Dubai, UAE, October 10, 2010: Planet Pharmacy, a UAE-based Pharmacy retailer and the distributor of Maria Galland in the Middle East, will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the French skincare brand in the region through its chain of Health First pharmacies and selective salons and spas in the UAE. 

One of the most recognisable and trusted skin care brands in the world, Maria Galland is presented in over 10,000 salons globally and has now been in Middle East for a decade.

Ali Shoraka, Planet Pharmacy's Head of Cosmetics, said the pharmacy retailer was looking forward to building on the foundation and success Maria Galland has created in the Middle East region over the past 10 years.

"Women across the world put their beauty in the hands of Maria Galland, a brand that offers one of the widest product selections for consumers with different life styles, age and skin requirements," Mr Shoraka said.

"Maria Galland's high quality requirements guarantee that all products are tested under dermatological supervision to ensure effectiveness and safety and they are exceptionally well tolerated by the skin."

The brand was established over 50 years ago by Maria Galland, a successful French dancer together with a dermatologist, with an aim to develope a treatment concept "as unique as the skin itself".

Maria Galland has a specific niche on anti-aging treatment techniques and is one of the very few brands globally who addresses anti-aging concerns for all types of skin.

It has also developed specific ranges for dry and mature as well as for oily and mature skin.

"This is significant for the clients in the Middle East considering the multi nationalism across the region and the fact that many of our consumers have oily skin," Mr Shoraka said.

"Maria Galland is a leader in using natural and precious elements of nature and the 'Caviar' range is just one of the many highly successful examples of the brand's approach to beauty."

Planet Pharmacy is the sole distributor of Maria Galland in the Middle East and will be maximising the brand's 10 year anniversary in the market over the coming months, including a re-launch of the brand in Dubai.

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About Planet Pharmacy
Planet Pharmacy was formed in December 2007 with a capital of Dhs 900 million. The company is a joint venture between Julphar, a pioneer in the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry in the Arab world as well as the largest generics manufacturing company in the Middle East, and the private equity division of Global Investment House (Global), a leading Kuwait investment house.

Planet Pharmacy has a vision of becoming the largest Pharmacy products retailer in the MENA region by 2012.

Maria Galland
Maria Galland is a French Professional Skincare brand with more than 50 years history. The brand is presented in over 10,000 salons worldwide and has been in Middle East for more than a decade.

The brand was established by Maria Galland, a successful French dancer together with a dermatologist, with an aim to develope a treatment concept as unique as the skin itself. And still today, over 40 years later, this treatment concept sets the standard in beauty care.

In addition to face and body products for personal use and a specific range to address any skin condition with the right cabin treatment, Maria Galland's highly varied product selection to date includes sun care and bronzing range as well as a professional treatment developed especially for men.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Four Communications
John Rynehart: +971 (0) 55 980 6679
E: planet.pharmacy@fourcommunications.com

© Press Release 2010