Closing Bell: Saudi stocks end higher on Monday as TASI rises 0.26% 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the UAE accounted for almost all investment activity in the Gulf’s healthcare sector over the past four years, underscoring the region’s growing appeal to investors, according to JLL. 

The two countries were behind nearly 92 percent of the almost 400 transactions recorded in the Gulf Cooperation Council between 2021 and April 2025, the professional services firm said in its latest report. 

The UAE led with 198 deals, followed closely by Saudi Arabia with 170. 

JLL said the trend reflects both markets’ push to expand healthcare infrastructure under national transformation programs, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention’s 2023–2026 strategy. 

In August, consultancy firm Research and Markets projected the GCC healthcare innovation market to grow from $121.9 billion in 2025 to $170.5 billion by 2030. 

“The GCC healthcare sector presents a dynamic and rapidly evolving investment landscape with exceptional growth potential across the healthcare value chain,” said Sandeep Sinha, head of healthcare and life sciences advisory at Middle East and Africa at JLL. 

“For investors, this creates multiple entry points for capital, spanning digital health innovations and infrastructure development that ensure sustainable returns while advancing health outcomes,” he added. 

Demographics and digitalization 

JLL highlighted demographic expansion, government-led initiatives, and a surge in digital health adoption as key drivers of growth. A health-conscious, tech-savvy youth population is driving demand for preventive care, wellness services, and digital health solutions, while an ageing population is increasing demand for geriatric care and chronic disease management. 

“By 2030, projections indicate the region’s population will reach 69.92 million, creating unprecedented demand for comprehensive healthcare services across all specialities,” said JLL. 

National transformation programs are also acting as powerful catalysts, actively injecting direct capital and fostering public-private partnerships, the report added.

Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to modernize and improve the Kingdom’s healthcare system by implementing new technologies. The program also seeks to increase private-sector participation to achieve national health goals and ensure everyone has access to high-quality care. 

JLL further said that advanced digital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is improving patient access and efficiency, with initiatives such as the UAE’s Riayati platform and Saudi Arabia’s unified Electronic Health Records system leading to a structural transformation in how healthcare services are conceived, delivered, and accessed. This provides a strong foundation for both domestic and foreign investors. 

“As the market matures, investors are prioritizing strong value propositions, supported by sustained government commitment to develop world-class medical facilities, reinforcing the sector’s position as a strategic investment priority,” said Sinha. 

The shift toward patient-centered care models is another growth driver, increasing spending on patient interaction platforms, premium facilities, and advanced diagnostic technologies that promote holistic patient experiences. 

According to JLL, the digitalization wave sweeping across the healthcare ecosystem has accelerated strategic partnerships with global technology leaders, fueling investments in health-tech innovations such as telemedicine and arrtificial intelligence-powered diagnostics. 

In June, during the BIO International Convention, Saudi Arabia signed more than a dozen high-impact memoranda of understanding between its leading health institutions and international biotechnology and healthcare organizations. 

During the convention, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center partnered with US-based Germfree to localize cleanroom and laboratory manufacturing, while King Abdullah International Medical Research Center formalized a collaboration with California-based Illumina in genomics research. 

Deal landscape 

Early-stage investments concentrated on health-tech and outpatient services across wellness, mental health, beauty and skin care, and home care sectors. Meanwhile, 28 percent of mergers and acquisitions activity focused on hospitals and clinics, reflecting ongoing industry expansion and consolidation. 

According to market intelligence firm Tracxn, the GCC healthcare sector witnessed total funding of more than $1.13 billion, with the largest funding in 2016 at $324 million. In 2024, the sector attracted $255 million, up from $2 million in 2023 and $63.3 million in 2022. 

JLL reported 170 early-stage funding rounds and 91 M&A deals between 2021 and April 2025. During this period, major sovereign wealth funds, including Mubadala and ADQ, led strategic acquisitions of companies such as Diabtec, Gulf Inject, and Well Pharma Medical Solutions. 

The report added that the initial public offering landscape in the GCC healthcare sector is also maturing, leveling off following a sharp increase in 2021 and 2022. 

“This reflects strong investor interest, with healthcare providers, medical suppliers, and pharmaceutical companies leading market activity. Market analysts expect more IPOs soon due to impending economic concerns, such as the US tariffs and forecasts of lower oil prices in 2026,” said the report. 

The GCC region saw 27 IPOs between 2021 and April 2025. A major healthcare IPO in 2025 was Saudi Arabia’s Almoosa Health, which raised $450 million. 

Future outlook 

The report outlined trends likely to strengthen the GCC healthcare investment landscape. Investments targeting digital health solutions and telemedicine platforms are expected to grow, with larger funding rounds for established digital health players.

 

The health-tech sector is projected to mature further, driving increased M&A as larger entities acquire successful startups to integrate innovative solutions. JLL also anticipates accelerated AI and data analytics adoption, with capital directed toward solutions that improve diagnoses, optimize treatment, and enhance operational efficiency. 

Investment momentum is also expected to shift toward preventive healthcare frameworks and personalized medicine, including genetic testing, longevity-focused clinical programs, health monitoring technologies, and smart health coaching platforms. 

“The future of healthcare investment in the GCC region isn’t just about financial returns — it’s about contributing to a fundamental transformation of regional healthcare delivery that will impact millions of lives for generations to come,” said JLL. 

RIYADH: Trade exchange between Oman and Iraq grew to 239.2 million Omani rials ($622 million) in the first half of 2025, marking a 1.2 percent rise from a year earlier. 

Statistics from the National Center for Statistics and Information showed that bilateral trade increased from 156.5 million rials during the same period in 2024, Oman News Agency reported. 

Omani exports to Iraq reached 32.8 million rials, while imports from Iraq totaled 206.4 million rials in the first six months of 2025. 

The surge in trade underscores deepening economic ties between Muscat and Baghdad, driven by collaborative agreements on trade, transportation, and investment, as well as efforts to diversify their economies away from oil dependency. 

Commenting on the strengthening ties, Faisal Al-Rawas, chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s recent visit to Oman reflects the depth of bilateral relations and growing economic cooperation. 

“It also demonstrates the two countries’ aspirations to expand the scope of economic cooperation and integration, which enhances the role of the private sectors in both countries in strengthening bridges of partnership,” ONA cited him as saying. 

The figures also showed that 11,558 Iraqi visitors traveled to Oman during the first seven months of 2025, underscoring the growing people-to-people exchange. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion revealed that the number of Iraqi companies investing in Oman reached 1,304 in the first half of 2025, with a combined capital of 94.3 million rials. 

Iraqi investment accounted for 68.2 percent of total foreign participation, ONA reported. 

Key Omani exports to Iraq during this period included electrical cables, gold jewelry, and marble, while natural gas, petroleum derivatives, and liquefied propane dominated imports from Iraq. 

Both countries are bound by several agreements, including deals on economic and trade cooperation, air services, and a free trade zone initiative. 

Al-Rawas emphasized that Omani companies benefit from advanced infrastructure, investment incentives, and access to special economic and free zones. Oman’s strategic location, he said, could help Iraqi products reach markets in Asia and Africa. 

Highlighting Iraq’s potential, Al-Rawas said the country represents an attractive investment destination, adding that Iraq’s “Development Road” project offers significant opportunities for international logistical integration, linking the Gulf with Europe. 

He expressed hope for Omani companies to play a role in the project, particularly in the transport and logistics sectors. 

The chamber, he added, is committed to strengthening business partnerships, fostering joint investments, and promoting knowledge exchange to diversify income sources, create jobs, and reinforce the historic and fraternal ties between the two nations.