Middle East & Africa Inbound Medical Tourism Market Outlook, 2028

The market in this region is being driven by significant investments made by the government in the hospital sector to support better treatment options for the populace. The demand for medical tourism in the Middle East and Africa is directly driven by the expanding number of individuals suffering from various health conditions. Individuals' increasing knowledge of the availability of various treatment options is accelerating the market's growth rate. Medical tourists, who are driving the market's development pace, can also take advantage of excellent offers offered by travel agencies. The market's demand is significantly increasing due to the expansion of healthcare facilities that include equipment and other services. The prevalence of supporting high-quality services and facilities, as well as the increase in the number of private hospitals and the prevalence of supporting high-quality services and facilities for patients, is levelling up the market's demand. Elective operations, cosmetic surgery, dental care, and fertility treatments are just a few of the specialty medical procedures and treatments that the area is renowned for providing. These operations are frequently sought after by medical tourists at a fraction of the price they would pay at home. Some cities in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have established themselves as centers for medical tourism, providing patients with not only top-notch medical care but also the chance to partake in tourist activities. This strategy enables recuperation in appealing and welcoming environments for medical tourists. Countries like Saudi Arabia have been working on developing entire healthcare cities or clusters dedicated to medical tourism. These cities offer comprehensive medical services, research facilities, and educational institutions, making them appealing to patients and medical professionals alike.

According to the research report, “Middle East Africa Inbound Medical Tourism Market Outlook, 2028” the market is expected to reach market size of USD 26.74 Billion by 2028. Significant investments have been made in the region's healthcare infrastructure, including cutting-edge hospitals, specialty clinics, and medical equipment. The expansion of medical services and facilities has drawn patients from outside looking for top-notch medical care. A wide variety of specialist medical operations and treatments are available in the Middle East and Africa, including cosmetic surgery, dental work, organ transplants, reproductive treatments, and cardiovascular surgery. Patients from all around the world seek out these operations since they are frequently less expensive than in their home nations. Patients from Europe, Asia, and other regions of Africa can readily access the region because of its geographic location. Reduced travel expenses and a more convenient location for medical tourists can be brought about by shorter travel distances. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been actively trying to establish itself as a top destination for medical tourism. Particularly, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been concentrating on luring medical tourists by providing top-notch medical facilities, specialty treatments, and opulent amenities. The Dubai Health Experience campaign was started by the Dubai Health Authority to encourage medical travel and draw in patients looking for top-notch medical care. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has made great progress in the healthcare industry with initiatives like the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, which aims to provide top-notch medical care and draw patients from abroad. The nation has ambitions to create healthcare towns and centers of excellence for medicine as part of its Vision 2030 project.

Based on the countries, UAE is leading the market of Middle East & Africa Inbound Medical Tourism Market in 2022.

The World Bank classified Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the second and third most popular medical tourism destinations in the Arab world, respectively. Credit for marketing and promoting the medical facilities in this region to overseas patients seeking top-notch healthcare belongs to significant investment supported by strategic advancements by the Emirati government. Aside from the frequent visitors from the GCC region, modern hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as medical tourism organizations in Dubai, have been drawing patients from industrialized countries. Dubai is one of the countries with the fastest-growing medical tourism industries, offering visitors top-notch medical care and treatments. The United Arab Emirates is now anticipating growth in industries including logistics, banking, shipping, and Islamic finance, with health care taking precedence over all of them. By 2025, the Emirates hope to have 40 clinics and three new hospitals, making it the top location for healthcare. Dubai, which has a perfect fusion of services from the East and the West, including various leisure activities, is one of the most distinctive and beautiful medical tourism destinations in the world, according to Dr. Ramadan Ibrahim, director of the health regulation department and project at DHA. Also, Dubai receives people from all over the world for business, exhibitions and conferences, shopping and entertainment and has one of the finest tourism infrastructures in the world.

Based on the treatment type, neurological treatment is expected to grow at significant rate during the forecast period in market of Middle East & Africa Inbound Medical Tourism Market.

