Dermatologicals in the United Arab Emirates

PROSPECTS

Consumers paying greater attention to their health and appearance

Consumers in the United Arab Emirates are becoming increasingly focused on their appearance driven in part by the selfie culture and social media, with more photos being taken than ever before. This has also led to consumers paying more attention to their skin and hair, with consumers taking more care over their skin care routines, diet and other factors such as sun exposure.

Widespread health coverage includes visits to a dermatologist

The two emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have mandatory health insurance for its residents and citizens alike, while the Northern Emirates only offer this for Emiratis. However, the majority of the population resides and works in Abu Dhabi and Dubai even when living in other areas such as Sharjah for instance.

Consumers choose products based on efficacy over price

When it comes to dermatologicals that are purchased OTC consumers have shown a willingness to pay more for products which are more effective. This position should strengthen over the forecast period as the economy continues its recovery.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Bayer’s expanded range of hair loss treatments proving popular

Bayer Middle East continued to lead dermatologicals in 2019 in large part due to the strength of its Priorin and Canesten brands, which retained their strong positions in hair loss treatments and topical antifungals respectively. Priorin expanded its line towards the end of the review period to include a shampoo and a liquid format, with it previously only available in a capsule format.

Local players struggle as economy recovers and consumers trade up

Domestic manufacturers continued to be present in dermatologicals, although only accounting for a low value share, with most manufacturing generics, competing mainly on the basis of competitive pricing. The two most visible domestic players in this category are Dar-Al-Dawa Development & Investment Co Ltd and Julphar Gulf Pharmaceuticals.

GSK set for bright future as GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer combine their portfolios

GSK Consumer Healthcare was ranked second in dermatologicals in 2019 thanks to its large portfolio of products which includes the popular Lamisil brand of topical antifungals and the Fongitar brand of antiparasitics/lice (head and body) treatments. It also leads the small category of cold sore treatments with its Zovirax brand, with its Betnovate and Cutivate being leading brands of antipruritics.

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