Middle East healthcare market estimated over $100bn

Growing population, mainly dominated by the expatriate community in most of the GCC countries, has given rise to the a rapidly growing market for healthcare and its associated industries, which is now touching $100bn mark in the Middle East alone.

Healthcare markets in the Gulf region are changing quickly. Due to the huge increase in the expatriate population, it is also one of the fastest growing regions with an estimated annual growth of 15%. Business opportunities in the import-dependent marketplace of the five main countries in the region have dramatically increased from where they were a few years ago.

Saudi Arabia, as the richest regional market, has planned to increase the numbers of hospitals from 264 to over 500 in next 7 years. UAE is also setting trends in providing best healthcare standards on public & private level not only for the growing population within the country but also for patients from across the region seeking the best medical facilities. The UAE healthcare market is projected to rise from $3.2bn in 2005 to $11.9bn in 2015.

The market in the Middle East countries, however, is heavily reliant on the fluctuating price of oil, which dictates the strength of the economy and, in turn, reflected in healthcare provision and the pharmaceutical market. This trend necessitates a global interactive platform for the healthcare industry and medical community to explore the latest advancements, compare alternates and reach mutually beneficial conclusions.

Arab Health exhibition and congress has been an established industry marketplace in the Middle East region for more than 30 years now. The show has now grown to become the leading international event and a regular annual feature in the international calendar of events, featuring the latest in medical, pharmaceutical, laboratory and numerous other facets of healthcare services for the burgeoning Middle East markets.

Breaking all the past records of attracting participants at any such event, more than 2300 leading international companies from 65 countries will be exhibiting at the 2008 edition of Arab Health, scheduled from 28 - 31 January at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The show aims at attracting over 50,000 participants in the upcoming edition, including more than 6,000 international delegates to attend the Arab Health Congress.

Arab Health Congress in 2008 will feature 17 internationally accredited conferences, including the established 'Leaders in Healthcare' series which will focus on the investment in the healthcare sector at Arab Health 2008. More than 250 internationally acclaimed scholars, researchers and professionals are scheduled to address the Congress.

Some of the recognised and established conferences at the Arab Health Congress include Medical Imaging & Diagnostic and Laboratory Management & Medicine. The new conference topics added to the Arab Health Congress include Paediatrics, Anaesthesia, Aesthetic Plastic and Urology, which are being well received by the medical practitioners across the region.

Commenting on the factors behind the show's success, Simon Page, Director of Healthcare at IIR Middle East, said

'With its line up of innovative educational activities, such as free accredited education and strategic tie ups with regional institutes, Arab Health leads the way in delivering the best interactive opportunities to the show participants and an ideal B2B environment to the audiences.'

'Year on year the exhibition has grown between the 25%-30% mark both in terms of visitors and exhibitors', he added.

Adding to the 30 country groups featuring hundreds of exhibiting companies in each pavilion, the four dedicated show verticals, namely Medlab, Pharma, International Health Services and Rehab will showcase products and services in their dedicated halls.

Arab Health is going strong with attracting a growing number of participants from across the globe. While the show is still 3 months away, nearly 10,000 healthcare professionals have already registered their visit to Arab Health, clearly indicating towards holding of the most successful industry event in the region's history.

Arab Health is held under full support from the UAE Ministry of Health, Health Authority Abu Dhabi and DOHMS.

'Arab Health covers all major areas of the healthcare industry and features the newest developments. Medical professionals and suppliers have been very receptive to this event and we have received a strong visitor response. The various congresses being held during the event are facilitating interactive discussion forums and creating networking platforms for medical professionals. We are certain that these sessions at the event will equip the healthcare professionals to embrace the challenges within the industry,' said Simon Page.