The world's most lucrative healthcare market plans for the future

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The huge influx of workers to the region means that demand for hospital beds is expected to double by 2025 with almost $10bn being invested in hospital building projects to meet the requirement for up-to-date healthcare provision in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and across the UAE.

This five-fold increase in healthcare costs can also be attributed to the ageing native population, higher expectations of patients and their carers, and above all, a rise in so-called diseases of affluence. The increasing inability of governments across the UAE to meet primary care costs will require a revolution in healthcare. But what shape will this revolution take and what will it mean for private sector involvement?

MEED, the business intelligence expert in the Middle East, has announced details of its Middle East Healthcare 2008 conference at a time of unprecedented growth, change and innovation in the sector. With the introduction of compulsory insurance and significant changes taking place at the Dubai Health Authority, interest in the industry is stronger than ever.

Building on the tremendous success of the first healthcare event, MEED's two-day conference will explore the key issues and challenges facing the sector and highlight where opportunities exist for investors, developers, and operators by showcasing the latest new projects and developments in the healthcare market. Supported by Dubai Health Authority, the conference will be held from 3 - 4 November 2008 at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, Dubai.

Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events comments:

'The Middle East Healthcare conference 2008 is unique in its scope. The healthcare landscape in the Middle East is currently undergoing a rapid transformation, especially in relation to how healthcare is funded. Digging deep into these issues, this MEED conference is a must-attend event in every health professional's diary.'

'As the health sector transforms, the opportunities and need for private sector involvement and services are increasing. Demand for hospital beds is set to double by 2025. One effect of this is the surge in demand for skilled professionals, which has led to a series of international partnerships being set up, involving organisations such as the Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Medical International. Creating world-class alliances, as one strategic direction for the industry, will therefore be a key point of discussion at the conference.'