Health and Medtech to the Middle East

Program Dates

October 2024 to February 2025.

Key Event

Arab Health 2025,External Link 27 - 30 January 2025, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In-person attendance by minimum one company representative, with knowledge of the business's product or service is required. The company representative will need to be present at the Investment NSW stand, Arab Health 2025, based on the roster provided by Investment NSW.

Why this Market

The Middle East has a fast-growing population, which includes a substantial expat population.  Healthcare reforms and digital solutions to optimise health outcomes, present vast opportunities for NSW health and medtech companies in this region.

The healthcare and wellness market in the Middle East is forecast to grow at a rate of 6.5% (CAGR) until 2032, making it roughly $ 570 billion in value.  The region’s investment in medical devices and digital health solutions make it easier for individuals to monitor and manage their health and pharmaceuticals. 

Nations such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar have made substantial investments in state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and public and private healthcare systems are experiencing strong and healthy growth.

The recently concluded Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will simplify market access and provide an optimal gateway to enter the wider region for health and medical technology companies.

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

Applicant businesses should have sufficient resources to manage the international expansion with the ability to meet export orders.

Applicants will need to meet the regulatory requirements of the importing country in the Middle East

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 

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

Businesses not eligible for this stream

• Animal health and medical equipment targeted at animals

Note: Applicants who have not previously participated in a Going Global Export program to the Middle East will be given priority. 
Applicants who have already participated in a Going Global program must demonstrate previous commitment and participation in the program and an ongoing commitment to deliver on previous support.

Curriculum

Introductory sessions 

• Welcome session – week of 4 November 2024.
• Introduction to the health and medtech sector ecosystem and doing business in the Middle East.
• Access to factsheets and Intellectual Property briefings developed exclusively for Going Global participants

Market intelligence briefing and cultural training 

• Market briefing and sector-specific opportunities.
• Market specific business culture.
• Regulatory requirements and Intellectual property protection.

Pitch training and development

• Pitch development – refining marketing and value proposition.

Potential partner search and introductions

• In-person participation from the business at Arab Health 2025External Link with in-market support from Investment NSW.
• Identification of potential partners.

Ongoing advice and follow-up

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

*Note:  Final dates are to be confirmed and the curriculum is subject to change.

How to Apply

Applications closed on Sunday 6 October 2024.