Health and Medtech to the Middle East

Program dates

November 2023 to March 2024

Number of hours you’ll invest in sessions prior to travelling in-market:

Approximately four (4) hours total estimated, not counting any optional activities or work your business may need to do outside of sessions.

Key event

Arab Health 2024External Link (29 January 2024 to 1 February 2024)

In-person attendance at the event is required

Why this market

The Middle East healthcare market is forecast to expand to AU$ 408 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. This sector’s challenges include rising costs, moving towards value-based care, and increased chronic conditions. The sector is transforming to digitise and deliver person-centred care and better outcomes at more affordable and sustainable costs to informed consumers. Demand for medical devices, digital health solutions and pharmaceuticals is strong. The digital health market in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is likely to reach US$ 4 billion by 2026.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have a population of approximately 60 million and have the highest per capita incomes in the world. The healthcare sector is emerging as a priority driven by universal healthcare implementation efforts and the GCC countries are witnessing strong demand in the health and medtech sector

The pandemic has created opportunities for new models of care, embracing digital innovations, exploring new funding models and collaboration across the public and private sectors. 

Curriculum

Introductory sessions 

• Welcome session - November 2023
• Introduction to the Health and Medtech ecosystem in the Middle East
• Access to self-serve factsheets/videos developed by the Export Council of Australia exclusively for Going Global participants
• Access to Intellectual Property protection briefings from IP Australia

Market intelligence briefings and cultural training 

• Market overview, legal briefing, regulatory requirements
• Dynamics and opportunities including distribution and retail, adapting digital health solutions, healthcare provider perspective
• Pre-departure briefing for Arab Health

Potential partner search and introductions

• Support for in-person participation at Arab Health) *note, no ‘virtual’ introductions will be made
• Identification of potential partners
• Targeted 1:1 business introductions at Arab Health which may include companies in the ecosystem, incubators, accelerators, potential scale up partners, investors
• Visit a local hospital and pharmacy on 2 February 2024

Ongoing advice and follow up

• Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser.

*note: the curriculum is subject to change

*note: Austrade’s Arab Health program schedule is separate, and does not clash

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

• Have headquarters in NSW
• Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW 
• Be export-capable and export-ready 
• Have an employee number between 5 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees 
• The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW
• The product or service is achieving sales already
• Have a website featuring the product or service
• Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the new market
• Be flexible regarding market-entry method
• Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market
• Be willing to travel to the selected market and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses

Note this program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their own brand. This program is not for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters

The ideal participant 

• healthcare service providers
• medical device manufacturers, including medical and diagnostic equipment
• digital health companies, including AI, mobile applications and software
• pharma manufacturers, including unique and innovative vitamin dietary supplements

Businesses not eligible for this stream

• Animal health / equipment

Applicants should not have previously participated in a Going Global Program to the Middle East

Apply

Applications closed on Sunday 1 October.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome around 17 October.

Note:  Apply for your preferred market - you can apply for and participate in only 1 stream