The healthcare sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past decade. Fuelled by rapid population growth, a rising elderly demographic, and a surging prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases, demand for healthcare services in the region is set to surge in the coming years. According to the latest projections, the MENA healthcare market has grown by 11.7% over the past four years.
In recent years, greater investment by governments, coupled with greater involvement of the private sector, have helped cope with the booming demand and improve the quality of health infrastructure. Notably, the UAE and GCC region are enthusiastically and increasingly embracing public-private partnerships. The GCC’s per capita spending on healthcare is now higher than the global average of US$1,225. Meanwhile, even amidst pandemic-induced travel restrictions, Dubai remarkably doubled the number of health tourists in 2021 as it set its sights on becoming a leading regional hub for medical tourism.
The immediate future of healthcare and wellness delivery in the MENA region is being shaped by five major forces: a shift towards holistic and preventative wellness, the need to build resilience and agility, the deployment of cutting-edge technologies, the strengthening of public-private partnerships, and managing the long-term ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital health solutions are another powerful factor reshaping the healthcare sector in the region, creating a range of new opportunities for companies offering cutting-edge solutions in this space.
Meanwhile, the rising incidence of medical conditions – from lifestyle issues such as diabetes and obesity to cancer, cardiopulmonary, and cardiovascular disease – continues to guide the direction to governments and the private sector on the areas of excellence in which to invest. The creation of a world-class healthcare infrastructure remains a clear priority in the region.
Michelle Michelucci, the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI)’s Head of International Events, comments: “The MENA region’s healthcare landscape is not merely evolving; it is thriving. With regional governments’ continuous focus on increasing investments and addressing difficulties, the region presents a fertile ground for those ready to seize the moment. Against this rapidly expanding landscape, there are many opportunities for UK collaboration in fast-growing areas like HealthTech and life sciences.”
Innovation, partnership, collaboration Arab Health, the Middle East’s premier healthcare conference and exhibition held annually in Dubai, continues to offer a dynamic platform for ideas, innovation, partnerships and collaboration. As one of the world’s largest healthcare trade exhibitions, it is a significant event for the healthcare industry worldwide.
Each year the show brings the global healthcare community together to discover the way forward through sustainable and innovative solutions that can tackle our most important challenges and transform healthcare for future generations. From state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic equipment to the most cost-effective disposables; the latest developments in surgery; to advances in orthopaedics, wellness and prevention, Arab Health continues to be at the heart of healthcare in the Middle East.
The 2023 show made history by being the most visited edition with 135,880 professionals visits from 183 countries and 3,358 exhibitors. Held in person, the show helped companies generate $1.81 billion of business on the show floor. Overall, it was a resounding affirmation of the enduring attraction and importance of in-person events, particularly at the heart of the healthcare ecosystem, where innovation and collaboration remain a cornerstone.
“In a world grappling with universal challenges – from staff shortages to the urgent need to address sustainability goals – trade shows such as Arab Health continue to be an important magnet for bringing together the brightest minds across industry to showcase their expertise, demonstrate their life-changing innovations, technologies and services, to tackle these challenges head-on. As the covid-19 pandemic has brought in unequivocally sharp focus, technology and innovation are pivotal to tackle the most pressing healthcare concerns of our time,” says Michelucci.
For UK companies, shows like Arab Health mean access to a diverse and extensive international audience all in one place. Each year the show offers a unique opportunity for visitors – who hail from all corners of the world – to explore the latest trends, advancements, and innovations in health technology over four action-packed days.
Last year there was presence from 39 country pavilions, including the United Kingdom. For over 12 years the largest UK Pavilion has been organised by the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) – the leading industry association for the health technology sector in the UK. The UK Pavilion has been running an extensive programme, demonstrating the importance of UK and UAE relationships at the four-day exhibition for the past two decades.
Alongside record attendance, the ABHI UK Pavilion at Arab Health 2023 also reported its most successful year to date, showcasing the exceptional demand and interest in UK HealthTech innovations and the significance of Arab Health as a platform for international collaboration and business growth.
UK innovation in action
With a strong UK delegation already committed to attending, the ABHI UK Pavilion at Arab Health 2024 will offer the chance for UK companies to showcase their innovative solutions, build international partnerships, and explore new business opportunities in the Middle East. Together, the delegation will demonstrate the strengths of UK health tech to a global audience of over 136,000, giving visitors a chance to see cutting-edge technologies and the latest product launches.
Over four days, the UK Pavilion will highlight how UK technology and expertise can help solve some of the biggest challenges for health systems in the MENA region and across the world.
