The number of Saudi pharmacists exceeds 25,000 in 2026, compared with Saudis representing only 32% of the profession in 2018; Dawai calls for moving from localization to empowerment, specialization and leadership

Riyadh | BETH

The proportion of Saudi pharmacists in the Kingdom has risen from 32% in 2018 to 52% in 2026, while their number has exceeded 25,000 Saudi pharmacists working across healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.

The figures, highlighted by the Saudi Society for Medication Education “Dawai” on the occasion of Saudi Pharmacist Day, reflect a shift that goes beyond increasing the number of Saudis in the profession to expanding their presence in pharmaceutical care, industry, research, regulation and innovation.

This transition is supported by pharmacy localization decisions, which set localization rates at 35% in community pharmacies and medical complexes, 65% in hospital pharmacy activities, and 55% in other pharmacy activities.

The approach also extends to supervisory positions in the promotion and introduction of pharmaceutical and herbal products, with a target of reaching 100% localization by 2030.

Beyond Localization

Dawai believes that the next phase should move beyond increasing numbers toward qualitative empowerment, by expanding specialized and leadership career paths, developing professional capabilities, and increasing the participation of Saudi pharmacists in industry, research, innovation and regulatory fields.

The most important transformation is no longer simply the number of Saudis entering the profession, but the quality of the roles they are advancing into across the healthcare and pharmaceutical ecosystem.