In the wake of the important success of Arab Health 2016, one of the main healthcare/pharmaceutical fairs in the world, held in Dubai in late January, the United Arab Emirates’ healthcare industry is going through a huge development phase throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council area. According to the recent data presented by the Chairman of the ABC (Arab Business Club), Mr. Hamdan Al Murshidi, experts are expecting a 240% increase in demand for healthcare products and services over the next 10 years, with a 25% guaranteed contribution to the local GDP (source: ICE Dubai Report 2014). This in light of the ambitious policy pursued by the MOH (Ministry of Health) of the United Arab Emirates, aimed at the gradual elimination of healthcare emigration outside the UAE, both of domestic patients, and of foreign patients, making Dubai the center of reference for all those who seek high quality standards and hospital care.
Following the approval of the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan, the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) has started the realization of 43 initiatives in the health sector, including, in particular, the construction of three hospitals and forty new health centers, together with a redevelopment plan for one of the main UAE governmental structures, the Rashid Hospital, providing 900 beds in hospital wards, 160 in the trauma center, 150 rooms for outpatient treatments, 6 specialized centers and two five-star hotels.
H.E. Engineer Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor, Director General of the DHA, has recently confirmed the intention of the Authority to focus on providing high level quality and health care, hospitality infrastructures, “collateral” services and “new technologies” available to patients. As stated by the same H.E. Engineer Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor, “The aim is to usher to HA community towards achieving the vision and mission of our Nation” (source: Strategic Plan 2012-2017 – H.E. Engineer Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor, G.D. – DHA).
According to the most recent international reports, the healthcare industry market of the Middle East has a turnover of approximately 74 million dollars, an annual growth rate next to 16% and medical expenditure that will reach 60 million dollars by 2015. With the coming of Expo 2020, the demand for healthcare products and services will be expected to grow, thus offering new and interesting possibilities for the numerous Italian companies in this sector.
(Bologna Office – Linda Tontodonati – 0039(0)51 2750020)
