Trade partnership to boost Chemist Warehouse’s growth in the UAE

Chemist Warehouse launched over 20 years ago in Melbourne. Its business model was based on providing affordable and accessible healthcare. Since then, it has grown to over 600 stores worldwide. That network now includes 2 new stores in Dubai.

The brand is forecasting robust sales growth in the UAE. According to Chemist Warehouse UAE CEO, Priyash Paray, there are multiple strong market indicators for health and beauty in the region. These include consumer demand, government initiatives and trade agreements.

The UAE pharmacy market generated revenue of US$4.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$8.2 billion by 2030. The UAE market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2025 to 2030.

Consumer demand for value and quality

The UAE is a global business hub with a diverse and mobile population. Despite a strong economy, the cost of healthcare and medications are affecting household budgets in the UAE.

Efficiency of, and access to, healthcare is a strategic focus for government. The Dubai Healthcare Strategy 2030 aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of its healthcare services, aligning them with global standards.

Health insurance models include caps on pharmacy spend and co-payment requirements, which can increase medication costs. While customers increasingly prioritise affordability in healthcare products, they are not prepared to compromise on quality, explains Paray.

Chemist Warehouse’s value proposition aligns to those demands, he adds. The company can pass on cost savings from its large-scale global buying power. It implements stringent quality checks and partners directly with certified suppliers and authorised distributors to ensure authenticity.

Chemist Warehouse opened its second store in the UAE in March 2025.

Trade agreements improve efficiencies

When the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) enters into force, tariffs on cosmetics and pharmaceuticals will be locked at zero. Reduced import barriers under the agreement can also streamline supply chains and improve operational efficiency.

Chemist Warehouse carries a wide range of Australian pharmaceutical and cosmetic brands, including Amazonia, Barnes Naturals, Bondi Sands, Bunjie, Flexitol, Goat, Growth Bomb, Hydralyte, QV, Real Paw Paw, Sukin and Swisse. The tariff reduction means export costs are cheaper and ensure a competitive price point that’s appealing to customers.

‘Those factors also support our economy pricing model and make it easier for us to meet customer demand for value and quality,’ says Paray.

Trade agreements can also improve the mobility of professionals. ‘For a global business such as Chemist Warehouse, that makes it much easier for us to collaborate and share knowledge and skills across our network,’ Paray adds.

Navigating new market opportunities

As a place to do business, the UAE offers business-friendly regulations, no foreign-ownership restrictions and streamlined business processes.

Even so, entering a regulated and highly competitive market with established global and regional players presents some challenges. The brand has needed to focus on innovation and differentiating its offering, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

‘We see ourselves as positively disrupting the market by introducing greater competition, accessibility and affordability,’ says Paray.

‘Austrade facilitated introductions to local authorities such as the Department of Economy & Tourism, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). This helped us navigate regulatory approvals efficiently,’ says Paray.

‘Austrade also connected us with major mall operators, enabling a smoother setup and launch of the Chemist Warehouse brand in the UAE.’

Positioned to respond to a changing environment

Chemist Warehouse is planning for growth beyond its Dubai base and is optimistic about opportunities in the region. The company plans for further growth through the UAE and hopes to use it as a base to expand its offerings throughout the Middle East.

Customers in the UAE are well-educated and technology literate. The brand is responding to demand for e-commerce and delivery services via WhatsApp, which will help extend its reach throughout the region. The brand is also preparing for growing demand for preventative healthcare products.

Paray is confident the company will continue to adapt. ‘Leveraging our extensive international experience alongside our team’s deep local market knowledge makes us uniquely positioned to respond to evolving consumer needs.’