Abstract
Access to the United Arab Emirates medical market is limited for overseas
firms if a local agent is not appointed. This report is ideal for executives
wanting to understand the key drivers in the medical market and have access to
a wealth of statistical data, including five-year market projections. Included
with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to
keep up to date with market developments for a year.
Includes 3 quarterly updated outlook reports!
The UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East, with a GDP of
US$120.0 billion, equal to US$24,000 per capita in 2006. However, the WHO
estimated that health expenditure accounts for just 3.3% of GDP, one of the
lowest levels in the Middle East. In value terms however, this is still a
significant investment.
A wide range of public health facilities are run by the Ministry of Health,
including hospitals, Primary Healthcare Centres, School Health and Maternity &
Child Health Units. In addition, there are facilities run by other public
sector bodies, including the police and the armed forces. The private sector
is far more active in the provision of primary care than hospital services.
A number of challenges face the healthcare sector in the UAE; rapid population
growth, a large number of foreign workers, poor immunisation rates and a rise
in infectious diseases could overburden the health system if counter-measures
are not taken.
The UAE is committed to improving its health sector and as such is investing a
significant amount in the construction and renovation of health facilities. A
large number of projects, from the construction of hospitals and health
centres to the purchasing of new equipment, have been announced since 2003,
many of which have been, or are due to be completed in the near future.
The UAE acts as a trading post for medical equipment and supplies destined for
other countries in the region, notably Iran and Pakistan. Market access is
also limited for overseas firms if a local agent is not appointed; agreements
are usually exclusive. The market remains unregulated although international
standards are recognised.
Imports generally account for over three-quarters of the market, which is
valued at US$464 million in 2007, equal to US$89 per capita. The economy in
the UAE is heavily reliant on the fluctuating price of oil.
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