The UAE has become the second market globally to approve and launch the oral version of Wegovy (semaglutide), with pharmacies reporting strong demand from first-time users who previously avoided injectables. For overseas distributors and clinic buyers, this signals a potential shift in patient preference toward oral GLP-1 formulations, which may influence product portfolio decisions and supply-chain planning.
Pricing and dosage availability
Wegovy oral tablets are priced between Dh779 and Dh1,610 per pack in the UAE, depending on the strength. The 1.5mg and 4mg doses start at Dh779, the 9mg dose costs Dh1,199, and the 25mg dose is priced at Dh1,610. Each pack contains 30 tablets for a full month of treatment. Availability varies by pharmacy: Aster Pharmacy currently stocks 1.5mg, 4mg, and 9mg, with the 25mg version expected by mid-July. International Modern Hospital Dubai has all four strengths in stock.
Market signal: First-time users drive demand
Pharmacies report that a significant share of inquiries come from customers who have never previously used weight-loss medication. Shiraz Khan, COO of Aster Retail UAE, noted: "The oral format is attracting first-time users who preferred to avoid injectables." Rania Khani, pharmacy manager at International Modern Hospital Dubai, added: "We have seen strong demand for oral weight loss pills, especially among patients who prefer tablets over injectables." Digital health platform DarDoc reports dispensing a prescription approximately every 17 minutes, with hundreds of patients on its waiting list.
Regulatory and channel signals
The UAE is the first country outside the United States to receive the oral version of Wegovy. Dr. Ali Aldibbiat, consultant in diabetes and endocrinology, explained that the gradual dose escalation is designed to reduce side effects and minimize muscle loss. Pharmacies have been advised by suppliers to secure stocks early due to strong overall demand, indicating potential supply constraints that buyers should monitor.
What buyers should watch
For overseas importers and clinic buyers, the UAE launch provides early real-world data on oral GLP-1 adoption patterns. The strong first-time user interest suggests that oral formulations could expand the addressable market beyond existing injectable users. Distributors should track supply availability, pricing stability, and regulatory pathways in other markets, as oral semaglutide may become a key product category for aesthetic and weight-management clinics.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 18, 2026