Market Trends of UAE In-Vitro Diagnostics Industry
Oncology Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Growth Over The Forecast Period
The oncology segment is expected to grow during the forecast period owing to factors such as rising awareness regarding early cancer diagnosis and launches of technologically advanced products.
The growing government initiatives in spreading cancer awareness among the population are expected to drive the segment's growth. For instance, in October 2022, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) launched a national breast cancer awareness campaign, 'Screen and Reassure Us,' to highlight the importance of early detection of breast cancer and prevention methods in the United Arab Emirates. Such awareness initiatives accelerate the utility of in-vitro diagnostics for breast cancer detection.
Additionally, in March 2022, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), based in UAE, entered into a joint-venture partnership with Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and Mayo Clinic to launch an awareness campaign emphasizing the importance of screening and prevention during colorectal cancer awareness month. Such awareness campaigns drive the need for IVD for cancer diagnosis, thereby propelling the segment's growth during the forecast period.
Furthermore, the rising company's focus on adopting various business strategies such as collaboration, partnerships, and launches is also expected to fuel the segment's growth. For instance, in May 2022, ColoAlert tests were launched in the UAE; they are easy-to-use at-home colon cancer tests that can be self-administered and can detect colorectal cancer with a sensitivity and specificity nearly as high as the invasive procedure usually performed in hospital settings.
Therefore, owing to factors such as rising cancer screening awareness and technological advancements in cancer IVDs, the segment is expected to witness healthy growth during the forecast period.
Molecular Diagnostics Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share Over The Forecast Period
Molecular diagnostic tests detect specific sequences in DNA or RNA to detect diseases. Factors such as the high burden of COVID-19, the high burden of infectious diseases such as HIV and malaria, and the engagement of market players in an exhibition of molecular diagnostics in the international event are expected to boost the growth of the market segment over the forecast year.
The high burden of COVID-19 cases in the country boosted the utility of PCR during the pandemic. For instance, as per the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Cabinet Affairs statistics, as of December 24, 2021, 334,275.9 COVID-19 PCR tests were conducted in the United Arab Emirates every day. Such a high demand for PCR testing during the pandemic boosted the growth of the market segment.
Also, the high burden of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV, and hepatitis is expected to create an opportunity for market players to develop innovative molecular diagnostic tests, which is expected to propel market growth. For instance, an article published in the Journal of STD & AIDS in March 2021 stated that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has the second highest incidence rates of HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The high burden of HIV in the country is expected to boost the demand for molecular diagnostic tests, which is expected to accelerate the segment growth.
The initiatives by market players, such as participation in exhibition events, launches, and technological advancements in their products and launches, significantly contribute to the segment growth. For instance, in February 2023, Co-Diagnostics, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company, hosted a booth at the Medlab Middle East 2023 trade show at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The company exhibited its molecular diagnostic tests that are designed using the detection of nucleic acid molecules (DNA or RNA).
Therefore, owing to factors such as the high burden of infectious diseases that create the demand for molecular diagnostics and strategic initiatives by market players to expand molecular diagnostic tests, the segment is expected to witness growth during the forecast period.
