HealthTech businesses in Yorkshire are set to expand their international reach through the launch of the ABHI Middle East Accelerator, a pioneering programme designed to equip UK firms with the tools to thrive in the Middle Eastern healthcare market.
The Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) is spearheading the initiative, which will run from April 2025 to March 2026. The programme aims to provide vital insights into navigating regional regulatory, cultural, and market landscapes in key areas such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Participants will benefit from a comprehensive preparation package that includes expert guidance on adapting their solutions to local market needs, access to an extensive network of industry specialists, and three major trade missions to Riyadh, Jizan, and Dubai. UK-based activities will also ensure companies are fully prepared to engage with Middle Eastern stakeholders.
The first trade mission is scheduled for 28 April to 1 May 2025 in Saudi Arabia. Subsequent missions will coincide with the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh in October 2025 and the Arab Health event in Dubai in January 2026. These missions aim to connect participants with key decision-makers and provide opportunities to showcase innovative products and services in a region heavily investing in healthcare modernisation.
Suzie Ali-Hassan, International Business Director at ABHI, said: “The Middle East is transforming its healthcare systems at an unprecedented pace. This presents an invaluable opportunity for UK HealthTech firms to expand their reach and contribute cutting-edge solutions to a region demanding innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.”
The programme builds on the success of ABHI’s US Accelerator, which has helped companies generate over $150 million in business since its inception. By leveraging this experience, the Middle East Accelerator aims to guide UK firms in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of this burgeoning market.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are at the forefront of the region’s healthcare transformation. Saudi Arabia alone accounts for 60% of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s healthcare expenditure, with $1.5 billion being invested in digital health and IT transformation. The country’s healthcare market, valued at $57.1 billion in 2023, represents nearly half of the Middle East’s total healthcare market. Meanwhile, the UAE continues to lead globally in healthcare spending per capita, averaging $1,200 per person.
These investments are driving the region’s shift towards modern and digitised healthcare systems, creating significant opportunities for UK businesses to play a role in this transformation.
Applications for the programme are open until Thursday 6 February 2025. Spaces are limited, and companies of all sizes, from early-stage innovators to established SMEs, are encouraged to apply.
With the Middle East market primed for innovation and collaboration, the ABHI Middle East Accelerator promises to be a critical stepping stone for UK HealthTech firms seeking international growth.
