Report

The UAE medical imaging market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.94% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 260.89 million in 2023 to USD 413.78 million in 2031. Over the last couple of years, the UAE's healthcare sector has seen phenomenal growth and development on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic and investments by its stakeholders in improving the system. Supportive reforms from regional governments are crucial, and private sector involvement is rising, fueled by public-private partnerships, mandatory health insurance, and other collaborative efforts to bridge the demand-supply gap. UAE medical imaging industry has grown significantly to meet both the evolving needs of UAE's population and country's ambition to become a regional medical tourism hub. This growth is driven by technological developments in imaging systems such as CT and MRI, equipment demand coupled with local production initiatives, and the evolution of portable imaging devices.
For instance, according to the report published by Alpen Capital Limited, healthcare spending by UAE residents is set to grow by nearly one-third in the coming years due to a rise in the aging population and more people suffering from lifestyle diseases. The country's healthcare spending is projected to outpace its GCC peers at 7.4% CAGR to reach USD 30.7 billion by 2027 from USD 21.5 billion in 2022.
Growing Equipment Demand Coupled with Local Production Initiatives Drive Market Growth
The demand for advanced equipment and local production initiatives majorly drives the UAE medical imaging market. With the expansion of healthcare systems worldwide, including in the UAE, there is an increasing requirement for high-end medical devices like AI-enabled platforms and portable imaging equipment, among others. Moreover, local production drives flexibility in responding to this demand surge- diminishing the need for importations, cost decline, and supply chain resilience. Establishing manufacturing facilities within the region enables quicker delivery and customization of devices to align with specific regional needs and regulatory standards. In addition, local production enhances economic development as it will generate a workplace and innovate in the domestic medical technology industry.
For instance, in October 2022, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), part of PureHealth Group, and Lunit Inc. (Lunit), a medical AI software developer, partnered to conduct trials of Lunit's various radiology AI solutions. As per the contract, SEHA's comprehensive healthcare network will be utilized to conduct trials of Lunit INSIGHT CXR, an AI solution for chest X-ray analysis, and the Lunit INSIGHT MMG, an AI solution for mammography analysis.
Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Promote Market Growth
Rising prevalence of chronic diseases has become a significant public health concern in the UAE. Urbanization leading to sedentary lifestyle, has resulted in the various lifestyle-related diseases such as, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. UAE has one of the highest diabetic population rates in the world. Data published by The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that the 1.17 million of the total population aged between 20-79 years will be diagnosed with diabetes by 2030. While another study conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) indicated that around 30% of the UAE's population shows symptoms of diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions.
On the backdrop of growing burden of chronic diseases, the UAE government is rising investments in the development of healthcare infrastructure that is equipped with advanced imaging technologies to identify and manage these health conditions accurately. Thus, rising chronic disease population coupled with developing advanced healthcare infrastructure is expected to fuel the demand for medical imaging devices, such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound systems.
Oncology Segment Leads UAE Medical Imaging Market Share
Oncology accounts for the largest share of the UAE medical imaging market, supported by rising geriatric population and rising cases of breast, prostate, and colorectum cancer. Government investments in healthcare infrastructure support the adoption of these technologies. In addition, the recovery of the oncology market is fueling demand for state-of-the-art imaging systems in specialized cancer centers. The UAE being one of the few successful medical tourism destinations further drives advanced imaging demand in cancer care. Patient demand for imaging on a routine basis stems from increased awareness and focus on early detection. The increasing prevalence of cancer in younger generations highlights the need.
For instance, as per the data published by Globocan (WHO), in 2022, 5,526 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the UAE, while the 5-years cancer prevalent cases accounted for 20,053.
Abu Dhabi Dominates the UAE Medical Imaging Market
Abu Dhabi has significantly driven the medical imaging market in UAE owing to its extensive healthcare infrastructure, high investments, and concentration on advanced technology compared to other cities. Several advanced hospitals and specialty centers in the emirate have state-of-the-art imaging technologies. The healthcare segment gains from heavy government assistance and investment, leading to the introduction of advanced diagnostic tools that further ensure high standards in medical care. Abu Dhabi's leadership in the global medical arena is bolstered by its determination and commitment to launching innovative projects that improve healthcare services.
For instance, in June 2024, the Department of Health (DoH), Abu Dhabi and the Endowments and Minors' Funds Management Authority, Abu Dhabi, announced the establishment of a USD 272 million (AED 1 billion) healthcare endowment fund - an initiative to further strengthen efforts toward meeting the specialized healthcare needs of Abu Dhabi, and this will also provide more sustainable financing for the creation of positive social impacts in the field of healthcare.
Future Market Scenario (2024-2031F)
AI is going to drive the healthcare industry of the UAE immensely by adding precision diagnostics to enhance efficiency. AI algorithms can rapidly analyze complex imaging data to portray important features, it also delivers improved workflows and reduces diagnostic errors, helping the radiologist to detect the lesion accurately. Integration of AI in diagnostic imaging also supports personalized medicine by providing data-driven insights that further helps the radiologists in developing more targeted and effective treatment plans. Rising investment in AI research and development coupled with government initiatives to enhance healthcare technology is encouraging this trend. The recent strategic partnership between Aster DM Healthcare Limited and Fujifilm Healthcare Middle East S.A.E. (Fujifilm) exemplifies this trend, as they introduced AI-enabled diagnostics, imaging, and radiology solutions to the GCC, including UAE. These latest AI-empowered technologies from Fujifilm are aimed at providing accurate and fast diagnostics at the highest standard of patient comfort and safety while equipping doctors and medical professionals with the accurate information required to provide the best treatment.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The leading players operating in the UAE medical imaging market focus on regulatory approvals, expansion of direct market presence, mergers and acquisitions, and collaborations to tap the elevating opportunities in the territory.
In December 2023, PRIME Healthcare Group, Ltd. and Siemens Healthineers AG announced a nine-year partnership involving the installation and enhancement of various diagnostic imaging systems, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and X-ray systems. This partnership also includes upgrading current imaging software and servers and implementing an advanced digital fleet management system at one of their hospitals. Over the next nine years, efforts will be made to leverage cutting-edge technology, optimize clinical operations, and provide comprehensive education to healthcare professionals.