Prime Highlights
- Healthcare in Gulf Cooperation Council countries is growing fast, driven by new hospitals, expanded medical staff, and private sector investment.
- Digital health solutions like telemedicine, AI, and electronic records are increasingly used to improve care and emergency response.
Key Facts
- The region now has about 882 hospitals, 127,600 beds, and over 1.05 million healthcare professionals, with private hospitals accounting for 42% of facilities.
- The digital health market is projected to reach $1.83 bn in 2025, while overall healthcare spending could grow to $159 bn by 2029.
Background
Healthcare systems across the Gulf Cooperation Council are growing rapidly. Strong public spending, private investment, and higher demand for medical services are driving this growth, according to new data from the GCC Statistical Centre.
By the end of 2024, the number of hospitals reached about 882, increasing by 176 over the past ten years. The number of hospital beds increased to about 127,600, and government hospitals now have nearly 73% of them. Health centres and clinics also expanded, reaching about 3,400 facilities.
The healthcare workforce crossed 1.05 million professionals. Nurses make up the largest group, followed by doctors and pharmacists. More than half of all health workers are employed in government facilities, but private hospitals are hiring at a faster pace.
Private hospitals now account for 42% of all hospitals and are adding beds more quickly than public hospitals. The region has about 20.8 hospital beds per 10,000 people, which is higher than the global average.
Demand for healthcare is also rising. Hospitals are seeing more patient visits, surgeries, tests, and admissions, showing better access to services across the region.
Digital health is another fast-growing area. Countries use electronic medical records, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and connected medical devices to improve care and respond quickly to emergencies.
The digital health market will reach about $1.83 bn in 2025. Overall healthcare spending could grow to $159 bn by 2029.
GCC governments are improving services, building stronger public-private partnerships, and training local medical staff. These actions make health systems stronger and help people live longer across the region.
