Albatha Healthcare acquires Health First Pharmacy to expand retail footprint in UAE to 121 pharmacies

UAE—Albatha Healthcare, a subsidiary of Albatha Group, has acquired Health First Pharmacy, previously owned by Planet Pharmacies under Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar).

The transaction strengthens Albatha Healthcare’s position in the country’s retail pharmacy sector and expands its network to 121 outlets serving more than 15,000 customers daily.

Through this move, the company deepens its presence in community healthcare delivery and reinforces its role as a leading pharmacy operator in the UAE.

The acquisition also supports Albatha Healthcare’s broader expansion strategy, which focuses on scaling its retail platform while improving access to essential medicines and pharmacy services across urban and suburban communities.

Expanding Retail and Customer Reach

Following the acquisition, Albatha Healthcare continues to integrate and streamline its pharmacy operations to ensure consistent service delivery across all locations.

The expanded network enables the company to reach a broader customer base while strengthening its distribution capabilities across the UAE healthcare ecosystem.

Separately, the group is building operational efficiencies across its outlets to enhance product availability and improve service reliability.

As demand for pharmaceutical care continues to grow, the company is positioning its expanded footprint to respond more effectively to evolving patient needs.

Digital transformation and service  enhancement

To complement its physical expansion, Albatha Healthcare is accelerating its digital transformation agenda.

The company is upgrading its Modern Pharmacy website and developing a mobile application designed to simplify customer interactions, improve prescription access, and enhance overall service convenience.

These digital tools aim to streamline pharmacy services and support a more connected healthcare experience.

Additionally, they reflect the company’s focus on integrating technology into everyday healthcare delivery, ensuring customers can access services more efficiently across multiple platforms.

Leadership perspectives on the acquisition

Hesham Abdalla, Managing Director of Albatha Healthcare, stated that the acquisition strengthens the company’s ability to extend trusted, patient-centered care across more communities in the UAE.

He noted that the expansion aligns with the group’s commitment to building a stronger and more accessible pharmacy network.

Meanwhile, Basel Ziyadeh, CEO of Julphar, explained that the divestment forms part of the company’s strategy to exit non-core retail operations and concentrate on pharmaceutical manufacturing and commercialization.

He added that Julphar continues to invest in biotechnology capabilities and advanced manufacturing technologies within the UAE.

Industry context and market direction

In recent weeks, the UAE healthcare and pharmaceutical sector has continued to experience steady consolidation, driven by growing demand for accessible outpatient care and retail pharmacy services.

Companies across the region are increasingly investing in digital health platforms and expanding distribution networks to improve service efficiency and patient access.

Within this evolving landscape, Albatha Healthcare’s acquisition reflects ongoing shifts toward integrated healthcare models that combine physical pharmacy networks with digital service delivery.

The development also aligns with national healthcare priorities under the “We the UAE 2031 Vision,” which emphasizes preventive care, improved access, and high-quality patient services.

Albatha Healthcare continues to pursue sustainable growth strategies focused on expanding its retail reach, strengthening operational capacity, and supporting broader healthcare accessibility across the UAE.