Healthcare systems across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are undergoing a significant expansion, driven by sustained government spending, increasing private-sector participation, and an accelerated push toward digital transformation. Newly released data from the GCC Statistical Centre highlights a decade of robust growth, positioning the region as a rapidly evolving healthcare hub.
Infrastructure and Capacity Growth
The foundation of the region’s healthcare system has strengthened considerably over the past ten years. The number of hospitals across the bloc reached 882 by the end of 2024, an increase of 176 facilities over the decade. This expansion reflects a dual commitment from both public and private sectors to enhance infrastructure and broaden access to quality care.
Hospital bed capacity has also seen a steady rise, reaching a total of 127,600. Government-owned facilities continue to form the backbone of the system, accounting for 73% of this capacity. The growth is consistent, with bed capacity climbing from 111,200 in 2018 to 124,900 in 2022, representing an average annual growth rate of 2.4%.
Beyond hospitals, primary care services have expanded to improve community-based access. In 2023, government health centers and complexes totaled approximately 3,400 facilities, indicating wider geographic coverage.
A Burgeoning Healthcare Workforce
The expansion in physical infrastructure has been matched by significant growth in human capital. The total number of healthcare professionals in the GCC has reached 1.05 million, growing at an impressive annual rate of 6.8%. Nursing staff comprise the largest segment at 39.3% of the total workforce.
Between 2019 and 2024, the number of physicians grew to around 203,100, while pharmacists reached 78,700 and nursing personnel totaled approximately 411,900. Notably, the private sector has outpaced the public sector in hiring growth for physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, with ratios per 10,000 population exceeding global averages.
The Rise of the Private Sector
Private investment is playing an increasingly crucial role in the sector’s development. Private hospitals now account for 42% of all hospitals in the region and are expanding more rapidly than their government counterparts. This trend extends to capacity, with private facilities leading the growth in hospital beds. The region’s average capacity of 20.8 beds per 10,000 population now stands above the global average, signaling a mature and accessible system.
Digital Transformation as a Key Driver
Digital health has emerged as a critical catalyst for growth and efficiency. The adoption of electronic health records, telemedicine, AI, big data analytics, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is accelerating across the GCC. These technologies are enhancing operational efficiency, improving emergency response times, and elevating the overall quality of patient care.
Market forecasts indicate strong continued momentum. Digital health revenues are projected to reach $1.83 billion in 2025, while total healthcare spending across the region is expected to climb to $159 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual rate of 7.8%. This digital-first approach is aligned with long-term national visions that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and public-private partnerships.
About GCC Statistical Centre
The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) was established to serve as a common official statistical data and information provider for the member states of the GCC. It aims to enhance the statistical work and cooperation among the member countries and contribute to the development of the region by providing reliable and up-to-date statistics.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
