The GCC Healthcare Market: Attracting Foreign Investment  

The GCC has one of the fastest-growing healthcare services in the region and is expected to attract direct foreign investment as the region continues to develop.  A forecast of annual healthcare expenditures for GCC countries reaching US$300 billion is predicted by 2025.

Pharmaceutical sales is expected to grow from US$ 5.6 billion to US$ 10.8 billion in 2020.  This growth is driven by high life expectancy and sharp population growth, increase in healthcare awareness, increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases, conducive government policies, mandatory medical insurance for employees.  This sector is now an attractive destination investment with the rising demand for local products and brands and the need for private sector participation.

The Health and Wellness Industries in Oman: Responding to Growing Health Requirements

Oman has a thriving healthcare sector, resulting from the increase in the demand for healthcare products, medical services, and alternative therapy, as well as sports and fitness equipment. The heavy dependence on imports at present also contributes to the rising requirements for locally sourced healthcare products and services. 

Over the last 30 years, the government has invested heavily on the health sector and succeeded in creating an advanced healthcare system.  It has put in place a vast public health service providing free healthcare for its citizens and expatriates in government offices.

The wellness industry in Oman is steadily growing and is expected to continue growing in the same pace in the coming years. 

Presently, there is a large number of independent wellness companies as well as centers housed within five-star hotels.  There is also an influx of foreign wellness companies that have taken their place in the sultanate.