GCC Countries Medical Tourism Market

GCC Countries Medical Tourism Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

GCC countries medical tourism market is likely to generate sales amounting to USD 8.6 billion in 2024. Over the assessment period from 2024 to 2034, the GCC countries medical tourism market CAGR is projected to expand to 10.4% culminating in a market size of USD 21.7 billion by the end of 2034.

GCC countries medical tourism industry is growing due to expanding wealth and disposable income contribute significantly to the regional economic growth, which is primarily driven by oil profits and diversification initiatives. As the purchasing power of people is rising, so they may go overseas more for better treatment.

GCC has a pool of recognized medical professionals and specialists in a variety of medical areas. The professionals provide sophisticated and specialized medical services, making the region a popular choice for individuals looking for certain treatments or operations.

GCC medical professionals have extensive experience in heart surgery, orthopedic surgeries, cancer treatments, and cosmetic surgery. This experience, together with the availability of complete healthcare services, attracts patients from across the world looking for medical excellence as well as the certainty that they will receive customized treatment suited to their specific requirements.

A key motivator for GCC countries medical tourism is the prospect of cost reductions. Individuals frequently discover that obtaining medical care in certain locales provides more economical possibilities than their own countries.

Patients choose GCC countries medical tourism to obtain specialist treatments and procedures that are not generally available or may need lengthy wait periods in their native countries. This encompasses anything from cosmetic operations to complex medical therapies.

The proliferation of high quality healthcare institutions has boosted the appeal of GCC countries medical tourism. Many countries have made hefty investments in cutting edge medical facilities and technology to accommodate overseas patients.

People are also increasingly looking for wellness and preventative healthcare services through GCC countries medical tourism. Spa treatments, health retreats, and complete health checkups are among the offers that draw worldwide wellness seekers. All the above mentioned factors are likely to drive demand for the GCC countries medical tourism industry.

Attributes	Description
Estimated GCC Countries Medical Tourism Market Size (2024E)	USD 8.6 billion
Projected GCC Countries Medical Tourism Market Value (2034F)	USD 21.7 billion
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034)	10.4%

Key Industry Highlights

Presence of World Class Medical Institutions is likely to Accelerate GCC Countries Medical Tourism Market Growth

The GCC area has made significant expenditures in healthcare infrastructure, culminating in the development of world class medical institutions. The institutions are outfitted with cutting edge medical equipment and manned by highly trained healthcare personnel.

The availability of sophisticated hospitals and medical facilities that provide a wide variety of services is a key driver of medical tourism in the region. Patients from all over the world go to the GCC countries to receive sophisticated medical treatments, specialty procedures, and access to cutting edge diagnostic and therapeutic technology.

Strategic Location to Propel GCC Countries Medical Tourism Market Growth

The GCC countries are strategically located, providing as a link between Asia, Europe, and Africa. This strategic location makes them easily accessible to overseas patients. The existence of well connected international airports, reduced visa procedures, and dedicated medical tourism facilitation services has made this easier for people seeking treatment in the region.

This accessibility is important to the expansion of the GCC medical tourism market. Patients may receive high quality treatment without having to travel long distances, making the Gulf Cooperation Council a desirable and convenient location for medical tourism.

Including Volatile Geopolitics to Stifle GCC Countries Medical Tourism Market Growth

The GCC countries medical tourism industry has various challenges, including volatile geopolitics, economic woes, and environmental issues. Individuals capacity to go internationally can be significantly influenced by economic developments, particularly changes in exchange rates and income distribution.

Geopolitical issues, such as hostilities or volatility in specific regions, may deter people from visiting other countries for fear of their safety. Strict immigration regulations and complex visa procedures can also make travel more difficult and reduce the amount of visitors leaving the nation.

2019 to 2023 GCC Countries Medical Tourism Demand Analysis Compared to Demand Forecasts for 2024 to 2034

GCC countries medical tourism demand increased at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2019 to 2023. For the next ten years (2024 to 2034), projections are that expenditure on GCC countries medical tourism will reach a CAGR of 10.4%.

The GCC countries medical tourism has expanded rapidly over the historical period, owing to key factors like world class healthcare infrastructure, specialized medical services, and effective marketing campaigns. This rapid development reflected the rising demand of overseas patients for medical treatments and operations in the GCC area.

Over the projection period, the demand for medical tourism in GCC countries is anticipated to augment at an astronomical pace. This is due to the continued attraction and competitiveness as a top destination for medical tourists.

Their commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure, along with advances in medical technology and specialized treatments puts the area as a leader in the medical tourism industry. Their strategic geographic position, visa facilitation, and accessibility make this appealing to foreign patients looking for superior healthcare services overseas.

GCC has a great reputation for providing high quality care, personalized services, and luxurious hospitality experiences increases their attractiveness to discriminating medical tourists. As governments continue to engage in healthcare development and medical tourism programs, the GCC countries medical tourism market is likely to expand at a stellar pace.

Country-wise Insights

The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top three markets. KSA and Kuwait are set to exhibit high GCC countries medical tourism market growth, recording CAGRs of 13.1% and 11.7%, respectively, through 2034.

Countries	CAGR 2024 to 2034
KSA	13.1%
Kuwait	11.7%
Oman	10.3%
UAE	9%
Qatar	7%

Luxury and Hospitality is likely to Drive the Market in KSA

KSA is projected to ascend at a CAGR of 13.1% during the forecast period. Luxury and hospitality are key drivers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) medical tourism market, placing the country as a top destination for healthcare seekers from across the world.

KSA is renowned for world class accommodations, first rate facilities, and exceptional service standards, providing patients with a comfortable experience throughout their medical trip.

