The Middle East is leading the healthcare market, with huge investments driving infrastructural growth across the GCC. What is driving this momentum in the region?
Yes, backed by robust government support, the Middle East’s healthcare sector is booming. The growing interest in preventative care strategies has scaled up ggovernment transformation programs such as population health and screening initiatives, designed to support the longevity agenda and build healthier societies. The GCC’s Current Healthcare Expenditure (CHE) is projected to reach US$159 billion by 2029, growing at a 7.8% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate).
This growth is fueled by significant digital and AI acceleration investments, directly addressing the rising burden of chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the region’s expanding and aging population. Private sector players are making substantial investments in state-of-the-art specialized medical centers, leveraging innovative technologies like AI, robotics, and genomic medicine to target specific disease pathways such as breast cancer, prenatal and maternal care, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and pain management.
The region is witnessing a surge in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and innovative business models that are diversifying investment and operational strategies across the GCC. This dynamic environment is fueling a vibrant M&A landscape and the rapid establishment of healthcare innovation hubs, all scaling to meet the region’s evolving demands. Large-scale ‘greenfield’ developments are rising in Oman and Saudi Arabia, driven by a growing population, an increase in chronic diseases, and ambitious government visions for economic diversification.
GE HealthCare is partnering with the public and private sectors to equip the region’s hospitals and clinics with advanced imaging, AI-powered diagnostics, and digital solutions to build resilient, efficient and patient-centric healthcare systems.
Given the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), how does GE HealthCare strategically lead and contribute to health outcomes in this challenging market?
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now the leading cause of death and disability in the GCC, making it an acute concern for governments in the region. With rising burdens from conditions like hypertension and diabetes, strategic investments in specialized healthcare infrastructure and technology-driven solutions are crucial.
GE HealthCare is uniquely positioned to drive this transformation. Our holistic approach, integrating precision diagnostics, early intervention for chronic disease management, and strategic partnerships enables both the public and private sectors to significantly advance long-term health outcomes in the Middle East.
For instance, GE HealthCare has advanced prostate cancer detection in Egypt, using AI-powered MRI technology, following a partnership with the Ministry of Health. This makes Egypt the first country to implement an AI-driven prostate cancerscreening solution on a national scale. This is significant for Egypt where 86% of prostate cancer cases are misdiagnosed or detected late, leading to a 47% mortality rate compared to 15% in the USA. Our AI-led solutions, including Air Recon DL and the SIGNA Champion MRI system, enhance diagnostic precision and efficiency, enabling healthcare professionals to deliver superior patient outcomes.
GE HealthCare also works closely with strategic partners, including ministries of health, local providers, and research institutions, to understand regional challenges and develop tailored solutions that meet the needs of a diverse population.
With a 2,000-strong, diverse workforce comprised of different ethnicities, heritages and cultures, how does GE HealthCare’s leadership manage to foster collaboration and drive results?
At GE HealthCare, collaboration begins with a shared purpose, improving lives through precision care. With a workforce of more than 2,000 people across different backgrounds and cultures, our leaders focus on creating an environment where every voice is valued, and everyone acts with a sense of ownership.
Our culture operating principles guide this — we act as owners, lead with transparency, and always keep our patients and partners at the center of every decision. This approach helps teams bring their unique market insights to the table, collaborate across borders, and deliver meaningful results.
By empowering local leaders to take accountability and by encouraging open communication across functions and geographies, we ensure that diverse perspectives translate into practical, innovative solutions that advance healthcare outcomes across the region.
