Is Wegovy More Expensive in Dubai than Other Cities in Dubai UAE ?

Assessing whether Wegovy is more costly in Dubai compared to other cities involves a multifaceted analysis due to the significant price variations influenced by various factors in each country. Generally, Wegovy in Dubai tends to be pricier than in numerous European countries or Canada but often less expensive than the list price in the United States & Wegovy injection in Dubai UAE , particularly without comprehensive insurance or manufacturer savings programs.

To delve into the general pricing landscape for a 28-day supply (equivalent to one box of 4 pens) of Wegovy across different regions as of mid-2025:

Wegovy Prices in Dubai, UAE

Price Range: Current data suggests that the cost for a 28-day supply of Wegovy in Dubai typically ranges from AED 1,800 to AED 2,500 (approximately $490 to $680 USD). This range may slightly vary based on the specific dosage and the pharmacy.

Regulatory Control: Prices in the UAE are regulated centrally by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). This regulation ensures a fixed, approved price, preventing pharmacies from arbitrarily inflating prices. The approved price considers factors such as the drug's price in its country of origin and a basket of reference countries.

Insurance Coverage: Mandatory health insurance is common in the UAE, but coverage for weight-loss medications like Wegovy varies. Some insurance plans may partially or fully cover it, while others might exclude it or have high co-pays, significantly impacting the patient's out-of-pocket expenses.

Wegovy Prices in the United States (US)

List Price: The list price for a 28-day supply of Wegovy in the US is notably high, typically ranging from $1,350 to $1,600 USD. Some sources indicate an average of $1,820 USD for the 2.4mg dose.

Out-of-Pocket Cost: Few individuals in the US pay the full list price due to various discounts and insurance coverage.

Insurance: For those covered by commercial insurance, co-pays can range from $0 (with manufacturer savings cards) to several hundred dollars.

Manufacturer Savings Programs: Novo Nordisk offers programs that can significantly reduce the cost for eligible commercially insured patients (e.g., as low as $0-$25/month) or for self-pay patients (e.g., $499/month).

No Medicare Coverage: Medicare generally does not cover weight-loss medications, leaving many older Americans to face the full list price if they seek the drug.

In comparison to Dubai: Dubai's regulated Wegovy price is notably lower than the US list price. However, a patient with robust insurance and access to manufacturer discounts in the US might have lower out-of-pocket expenses compared to someone in Dubai without comprehensive insurance coverage for weight-loss drugs. For uninsured or underinsured individuals, Wegovy is likely more expensive in the US.

Wegovy Prices in the United Kingdom (UK)

Private Market: Wegovy can be obtained privately in the UK, with prices for a 28-day supply ranging roughly from £110 to £300 (approximately $140 to $380 USD), depending on the dosage and the pharmacy.

NHS Coverage: While Wegovy is approved for NHS use, access is limited to specialist weight management services for patients meeting specific BMI and comorbidity criteria. If prescribed via the NHS, it incurs the standard NHS prescription charge or is free for eligible individuals.

In comparison to Dubai: Wegovy is generally more expensive in Dubai than in the UK, especially considering potential NHS coverage in the UK.

Wegovy Prices in Canada

Private Market: Wegovy became available in Canada in May 2023, with a typical cost of around CAD 400 (approximately $290 USD) for a 28-day supply.

Provincial Coverage: Coverage varies by province, with many provincial public drug plans not yet covering Wegovy, leading to out-of-pocket expenses or reliance on private insurance.

In comparison to Dubai: Wegovy appears to be significantly cheaper in Canada than in Dubai.

Wegovy Prices in Europe (e.g., Germany, France, Denmark)

Variable Pricing: Prices across Europe vary widely due to differing national healthcare systems, pricing negotiation strategies, and reimbursement policies. An analysis from 2023 indicated that a month's supply of Wegovy could range from $80 USD (e.g., UK, France) to $330 USD (e.g., Germany).

In comparison to Dubai: Wegovy is generally pricier in Dubai than in most Western European countries due to their healthcare systems and pricing strategies.

In summary:

Wegovy is typically more expensive in Dubai than in many other developed countries, particularly those in Europe and Canada. However, it is usually less costly in Dubai compared to the US list price. Price variations reflect the diverse regulatory environments, healthcare system structures, and pharmaceutical pricing strategies in each country. Dubai's regulated pricing strikes a balance between controlled pricing and a premium market for advanced treatments, positioning it between the high US list price and other international prices.