Global exhibition organiser Informa has announced the cancellation of its 2020 regional pharmaceutical event CPhI Middle East & Africa. The 2020 edition of the show had been scheduled to take place in September in Abu Dhabi.
For 2021, Informa also announced, the show will move forward in the calendar and make its debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March.
According to Fitch Solutions, MENA pharmaceutical sales are expected to increase 24%, from US$35.5bn in 2019 to $44.1bn by 2023, and Informa says CPhI Middle East & Africa 2021 will be held at a time when the MENA pharmaceutical market is experiencing exponential growth.
These figures are partially a result of the region’s chronic diseases, particularly cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, the agency said.
Sherma Ellis (pictured), Informa’s Brand Manager, CPhI Middle East & Africa, said: “Maintaining the health and safety of all employees, partners, exhibitors and of course our visitors, as well as preparing and delivering an organised gathering that provides effective participation and a positive experience for all, was becoming extremely difficult under the current circumstances. For the past two years CPhI Middle East & Africa has been successful in Abu Dhabi and we would like to thank the UAE government, the Ministry of Health & Prevention, and our partners for their contribution and support.”
Informa pointed out that a range of healthcare reforms have taken place in Saudi Arabia in recent years to support pharma manufacturers. These include increasing local pharmaceutical production by 20% by the end of 2020 and the launch of e-visas.
Socioeconomic factors, including increased medical insurance coverage, a growing population, higher living standards, and the incidence of non-communicable diseases, are all driving additional demand for pharmaceuticals within the kingdom, the organiser said.
“Having consulted with all stakeholders, regarding the venue for the 2021 edition of CPhI Middle East & Africa, the show will take place at the RICEC, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 24-25 March 2021. As the second-largest pharma market in the region and the 18th largest economy in the world, there is a myriad of business opportunities for our partners and exhibitors to unlock in Saudi Arabia and we look forward to the opportunities this burgeoning market offers,” said Ellis.
CPhI Middle East & Africa is co-located events ICSE, FDF, P-MEC, and InnoPack, it is the only pharma event in the region that covers pharma manufacturing and brings together nearly 4,000 key pharma suppliers and buyers.
More information: www.cphi.com
