About Al Sumo Scientific Bureau

Nearly Three Decades of Passion for Better Medicine

Founded in Baghdad in 1997, Al Sumo Scientific Bureau has grown into an integrated Iraqi pharmaceutical distribution and market-access group — ranked #6 among national distributors.

Company Overview

From a Baghdad Bureau to a Regional Group

Al Sumo Scientific Bureau was established in 1997 and has developed into an integrated pharmaceutical distribution, regulatory, commercialization, and scientific-promotion group.

Today the group serves more than 5,600 customers across all 18 Iraqi governorates, distributes a portfolio of 400+ products, and supports international manufacturers through the complete market-entry lifecycle — from registration and pricing to scientific promotion, warehousing, cold chain, and nationwide delivery. Regional group companies in Amman, London, and Erbil extend this platform beyond Iraq's borders.

24×Growth since inceptionAnnual sales volume, 1997 → 2024
#6National rankingAmong Iraqi pharmaceutical distributors
Interior of the Al Sumo Baghdad warehousing hub Baghdad main hub — 7,000 m³
Vision · Mission · Values

Driving Healthcare Excellence Across Iraq and Beyond

Our Vision

To be at the forefront of pharmaceutical distribution in Iraq, recognized for high-quality products, diverse services, nationwide market reach, and a dedicated scientific and commercial team that reaches every corner of the country.

Our Mission

To provide patients with high-quality healthcare products at accessible prices, deliver exceptional services to customers and partners, and create a supportive, ambitious, and dynamic working environment for our team.

Integrity

Transparent, accountable conduct with partners, customers, and regulators.

Quality

Uncompromising standards across products, storage, and service.

Innovation

Modern systems, digital tools, and forward-looking portfolios.

Customer Focus

Exceptional service for 5,600+ customers nationwide.

Partnership

Long-term, mutually accountable relationships with global manufacturers.

Scientific Excellence

Evidence-based promotion led by our Research & Scientific Execution unit.

Accountability

Compliance-first operations from regulatory files to pharmacovigilance.

Patient Commitment

Every decision measured by its impact on Iraqi patients.

A Message from Our CEO

“We Are Not Just Distributing Medicine — We Are Delivering Hope”

When we founded Al Sumo Scientific Bureau over 25 years ago, we embarked on a mission that many considered impossible: to bridge the gap between global pharmaceutical excellence and the Iraqi healthcare sector. What began as a vision has evolved into a legacy of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the health of our nation.

Our success is rooted in a leadership philosophy that values integrity, foresight, and the courage to make bold decisions. We invested in people when others cut costs. We expanded our reach when others retreated. We built state-of-the-art infrastructure when others settled for adequacy. This is not just business — it is our responsibility to the Iraqi people.

Today, as we stand among the top pharmaceutical distributors in Iraq, our vision extends far beyond our current achievements. We are expanding into oncology, immunotherapy, and advanced therapeutics. We are strengthening our regional presence across Jordan, the UK, and the UAE. We are building partnerships that will define the future of healthcare in our region.

To our partners: thank you for believing in our mission. To our team: your dedication is the heartbeat of Al Sumo. To the healthcare professionals we serve: we remain committed to delivering excellence, every single day. Together, we are not just distributing medicine — we are delivering hope, health, and a brighter future for Iraq.

Portrait of Dr. Haider Samaka, Group CEO
Dr. Haider SamakaGROUP CEO — AL SUMO SCIENTIFIC BUREAU
Dr. Haider Samaka, Group CEO of Al Sumo Scientific Bureau Group CEO since foundation era
Leadership

Executive Leadership

Decades of pharmaceutical, regulatory, and commercial experience guiding the group.

Dr. Dehyaa Jaafar Samaka

FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN

In 1997, Dr. Dehyaa Samaka founded Al Sumo Scientific Bureau together with his son, guided by a clear ambition: to build the leading scientific bureau in the Iraqi pharmaceutical market. Nearly three decades later, that founding vision still defines how the group works and grows.

Dr. Haider Dehyaa Samaka

GROUP CEO

Carrying the founding vision forward, Dr. Haider leads Al Sumo's national expansion, specialty diversification, and regional group strategy — from Baghdad to Amman, London, and Erbil. Read the CEO message.

Our Journey

Three Decades of Consistent Growth

From foundation to a $178M+ group — a 24× growth story.

1997

Foundation

Al Sumo Scientific Bureau is established in Baghdad with a mission to connect global pharmaceutical excellence with Iraqi patients.

1999

National pharmaceutical programs

Expansion through major national pharmaceutical programs with KIMADIA; annual sales reach $40M.

2003

Private-sector expansion

Significant growth and commercial expansion in the private sector; contracts reach $88M.

2014

European partnerships

Expansion of international partnerships with European partners; annual sales reach $124M.

2015–2020

Regional group companies

Establishment of Dr. Health in Amman (2015) and Sumo London in the UK (2020), extending regulatory and commercial reach.

2024 onward

Specialty-driven scale

Sales exceed $178M with 400+ products. Portfolio, infrastructure, and strategic-specialty expansion into oncology, immunotherapy, and advanced therapeutics.

Annual sales volume (USD millions)

090178 19971999200320142024 $40M$88M$124M$178M+

Source: Company Profile 2026. Figures editable pending periodic review.

Group Companies

Regional Presence & Strategic Footprint

Partners benefit from unified representation across Iraq, Jordan, the UK, and the broader Middle East.

Regional map showing Al Sumo group companies in Iraq, Jordan, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE
Baghdad, Iraq

Al Sumo Scientific Bureau

Headquarters and primary distribution platform — main operations center with full national capabilities.

Headquarters
Amman, Jordan

Dr. Health for Import & Export

Established 2015. Regulatory liaison and regional business development serving Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Lebanon.

Regional Hub
London, UK

Sumo London Ltd

Founded 2020. Connects international suppliers with the Iraqi market — EU partner relations, regulatory and logistics support.

International Bridge
Erbil, Kurdistan

Sharez Company

Covers Erbil & Sulaymaniyah. Registered with the Kurdistan Medical Control Agency for KRG registration and distribution.

Sister Company

The group's next strategic step: expansion into the United Arab Emirates market.

Why Al Sumo

Why International Companies Choose Al Sumo

Established local presence

Nearly three decades of continuous operation in Baghdad — through every market condition.

National distribution

All 18 governorates within 48 hours, across public and private channels.

Regulatory expertise

A dedicated RA team bridging international partners and the Iraqi Ministry of Health.

Strong field force

150+ medical representatives — one of the largest scientific teams in the Iraqi market.

Warehousing & logistics

GDP-aligned facilities, cold chain, IoT monitoring, and real-time traceability.

Regional group structure

Amman, London, and Erbil entities de-risk documentation, coordination, and payments.