The UK’s leading trade association for HealthTech, the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), has today announced the launch of the ABHI Middle East Accelerator, a transformative programme designed to support UK HealthTech companies in scaling their operations across the dynamic Middle Eastern healthcare landscape.
Running from April 2025 to March 2026, this initiative provides an extensive array of resources and expert guidance to help participants succeed in one of the world’s most rapidly evolving healthcare markets.
The programme focuses on unlocking opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond, offering participating companies vital insights into regional regulatory, cultural, and market environments. It features a structured preparation programme to help companies tailor their solutions to market-specific needs, exclusive access to a network of industry experts in both the UK and the Middle East, and three dedicated trade missions to Riyadh, Jizan, and Dubai. Complementary UK-based activities will further ensure companies are well-prepared to engage effectively with regional stakeholders.
These trade missions provide participants with direct access to decision-makers and the opportunity to showcase their innovations in a region making significant investments in healthcare modernisation and digital transformation. The first mission to Saudi Arabia is scheduled for 28 April – 1 May 2025, followed by subsequent missions in October 2025 during the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh and January 2026 at Arab Health in Dubai.
Building on the proven success of ABHI’s US Accelerator, which is now in its eighth year and has generated over $150 million in business won by participating companies, this programme is uniquely positioned to help UK companies navigate the complexities of the Middle East market and capitalise on its growing demand for advanced healthcare solutions.
Suzie Ali-Hassan, International Business Director at ABHI commented: “The Middle East is investing at an extraordinary pace to transform healthcare delivery and innovation, making it a key destination for UK HealthTech companies ready to expand their reach. This programme offers unrivalled access to the market, supporting businesses to navigate its complexities and thrive in a region where the demand for cutting-edge solutions has never been greater.”
The Middle East’s healthcare sector is undergoing significant transformation, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the charge. Saudi Arabia, accounting for 60% of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s healthcare expenditure, is investing $1.5 billion 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 provider market, underscoring its role as a regional leader. Meanwhile, the UAE continues to expand its healthcare capabilities, and boasts one of the highest healthcare spending rates per capita globally, averaging $1,200 per person.
These investments reflect the region’s commitment to modernising healthcare delivery and embracing digital transformation, creating a wealth of opportunities for UK HealthTech companies. By addressing the region’s rapidly growing demand for cutting-edge solutions, participants in the ABHI Middle East Accelerator will be well-positioned to access a market that is primed for innovation and collaboration.
Spaces for the Middle East Accelerator are limited, and interested companies are encouraged to apply by Thursday 6th February 2025. The fee-for-service programme is open to businesses at various stages, from early-stage innovators to SMEs with established operations.
For more information or to discuss this opportunity, please contact the Middle East Accelerator team at meaccelerator@abhi.org.uk.
