Private healthcare in the GCC region, estimated at $62 billion in 2016, is forecasted to expand 8.7 per cent annually, to reach $94 billion in 2021, according to Mena Research Partners (MRP), a leading research company in the region.

Saudi Arabia and UAE together represent more than two third of the market, where the latter is witnessing the fastest growth in the region.

Anthony Hobeika, chief executive officer at Mena Research Partners, said: “Healthcare services account for the lion’s share of the healthcare industry, at 79 per cent, and is the fastest growing segment in UAE. On the other hand, medical devices segment, the smallest, is witnessing double digit growth in Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.”

The healthcare services market is undergoing structural shifts to adapt to the demands of health-conscious and digital savvy population. Although still at a nascent stage, telemedicine, home healthcare and long-term care are outperforming traditional health service providers such as hospitals and clinics.

“The fundamental change in market dynamics from curative to preventive care, and the digital wave transforming the sector, are creating investment opportunities in the niche segments of specialised and customised healthcare in the region,” he added.

“Despite the last years’ turmoil amid oil price slump, which led to budget adjustments in many GCC countries, healthcare remained the major government expenditure and the private sector is considered as a key partner in the long-term development of the sector, in particular in terms of quality care,” he explained.
“In fact, economic diversification plans and national healthcare strategies to decrease the capacity shortage and improve the quality standards of the medical services, are leading states to open the sector to full foreign ownership and share the healthcare burden with the private sector.” – TradeArabia News Service