Healthcare technology startups across the GCC attracted $148 million in disclosed investment between January 2025 and July 2026, according to PitchBook data cited by WHX Tech.
The funding went to 32 companies across five GCC markets. Saudi Arabia accounted for 17 of the funded startups, while the UAE followed with 11. Investment activity included digital health, telehealth, women’s health and AI-driven diagnostics, with 21 transactions completed in 2025 and 11 more in the first half of 2026.
The figures will be a focus at WHX Tech, which runs from January 26 to 28, 2027, at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will bring together healthtech startups, investors, healthcare leaders and technology companies working across data and AI, cybersecurity, clinical applications, connected care and digital health services.
Its Investor Programme and Xcelerate Startup Competition are designed to connect emerging companies with capital, expertise and industry relationships. Canadian digital health startup BioTwin is among the participants, showcasing work with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi on virtual human twin technology for breast cancer screening.
Industry participants said the GCC is increasingly moving from importing healthcare innovation to developing it locally. However, startups still need to demonstrate clinical value, regulatory readiness and a clear path to scale across the region’s different markets.
Source: Zawya
