Top six countries for Pharmacists in the Gulf

What Makes The Gulf A Top-Tier Destination For Pharmacists?

Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain stand as top countries in the Gulf for global pharmacists to migrate. They stand out because of their

tax-free income, easy visa processes, and a rapidly growing demand for pharmacists.

• High earning potential
• Tax-free salaries
• No English Proficiency Test 
• High standards of living
• Great career opportunities
• Good work-life balance
• Notable professional development

How Can A Foreign Pharmacist Start Working in Gulf Countries? 

To start your career as a pharmacist in any of the top Gulf countries, you first need to register with the respective health authorities. To register yourself, each country conducts unique licensing exams, which ensure foreign pharmacists meet the high standards of their healthcare systems. The licensure exam for every nation is a prometric exam that can be taken in your own country. Let’s get the details of each country one by one.

What Are The Top Gulf Countries For Pharmacists?

The countries topping the list for a pharmacist wishing to move their career to the Gulf are:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates 
• Qatar 
• Oman
• Kuwait
• Bahrain

Saudi Arabia (SPLE)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers a high standard of living with high salaries. The healthcare system in KSA is well-established and advanced, creating a great demand for pharmacists. Here’s an overview of the essential requirements to become a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia.

• Licensure Exam: Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE) by Saudi Commission for Health Specialities (SCHS).
• Eligibility: PharmD, one year of experience in retail/hospital pharmacy, and registration in any country.
• Benefits: High demand for pharmacists with over 2000 job vacancies, easy work visas, tax-free salary (SAR 8,539 per month, or 1.9 lakhs).

United Arab Emirates (DHA/HAAD/MOH)

UAE has a splendid healthcare system that offers attractive opportunities and a lucrative career for pharmaceutical professionals. With its high standard of living and fast-paced life, Dubai/Abu Dhabi offers a vibrant lifestyle for healthcare professionals working in the UAE. The following are the important points to know when making your career move to the UAE.

• Licensure Exams: DHA (Dubai), HAAD/DOH (Abu Dhabi), MOH (other Emirates).
• Eligibility: BPharm/PharmD with two years of experience in retail or hospital pharmacy.
• Benefits: Salaries between 6k-12k AED (2.7 lakhs per month), tax-free, job perks like accommodation and airfares.

Qatar (QCHP)

The rapid expansion of Qatar’s healthcare system impacted the demand for healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists. As an attractive destination offering a vibrant lifestyle and lucrative career with tax-free salaries for skilled professionals, the path to start working as a pharmacist in Qatar involves fulfilling specificities.

Oman (OPE)

Oman has become a top country for pharmacists around the globe. It offers high-paid jobs, lucrative careers, a high quality of living with a slow-paced life, and a relaxed work environment. Make a note of the following steps that will lead you to become a pharmacist in Oman. 

• Licensure Exam: Oman Prometric Exam (OMSB).
• Eligibility: BPharm/PharmD with three years of experience in a hospital or retail pharmacy.
• Benefits: competitive salaries starting at 1 lakh, which are tax-free

Kuwait (MOH)

Kuwait is one of the strongest economies in the world. The Kuwaiti health sector has rapidly grown, offering an ocean of opportunities for health professionals. Here’s a quick insight into essential points to help you become a pharmacist in Kuwait. 

• Licensure Exam: Ministry of Health Exam (MOH) for pharmacists.
• Eligibility: BPharm/MPharm with two years of experience.
• Benefits: Salaries start from 1 lakh per month, tax-free, with work visas being straightforward to obtain.

Bahrain (BPLE)

The rapid progression of Bahrain’s healthcare system has steeped the demand for healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists. Bahrain is an attractive destination offering a vibrant lifestyle and lucrative career with tax-free salaries for professionals and has become a top country for pharmacists to migrate to. A brief overview of how to migrate to Bahrain as a pharmacist

• Licensure Exam: Bahrain Pharmacy Licensure Examination (BPLE) or NHRA.
• Eligibility: B.Pharm with five years of experience or PharmD with two years.
• Benefits: Similar tax-free salaries start from 1 lakh a month, and job benefits are similar to those in other Gulf countries.

Final Thoughts

The Gulf region offers pharmacists the potential for high earnings, no language test requirements, and a high quality of life. Each country presents unique benefits, making the region an attractive destination for pharmacists looking to advance their careers abroad.

Take the next step in your pharmacy career and work in top Gulf countries. Academically Global guides you through the entire process, from helping you decide which country is best for you to work in as a pharmacist, exam preparation, and licensing to securing a job. With live lectures and comprehensive courses, we make sure your journey is smooth.

Get yourself started today and book a FREE one-on-one counselling session with our experts to unlock your future as a pharmacist in top Gulf countries!