As per the media reports, Dubai pharmacy firm is planning to expand in UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The company, which is a joint venture between Julphar and the private equity division of Global Investment House, specified that in the Middle East, it would be the largest pharmacy chain.

It has been learnt that the first 10 pharmacies, called Health First, are scheduled to open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by December.

John Makepeace, chief executive of Planet Pharmacy said: "Our main aim to begin with will be to build trust in the communities in which we are a part of and serve."

Since the beginning of the year, Planet Pharmacy has been running a test Health First store in Fujairah, and already operates 130 pharmacies and clinics various names, which would be re-branded eventually.

Makepeace added: "Whilst we will be providing advice and support on health issues such as Type 2 Diabetes, Asthma and nutrition, we also see ourselves quickly becoming a critical link in the chain when it comes to the local community's overall healthcare needs and requirements."

An expansion of GCC-wide has been planned by the Company, which also said that it is eyeing opportunities in Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait and Jordan.