The Middle East life sciences industry has seen remarkable growth, fueled by improved diagnostic capabilities, a rising burden of chronic and acute diseases, and advancements in translational research. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) are becoming regional leaders, with the U.A.E. establishing itself as the center of life sciences in the MENA region. To improve healthcare results, these countries are progressively implementing cutting-edge technologies and precision medicine. A variety of technologies, such as PCR, NGS, and cell culture, are driving the industry. Despite obstacles such a shortage of experienced workers and unequal uptake of cutting-edge instruments, increased post-COVID-19 knowledge of molecular diagnostics is driving industry growth.

Key Market Segments

• Middle East RT-PCR Market:

  • Valued at $144.5 million in 2021, projected to reach $596.2 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 13.78%.

  • Widely adopted in clinical diagnostics, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Major players include G42 Healthcare and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

• East PCR Market:

  • Valued at $273.6 million in 2021, expected to grow to $813.1 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 10.27%.

  • Conventional and RT-PCR technologies dominate this segment, supported by initiatives such as the G42-BGI collaboration for COVID-19 detection.

• Middle East d-PCR Market:

  • Estimated at $15.6 million in 2021, projected to reach $73.7 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 15.19%.

  • Emerging market with limited adoption in laboratories. Bio-Rad Laboratories and QIAGEN are key contributors.

• Middle East NGS Market:

  • Valued at $215.6 million in 2021, expected to grow to $1,285.8 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 15.71%.

  • Dominated by Illumina and Thermo Fisher Scientific, supported by regional genome projects such as the Emirati Genome Project and Qatar Genome Project.

• Middle East Cell Culture Market:

  • Valued at $237.5 million in 2021, forecasted to reach $561.9 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.74%.

  • Major players include GE Healthcare and Thermo Fisher Scientific, with applications in biopharma and academic research.

• Middle East Western Blotting Market:

  • Valued at $44.9 million in 2021, projected to grow to $93.2 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 6.57%.

  • Key players include Bio-Rad Laboratories and Cleaver Scientific.

Regional Insights

• United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.):

  • Positioned as the life sciences capital of the Middle East.

  • Hosts prominent genome projects like the Emirati Genome Project.

• Saudi Arabia:

  • Focused on reducing genetic diseases through initiatives like the Saudi Genome Project.

  • Prominent contributor to the biopharma and biotechnology sectors.

• Qatar:

  • Home to the Qatar Genome Project, advancing population genomics.

• Egypt and Turkey:

  • Emerging hubs for life sciences research, supported by growing government investments.
    
    

How are Saudi Arabia and UAE advancing their life science sector?

With the goal of becoming a global biotech powerhouse by 2040 and a leader in the MENA region by 2030, Saudi Arabia unveiled its National Biotechnology Strategy in January 2024. The UAE is concentrating on growing the biotechnology sector as a significant subsector under Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.

Emerging Trends

• Population Genomics:

  • Large-scale projects like the U.A.E. Genome Project aim to map genetic diversity and improve healthcare outcomes.

• Adoption of Digital Solutions:

  • Increasing use of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and other digital tools for research and diagnostics.

• Expansion of Biopharma:

  • Growth in cell culture applications and proteomics research to meet rising demand for biologics.

• Innovation in Diagnostic Technologies:

  • Development of high-throughput, cost-effective diagnostic tools for widespread use in clinical setting.

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Conclusion

The life sciences industry in the Middle East is about to enter a phase of extraordinary expansion, propelled by national agendas, technical advancements, and growing healthcare demands. The region is changing as a result of efforts in biopharma, genomics, and molecular diagnostics as well as a digital-first strategy for healthcare infrastructure. The region is making steady progress toward becoming a global leader in healthcare transformation and life sciences innovation, despite certain obstacles.