Luxury hospitals and medical clinics in Saudi Arabia focus patient comfort by offering plush private rooms, gourmet dining options, and individual concierge services. This commitment to elegance and hospitality not only improves the whole patient experience, but this also leads to speedier recovery periods and higher patient satisfaction.

World Class Healthcare Facilities is Driving the Market inKuwait

Kuwait is predicted to augment at a CAGR of 11.7% during the projected period. The medical tourism sector in Kuwait is expanding rapidly, owing to their world class healthcare facilities.

The country has cutting edge hospitals and medical institutions that are integrated with modern technology and manned by highly competent healthcare professionals. Their dedication to offering high quality healthcare services draws individuals from all over the world seeking specialized treatments and procedures.

The availability of famous medical facilities specialized in fields such as cardiac care, cancer, orthopedics, and cosmetic surgery adds to the appeal of Kuwait as a medical tourism destination. Patients benefit from having access to cutting edge medical advances and new treatment choices, as well as customized care.

Presence of Specialized Medical Treatments are Propelling the Market Demand in Oman

Oman is expected to thrive at a CAGR of 10.3% during the assessment period. The availability of specialized medical treatments is driving the surge in Oman medical tourism market.

The country has become a popular destination for people seeking innovative treatments and procedures in a variety of medical specialties. The healthcare system in Oman comprises cutting edge hospitals and clinics manned by highly trained medical experts.

Category-Wise Insights

Dental Treatment to Lead the GCC Countries Medical Tourism Market

Segment	Dental Treatment (Treatment Type)
Value Share (2024)	23%

The dental treatment category is expected to lead the GCC countries medical tourism market by 2024, accounting for 23%. This increase is a reflection of shift in healthcare seeking habits, with individuals increasingly seeking high quality dental care beyond their own country.

The GCC has quickly become a popular destination for dental tourism, owing to characteristics such as cutting edge facilities, ly qualified dental specialists, and affordable treatment alternatives. With a projected dominant position in the medical tourism landscape, the dental treatment category is likely to drive market growth during the projected period.

The Package Traveller Segment is likely to remain highly sought after

Segment	Package Traveller (Tour Type)
Value Share (2024)	47%

In 2024, the package traveler sector is predicted to lead the gcc countries medical tourism market, with a market share of 47%. This increase in package travelers highlights a rising trend in which people choose entire medical tourism packages that include treatment, lodging, and travel arrangements.

The attractiveness of package travel is due to the ease, providing patients with a hassle free experience and peace of mind throughout their medical visit.

Such packages frequently include appealing facilities and specialized care services suited to the needs of medical tourists. As a result, they have become the go to option for people looking for high quality healthcare services mixed with a hassle free vacation experience.

Competitive Landscape

The GCC countries medical tourism market is a competitive environment with a growing number of healthcare facilities, innovative medical technology, and strategic collaborations. Leading market players are competing to strengthen their position in the market by delivering specialized treatments, customized care, and cutting edge amenities to attract foreign patients.

Key locations such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have world class medical facilities and renowned healthcare specialists, establishing themselves as regional medical tourism centers. With an emphasis on quality, innovation, and patient centered services, competition in the GCC countries medical tourism industry drives growth and raises healthcare standards.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, American Hospital Dubai announced the launch of three medical tourism representative offices in Nigeria, to help the UAE's aim to become a medical tourism powerhouse.
• In December 2023, Zulekha Hospital and the Sharjah based civic organization Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve healthcare access for FOCP's benefit patients. This strategic agreement intends to speed up and enhance the patients medical journeys by ensuring they receive top tier medical care with considerable financial help at Zulekha Hospital branches in Sharjah and Dubai.

Leading GCC Countries Medical Tourism Brands

Health capital (Wellness Zone WLL), Thumbay Medical Tourism, Fakhri Travel & Tourism Centre, American Hospital Dubai, VAID Health Care Services (VHS), On-time Healthcare, Shifa International Hospitals, Zulekha Healthcare, Exeter Bone & Joint, Lyfboat Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Medsurge India, Al AfiyaMedi Tour, Farhan Travel & Tourism, AL Hakkim Medical Services and Arabian Gulf Medical Tourism Agency are the key players in this market.

Key Segments of the Report

By Treatment Type:

The GCC countries medical tourism market is classified into dental treatment, cosmetic treatment, cardiovascular treatment, orthopaedic treatment, neurological treatment, cancer treatment, fertility treatment and others.

By Services:

The GCC countries medical tourism market is classified into wellness services and therapeutic services.

By Tour Type:

The GCC countries medical tourism market is classified into independent traveler, tour group and package traveler.

By Consumer Orientation:

The GCC countries medical tourism market is classified into men, women and children.

By Age Group:

The GCC countries medical tourism market is classified into 15-25 Years, 26-35 Years, 36-45 Years, 46-55 Years and 66-75 Years.

By Booking Channel:

The GCC countries medical tourism market is classified into phone booking, online booking and in-person booking.

By Region:

Analysis of the GCC Countries Medical Tourism market has been carried out in key countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the GCC Countries Medical Tourism market?

The GCC countries medical tourism market is estimated at a value of USD 8.6 billion in 2024.

At what rate did the market for GCC Countries Medical Tourism grows between 2019 and 2023?

Revenue of GCC countries medical tourism market increased at 10.1% CAGR between 2019 and 2023.

Who are the leading companies in the GCC Countries Medical Tourism market?

Health capital (Wellness Zone WLL), Thumbay Medical Tourism, Fakhri Travel & Tourism Centre, American Hospital Dubai, and Arabian Gulf Medical Tourism Agency are some of the key players in this market.

Which country will witness significant growth by 2034?

KSA is projected to ascend at a CAGR of 13.10% throughout 2034.

What share does the package traveler segment account for in the GCC Countries Medical Tourism market in 2024?

The package traveler segment is projected to hold a market share of 47% in 2024.