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Dubai tipped as mergers and acquisitions hub as Middle East HealthTech nears Dh44 billion market by 2033

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Life-sciences M&A (mergers and acquisitions) across the Middle East is expected to accelerate as Gulf governments ramp up investment in biotech manufacturing, advanced therapies and HealthTech, according to a new report by Grand View Research (GVR). 

The study forecasts the region’s HealthTech market will climb to Dh44 billion by 2033, supported by a growing shift toward biologics, localisation and technology-transfer programmes.

The findings come as the UAE and Saudi Arabia intensify efforts to build sovereign capabilities in drug development and production under the UAE Life Sciences Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. 

Analysts say the push is driving consolidation and new deal-making ahead of the World Health Expo (WHX) 2026, formerly Arab Health, set to take place in Dubai next year.

Dubai seen as centre of consolidation

The report positions Dubai as a key coordination hub for regional life sciences expansion due to its regulatory neutrality, logistics infrastructure, and free-zone incentives.

“Dubai and the broader GCC now sit at the crossroads of science, capital and policy,” said Swayam Dash, Managing Director at GVR. 

“That convergence is catalysing a wave of acquisitions and joint ventures. Localisation is no longer just a cost play – it’s now fundamental to building an ecosystem for advanced therapies.”

CDMO and bioprocessing markets to nearly double

GVR estimates the Middle East healthcare CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation) market at $6.27 billion (Dh23 billion) in 2024, nearly doubling to $11.91 billion (Dh43.7 billion) by 2033 at a 7.5% CAGR.


The region’s bioprocessing market is also projected to more than double from $1.16 billion (Dh4.26 billion) to $2.44 billion (Dh9 billion) over the same period.

The trend is reshaping investor priorities. Small molecules continue to hold the largest CDMO revenue share at around 36%, but biologics, biosimilars and cell-based therapies are increasingly driving strategic focus.

Localisation drive fuels deal activity

Dash said governments are rapidly advancing localisation strategies across biologics, biosimilars and cell therapy inputs. “Global players want access to the region’s growth, and governments want capability quickly. The outcome is a strong M&A pipeline in CDMO, bioprocessing and cell therapy inputs.”

GVR notes that outsourcing is expanding as drugmakers pursue lower production costs, faster time-to-market and improved supply-chain resilience.

A smaller but fast-growing segment, cell therapy raw materials, is forecast to expand almost fourfold, from $39.2 million (Dh144 million) in 2024 to $169.8 million (Dh623.5 million) by 2033, one of the highest CAGRs globally at 17.8%.

HealthTech, AI and diagnostics draw investor interest

Dubai’s expanding biotech accelerators and digital-health pilots are also contributing to rising interest in acquisitions, especially in AI-enabled diagnostics, remote monitoring and precision-medicine platforms. These segments are expected to feature prominently in deal announcements at WHX 2026.

Regulatory delays remain a risk

The report warns that regulatory fragmentation and limited specialised talent could slow some large cross-border deals despite the region’s strong growth trajectory.

The pharmaceutical CDMO segment, for example, is expected to grow from $3.50 billion (Dh12.85 billion) to $5.39 billion (Dh19.79 billion) by 2033, reflecting a more moderate 4.9% CAGR in mature areas of the market.

Still, Dash said the strategic direction is clear: “The Middle East doesn’t just want access to advanced therapies, it wants to produce them. Consolidation and capability acquisition will be central to that aim.”

WHX 2026 poised as deal-making platform

With global biopharma and CDMO companies preparing to expand in the Gulf, WHX 2026 is expected to serve as a major platform for investment announcements, joint ventures and new manufacturing partnerships. Analysts expect the next 24 months to be critical for companies positioning themselves within a developing Gulf-based life-sciences hub.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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UAE fuel prices for June announced: Petrol edges closer to Dh4 a litre

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The UAE announced revised fuel prices for June 2026, with motorists set to pay significantly more for petrol while diesel costs decline compared to the previous month.

The latest adjustment is particularly notable as it marks the country’s first monthly fuel pricing update since formally leaving both OPEC and OPEC+ earlier this year.

Beginning June 1, Super 98 petrol will be priced at Dh3.95 per litre, up from Dh3.66 in May. Special 95 will rise to Dh3.83 per litre from Dh3.55, while E-Plus 91 will increase from Dh3.48 to Dh3.76 per litre.

In contrast, diesel users will benefit from a reduction, with prices falling from Dh4.69 per litre in May to Dh4.33 in June.

The latest increase extends a three-month upward trend in petrol prices, reflecting ongoing volatility in global energy markets and fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Impact on residents

For households across the UAE, fuel price movements remain a key economic indicator, influencing transportation costs, daily commuting expenses and overall household budgets. Rising petrol prices can have a noticeable impact on monthly spending, particularly for residents who rely heavily on private vehicles.

The June pricing announcement comes just weeks after the UAE officially ended its six-decade membership in OPEC and OPEC+, a move that took effect on May 1, 2026.

The revised prices will come into effect from June1, 2026.

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UAE waives Dh834 million in debt interest for low-income retirees

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In a major humanitarian initiative announced ahead of Eid Al Adha, the UAE has approved the cancellation of accumulated interest and profit charges on loans owed by low-income retirees across the country.

The financial relief package, launched under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and closely followed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, is being implemented by the Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund in partnership with several UAE banks. 

Valued at more than Dh834 million, the initiative is designed to ease financial pressures on 2,339 senior citizens while strengthening social stability and supporting family wellbeing across the country.

The initiative specifically targets Emirati retirees aged 50 and above who fall within limited-income categories.

Under the mechanism announced, participating banks will waive future interest and profit charges on outstanding loans while beneficiaries continue repaying only the original loan amount through flexible payment schedules.

Among the banks contributing to the initiative, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Group accounted for the largest share at Dh655 million, followed by First Abu Dhabi Bank with Dh150 million. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank contributed Dh18.5 million, while Emirates NBD Group and Emirates Islamic Bank jointly provided Dh6.7 million.

Other participating institutions included Dubai Islamic Bank with Dh2.3 million, Commercial Bank of Dubai with Dh792,000, Sharjah Islamic Bank with Dh716,000 and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah with Dh566,000.

Officials confirmed that beneficiaries will be contacted directly by participating banks and financial institutions regarding the implementation process and revised repayment arrangements.

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What the UAE’s new poultry Premium Mark label means for shoppers

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Chicken shopping in the UAE is about to change, with a new government-backed Premium Mark set to appear on selected locally produced poultry products from June.

The initiative, launched by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), aims to help shoppers quickly identify chilled chicken products that meet higher standards for food safety, quality, sustainability and production practices.

Retailers say UAE consumers are becoming far more selective about what they buy, especially when it comes to fresh poultry.

The certification will apply to producers that meet advanced standards across the poultry supply chain, including farming methods, feed quality, inspections and final product quality.

The rollout will begin in phases from June with selected Abu Dhabi poultry producers. Participation is voluntary, but industry players believe the label could strengthen consumer confidence in UAE-made products and help local brands compete more strongly against imported premium poultry.

Officials also said the framework could later expand to include eggs, dairy and red meat products.

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