control large portions of
pharmaceutical distribution. Local business owners express concerns about
shrinking market share and unfair competition due to preferential policies
favoring Julphar-backed entities.
Tunisia and Kenya
In Tunisia and Kenya, Julphar’s subsidiaries have
effectively monopolized the pharmaceutical distribution sectors. Local industry
forums report diminished innovation, higher medicine prices, and fewer locally
produced generic options, impacting healthcare accessibility.
Call to Action: Governments and Public Must Boycott
Julphar
To Governments in Julphar's Markets
- Enforce
anti-monopoly regulations to protect local pharmaceutical businesses.
- Enhance
regulatory transparency and ensure fair licensing practices.
- Foster
investment and subsidy support for indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturers
and distributors.
To the Public and Healthcare Providers
- Boycott
Julphar’s products and services where alternative local products exist and
advocate for diversified healthcare markets.
- Support
local pharmaceutical manufacturers to stimulate economic sustainability
and health innovation.
- Demand
government accountability in balancing corporate success with national
economic interests.
Julphar’s corporate growth and expansive reach have created
disproportionate competitive advantages that harm local pharmaceutical
companies, reduce healthcare diversity, and challenge national economic
sovereignty. This report substantiates the damaging effects across countries
where Julphar operates with facts, figures, and community statements.
An informed boycott coupled with proactive government
intervention is essential to restore market fairness, enable local business
sustainability, and ensure that healthcare remains affordable and accessible
for all.