The region has established itself as a center for specialized neurological care thanks to developments in medical technology and the expanding accessibility of cutting-edge neurosurgical techniques. Due to its reputation for hosting cutting-edge healthcare facilities and a cadre of highly trained neurosurgeons, patients seeking demanding treatments like brain surgery, spinal surgeries, and advanced diagnostic procedures are drawn to the area. The medical tourism industry in the Middle East and Africa enjoys a cost advantage. The cost of neurological treatments in this region is frequently far lower than in Western nations, making it a desirable alternative for medical tourists looking for high-quality care at a lower cost. Numerous neurological therapies, including those used to treat illnesses like epilepsy, movement abnormalities, and nerve pain, are also affordable. Additionally, the Middle East and Africa's proximity to Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions of Africa is a major factor in the expansion of neurological care. Because of the shorter travel distances, patients from all over the world can easily visit the area and choose it as a convenient location for receiving medical treatment. Furthermore, the region's popularity in the field of neurological treatment has been facilitated by the combined efforts of governments and healthcare players to create a suitable climate for medical tourism. These initiatives include expedited visa procedures, patient-friendly laws, and partnerships between healthcare organizations and tourism businesses to provide all-inclusive healthcare and travel packages.

Based on the service providers, private service providers are leading the market of Middle East & Africa Inbound Medical Tourism Market.

Modern medical facilities, cutting-edge technology, and highly qualified medical staff are frequently investments made by private service providers because they frequently have the financial means and freedom to do so. The ability to provide a broad range of cutting-edge medical treatments and procedures made possible by this investment draws patients looking for top-notch healthcare solutions that might not be easily accessible in their own nations. Private providers' market dominance is also a result of their reduced administrative procedures and effective service delivery. They are frequently skilled at managing the practicalities of medical travel, such as making preparations for visas, scheduling appointments, getting language interpretation services, and finding lodging. This degree of administrative effectiveness has the potential to greatly improve the overall experience for medical tourists and their companions. In addition, private providers frequently focus on offering a comprehensive range of services beyond medical treatment. This includes concierge services, transportation, leisure activities, and accommodation options, thereby creating a holistic medical tourism package that caters to the patient's well-being and comfort throughout their medical journey.

Market Dynamics

• Market Drivers: The outstanding level of medical treatment and specialized knowledge provided by the area's healthcare institutions is one of the main motivators. Patients from all over the world travel to renowned medical centers and highly respected doctors in search of the most innovative therapies, cutting-edge operations, and specialized procedures to address a wide range of medical demands. The region's advantageous geographic location is a major factor, making it accessible from several continents. The Middle East and Africa are more accessible for patients to reach their selected healthcare locations because of well-connected airports, practical travel routes, and well-established transportation networks, which increase the region's appeal for medical tourism.
• Market Restraints: The disparity in healthcare standards and infrastructure between the various nations in the region is one of the major problems. Potential medical tourists looking for consistent and high-quality care may encounter uncertainty due to differences in medical facilities, expertise, and regulatory frameworks. In addition, complicated travel laws and strict visa procedures may discourage foreign patients from seeking medical care in the Middle East and Africa. For patients needing urgent or time-sensitive medical procedures, navigating bureaucratic hurdles and visa processing can be tiresome and discouraging.
• Market Trends: The MEA region is experiencing the growth of specialized medical facilities that concentrate on particular procedures or treatments. These facilities draw patients from abroad who are looking for advanced and specialized care, such as orthopedic surgeries, cosmetic surgery, and reproductive treatments. The region's standing as a hub for specialized medical expertise is enhanced by the services' specialty. The scope of medical tourism in the MEA region is growing to include holistic wellness and upscale treatments in addition to traditional clinical operations. Medical tourism packages now include wellness retreats, spa services, and rejuvenation programs to appeal to people looking for all-encompassing healthcare and leisure experiences.

Market Players Insights

Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Sulaiman AL Habib Medical Group, Mediclinic International plc, The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Groote Schuur Hospital.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Middle East Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Middle East Africa Inbound Medical Tourism with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Inbound Medical Tourism market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Jordan
• South Africa

By Treatment Type

• Cancer Treatment / Oncology
• Cosmetic Treatment
• Orthopedics Treatment / Spine Treatment
• Cardiovascular Treatment
• Fertility Treatment / IVF Treatments
• Neurological Treatment
• Organ Transplant
• Bariatric Treatment
• Dental Treatment
• Alternative Treatment (Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Chinese or Oriental medicine, Chiropractic and osteopathic medicine, Massage, Body movement therapies, Tai chi, Yoga, Dietary supplements, Herbal medicine, Nutrition/diet, Electromagnetic therapy, Reiki, Qigong, Meditation, Biofeedback, Hypnosis, Art, dance, and music, Visualization and guided imagery, etc.)
• Ophthalmology Treatment
• Other Treatments (Dermatological treatments, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) treatments, Allergy and Immunology treatments, Sleep disorder treatments, Mental health and psychological treatments, Urology, diabetology, Proctology, Vascular Surgery, etc.)

By Service Providers

• Private
• Public

The approach of the report

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organisations related to the Inbound Medical Tourism industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.