The state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility Julphar Saudi Arabia officially opened during a much-anticipated on-site ribbon-cutting ceremony, which took place in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in the presence of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates government representatives and officials. The factory was inaugurated by Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah with dignitaries, including the CEO of SFDA (Saudi Food & Drug Authority) Dr. Hisham Al Jeddaei, Secretary General of Economic Cities Authority Mohanud Abdul-Mohsin Helal, CEO of Emaar Economic City Fahd Al-Rasheed, CEO of Industrial Valley Rayan Qutub and Chairman Cigalah Group Sheikh Yasser Naghi attending. During the one-day event, Julphar Saudi Arabia held a factory site tour, where media and guests had the opportunity to visit the world-class facility and see its production process. Julphar's Chairman Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, said: "I am grateful to all for their well-founded trust in Julphar and for attending today's event. With the launch of Julphar Saudi Arabia, we are strengthening our commitment toward Julphar's biggest market: Saudi Arabia, and its people. The medicines will be manufactured locally, which will help reduce the cost of production and ensure all our high quality products are affordable to families in the kingdom. The addition of the Julphar plant in Saudi Arabia also supports the company's vision to expand its manufacturing presence in the region." "The plant will have the capacity to produce up to 1 billion tablets, 300 million capsules and 30 million bottles of syrups and suspensions per year," added Sheikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, vice-chairman of the Board. "Julphar Saudi Arabia also complies with international Current Good Manufacturing Practice GMP standards. It integrates quality into all stages of manufacturing and aim for continuous improvement, which is in line with the company's objective to ensure our people's safety by producing high quality products through world-class facilities." Julphar Saudi Arabia is the result of the collaboration between MENA's largest generic pharmaceutical company, Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, and its local partner Cigalah Group, a leading healthcare distributor in the Saudi market. The construction of the said factory estimated around SR200 million and is expected to employ a considerable number of Saudi talent with ongoing training & development. The 75,000 sqm. plant integrates an oral solid dosage plant and oral liquid formulation plant, which incorporate the most sophisticated processes and control systems (such as raw material transfer through closed systems, recipe management with minimal operator intervention and automated cleaning) to ensure the production of high quality products. Julphar Saudi Arabia is a joint venture between Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries and Cigalah Group, a leading healthcare distributor in the Saudi market. Julphar Saudi Arabia has the ambition to play an effective role in the industry, and support governmental efforts to increase local participation in pharmaceuticals, encourage technology transfers of products and maintain pharmaceutical stability in the country. — SG
