Key Takeaways:

• Top countries for pharmacists in the region include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

• Reasons for the growing demand for pharmacists in the Middle East and the Gulf.

• Gulf countries offer tax-free salaries and excellent benefits for pharmacists, making them attractive destinations for Indian pharmacists.

• How licensing exams are different for each region and what they offer.

Top 6 Gulf & Middle East Countries with the Highest Pharmacist Salaries

The Gulf countries are among the most attractive destinations for pharmacy jobs abroad for Indians due to tax-free salaries, excellent benefits, and growing healthcare infrastructure. Indian pharmacists can easily find jobs in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical industries in countries like the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

• Salary: USD 18,678 per year (Approx. INR 14 lakhs)

• Requirements: Pass country-specific licensing exams (e.g., DHA for Dubai, HAAD for Abu Dhabi, MOH for UAE, etc.)

• Work visa sponsored by an employer

• No mandatory internship in most Gulf countries

What Are the Top Gulf Countries for Pharmacists?

The top countries for pharmacists in the Gulf and the UAE are:

• United Arab Emirates

• Saudi Arabia

• Qatar

• Oman

• Kuwait

• Bahrain

• Abu Dhabi

If you want to become a pharmacist in the Middle East or the Gulf, you need a BPharm/PharmD degree, a minimum of two years of experience in retail pharmacy. You typically need to complete the licensure exams of these countries to become a registered pharmacist. These exams are: DHA, HAAD, MOH, SPLE, QCPH, OMSB, NHRA.

Every country has different requirements, but they all require certification, verification of documents, and a work visa.

What are the Salaries in the Middle East and Gulf Countries?

The salaries of pharmacists range widely from every to country. However, it is an excellent destination as the Middle East includes tax-free benefits for its employees. Let’s look at the requirements, licensure exams, and the salaries of each, according to Naurkigulf.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Licensure exam: Dubai Health Authority for Dubai, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention for the remaining emirates of the UAE.

Monthly salary: AED 7,162

Saudi Arabia

Licensure Exam: Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE) by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS)

Monthly Salary: AED 7,876

Qatar

Licensure Exam: Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) Exam/Qatar Prometric Exam.

Monthly Salary: AED 7,214

Oman

Licensure Exam: Oman Prometric Exam (OSMB) exam

Monthly Salary: AED 5,982

Kuwait

Licensure Exam: Ministry of Health Exam (MOH) for Northern Emirates.

Monthly Salary: AED 6,817

Bahrain

Licensure Exam: Bahrain Pharmacy Licensure Examination (BPLE) or NHRA.

Monthly Salary: AED 6,191

United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)

Licensure Exam: Health Authority of Abu Dhabi, now called Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH Abu Dhabi)

Monthly Salary: AED 5,995

What are the Differences between Licensure Exams?

Check the comparison table for differences between the DHA exam vs the OPRA exam and the MOH exam vs the OPRA exam.

Here is the difference between the MOH exam vs the OPRA exam:

Why Are Pharmacists In Demand Globally?

Pharmacists are in global demand because of a number of factors. However, pharmacists must complete their licensure exams, meet the legal requirements to practice safely and freely. Here are some factors causing global demand:

An aging population, along with rising chronic diseases, is putting pressure on the healthcare system. A workforce is required at all times.

Evolving healthcare sector with state-of-the-art technologies. This requires more healthcare professionals to ensure effective operations

Expanding industry exposure for pharmacists. Previously, pharmacists were limited to working as a dispenser; however, today they work are clinical advisers, vaccination providers, researchers, and patient counsellors.

The Middle East and the Gulf provide attractive and tax-free income. Many provide transport and housing, which makes an excellent choice for some pharmacists.

A promising and enriching career to advanced healthcare and industry exposure, flexible schedules, and work-life balance attract international pharmacists to these countries.

How can Elite Expertise Help

Starting a career abroad isn’t easy – it’s a path filled with licensure exams, paperwork, and documentation. But you don’t have to do it alone.

Elite Expertise helps support and excel pharmacists in their careers abroad by guiding clear licensure examinations. These exams can be for Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, and the US.

Our international pharmacy career coaching is started by licensed pharmacists working in Australia, and trusted by thousands of students across the globe.

Whether you're preparing for abroad pharmacy licensing exams or struggling with AHPRA applications, Elite Expertise walks you through every step. Why choose Elite Expertise:

• Our educators are KAPS exam (now OPRA exam) qualified - Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, who have 300+ hours of industry training.

• The provision of mock exams allows students to equip themselves with the same exam-day environment.

• Courses that are comprehensive and include a practical case-based learning model. Students can revisit lectures till the end of their exams

• Community support by mentors, alumni, and other peers.

• High success rate of students and trust that goes beyond the books

Our teaching goes beyond just rote learning; we help build careers and forge students’ paths towards successful pharmacy practice abroad.

Conclusion

Going through the pharmacist DHA exam and the MOH exam for Northern Emirates makes it possible for one to have a career in the Gulf region, such as in Dubai, where the salary is free of tax and there are great privileges.

Working under the competent supervision of Elite Expertise, future pharmacists gather the information, abilities, and self-assurance required in order to pass the professional exams and later succeed abroad.

💡 Related Read:

Pharmacist Salary Abroad in 2025 : Top-Paying Countries Ranked (Australia, Canada, UK & NZ)

About the Author

Radhika

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Radhika loves all things content! With a Master's in English Literature and over 4 years of experience in digital strategies. She specializes in creating engaging content across diverse industries - including healthcare, technology, and e-commerce - always writing content that connects to its readers.

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