GCC healthcare spending forecast to reach $99.6B in 2023

Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), the governing body of Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) as part of its whitepaper released on January 30 revealed that healthcare spending in the GCC will grow at a CAGR of 4.9 percent to $99.6 billion in 2023 from $86.2 billion in 2020.

Out of the entirety of the GCC healthcare spending, Saudi Arabia and UAE command most of the share. DHCC’s contribution to the GDP of Dubai reached AED2.8 billion in 2021.

International patients’ healthcare spending
Despite pandemic-related restrictions on global travel, Dubai doubled the number of health tourists in 2021 with international visitors spending $198 million on healthcare.

The whitepaper launched is titled ‘Emerging Opportunities In Middle East Healthcare’ reveals in-depth insights into the regional healthcare sector, with special focus on the GCC.

The report highlighted a focus on healthcare as a holistic rather than a symptomatic issue, amplifying opportunities in the preventative medicine sector. The whitepaper also acknowledges regulatory changes in Dubai’s healthcare sector.

Salim Dahman, Marketing and Communication Director, DHCA, said: “Since DHCC was launched in 2002, we have dedicated our efforts to realise Dubai’s goals of becoming a global leader in healthcare and wellness. To be able to address market demand, it is vital to understand its realities; and this whitepaper will help us to cater to the needs of our partners and the wider healthcare industry.” Arabian Business