The Finance World Magazine| Edition: May 2023

The UAE has made significant
investments in the healthcare
sector, and these efforts are
now bearing fruit, with the
UAE emerging as a hub for medical
tourism, advanced medical procedures,
and cutting-edge research, captivating
investors’ attention from all around
the world.
Healthtech:
Dubai is also quickly becoming a
prominent healthtech hub, offering ample
investment opportunities. The emirate is
establishing itself as a digital health hub
by leveraging cutting-edge technological
advancements and innovative digital
health solutions to build a world-class
healthcare ecosystem that will solidify
its position as a leading destination
for both international investors and
medical tourists.
The healthcare industry in Dubai is
valued at over $4.63B per annum and
is expected to be a key driver in the
growth of the healthcare sector in the
MENA region, which is estimated to
reach $243B this year. The emirate’s
national strategies, which include
substantial investments in AI, have
positioned it as a regional leader in
healthcare technology and AI.
Additionally, Dubai boasts an
exceptional high-tech medical
infrastructure and is home to an
increasing number of public and private
healthcare entities, including renowned
hospitals, outpatient medical centers,
and diagnostic labs that have a global
presence. This creates a favourable
environment for investors, as these
factors offer lucrative opportunities
for investors to capitalize on the
burgeoning growth of the sector and
tap into the potential market demand for
advanced medical procedures, innovative
technologies, and high-quality healthcare
services. As a result, investing in Dubai’s
healthcare industry could be a smart
move for investors seeking long-term
returns on their investments.
Healthtech Startups:
A report by the Dubai Healthcare City
Authority reveals that the healthtech
startup ecosystem in MENA is now
worth over $1.5B, which marks a 22-fold
increase since 2016. The growth of
healthtech is partially driven by the
increasing demand for healthcare
software development, in addition
to AI investment opportunities that
align with global trends. The Internet
of Medical Things is expected to
transform the healthcare industry,
creating new investment opportunities
for manufacturers and suppliers in
connected healthcare technologies
and services. Dubai’s data-centric
approach to various economic sectors,
including healthcare, is expected to
drive significant healthcare investments
in the coming years through Big Data.
Home Healthcare:
The UAE has experienced a significant
surge in its home healthcare industry,
with the government investing in the
development of home healthcare
services. This initiative aims to alleviate
the burden on hospitals and offer patients
more accessible and affordable care.
Home healthcare services in the UAE
comprise a range of medical services,
such as nursing care, physiotherapy,
occupational therapy, and other care
services that are available in patients’
homes. Additionally, private companies
provide home healthcare services, and
many insurance plans now provide
coverage for these services.
The initiatives taken by the government
act as a major contributor to the growth
of the market. For instance, in September
2021, Abu Dhabi Health Authorities
approved 77 home-care service providers
in the emirate, which can continue to
serve more than 4,000 patients. Such
continuous efforts are undertaken by
the Department of Health (DoH) to
update and implement advanced models
of care that enhance the efficiency of
the sector and contribute to healthcare
services driving the growth of the market.
The growth of the home healthcare
industry in the UAE presents a promising
investment opportunity for investors. The
government’s investment in the sector is
likely to create a favourable regulatory
environment for investors, while the
increasing demand for home healthcare
services provides a potential market for
investment. Private companies offering
home healthcare services also offer
opportunities for investment, especially
those with innovative solutions that can
disrupt the market. The inclusion of
home healthcare services in insurance
plans further indicates the potential
profitability of this market, which is
likely to attract more investors.
In conclusion, the UAE’s healthcare
industry is becoming an attractive
destination for investment due to
its modern facilities, innovative
technologies, and favourable regulatory
environment. The UAE’s increasing
geriatric population and dependency
ratio are expected to drive demand for
healthcare services, making healthcare
investment a smart move for investors
seeking long-term returns. The country’s
growth in healthtech startups, AI
investment opportunities, and a datacentric
approach to healthcare also
create new investment opportunities
for manufacturers and suppliers in
connected healthcare technologies
and services.
May 2023 www.thefinanceworld.com 57