A strategic step towards achieving drug security
In a move reflecting the remarkable acceleration of industrial development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, inaugurated the Advanced Pharmaceuticals Factory (Bpharma), in the presence of the CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), Eng. Majid Al-Arqoubi. This project represents a significant addition to the pharmaceutical industry and a key contributor to efforts to localize the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector and enhance the efficiency of supply chains, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
In the context of Vision 2030 and economic diversification
The inauguration of this factory comes within the broader context of the National Industrial Strategy, which aims to diversify the Kingdom's economic base and reduce its dependence on oil. The pharmaceutical and medical industries are among the highest priority sectors, given their strategic importance in achieving national health and drug security. Recent global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the importance of possessing advanced local manufacturing capabilities to meet immediate and future healthcare needs, reduce reliance on imports, and ensure the stability of pharmaceutical supplies.
Huge investments and cutting-edge technologies
The B Pharma factory is considered a strategic national project, having been implemented with an investment exceeding 450 million riyals in its first phase. The total investment is planned to reach more than 650 million riyals upon completion of the second phase. This level of investment reflects the strong confidence in the Saudi investment environment and the growth and sustainability of the pharmaceutical industry.
The factory, situated on a total area of approximately 38,000 square meters, was designed according to the latest international engineering and operational standards. The project features fully automated systems across all its production and operational processes, supported by state-of-the-art industrial technologies that are among the most advanced in the Middle East, ensuring increased production efficiency and the highest levels of quality and safety.
Huge production capacity and vital products
The factory boasts state-of-the-art production lines for sterile products, with a production capacity of approximately 250 million units annually in its first phase, expected to increase to over 450 million units annually upon completion of the second phase. Its portfolio of essential products includes standard intravenous solutions, emergency and intensive care medications, eye drops, respiratory inhalation products, cardiovascular medications, gastrointestinal medications, and hemostasis products—all of which meet critical needs in the healthcare sector.
Economic development and training of national cadres
The project's importance extends beyond the industrial sector to encompass social and economic development, contributing to the creation of quality job opportunities. The workforce in the first phase is expected to reach approximately 250 employees, rising to around 600 upon completion of the second phase. In this regard, Radwan Batterjee, CEO of B Pharma, emphasized the project's strong commitment to building and developing national talent capable of leading advanced pharmaceutical industries through specialized training and development programs.
Regional ambitions to enhance the Kingdom's standing
The factory's vision extends beyond meeting local market needs to include export expansion. According to its operational plan, approximately 30% of production will be allocated to markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the Levant, and North Africa. This strategy will strengthen the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for pharmaceutical industries and contribute to increasing non-oil exports, a key objective of Vision 2030.
