The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) will showcase investment opportunities in healthcare sector to more than 4,000 foreign and international companies from over 150 countries, at the Arab Health Exhibition & Congress 2018, to be held next week, in Dubai, UAE.
Arab Health is a leading gathering of healthcare and trade professionals in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, which will be held from January 29 to February 1, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
The event will welcome over 100,000 visitors involved in the medical sector inclusive of services, goods, medical equipment and various treatments that contribute to the provision of therapeutic, preventive and rehabilitative care and others.
The move falls in line with DAFZAs strategy to attract more foreign direct investments (FDI) coming from various industry verticals, including the rapidly growing healthcare segment, this is in addition to its support to the economic diversification policy of the UAE, by achieving the goals of Dubai Plan 2021 and prioritising the development of global health system, said an official statement.
DAFZA aims through its participation in exhibition and congress, to contribute to the development of all aspects of the health sector and support Dubai Health Strategy 2021 which will position Dubai as a major national and regional treatment centre over the coming years.
Amna Lootah, assistant director general finance, commercial and customer relations division foster of DAFZA Innovation and Future Unit, said: “Our government is paying great attention to the healthcare sector and constantly updating its healthcare systems to meet the international standards and position Dubai globally in this sector. Overall, the UAE accounts for 26% of the total healthcare spending of GCC governments. Our organisation is keen to empower this sector and enhance its growth through integrated solutions designed to attract investors to the industry which accounts for more than 5% of the total number of companies the freezone hosts, of which 45 per cent are multinational companies.”
Lootah added: “This exhibition is an ideal platform for interacting with major healthcare companies and healthcare specialists, showcasing the latest developments in the sector, and featuring DAFZAs outstanding services. It is an excellent venue for identifying the most competitive features and smart solutions that are unique to current and potential customers who would like to establish or expand their businesses in Dubai and enter the regional markets.”
DAFZA plays a key role in supporting healthcare companies and professionals to provide a safe and healthy environment with high quality services. The freezone hosts several globally renowned healthcare players such as Actavis, Johnson & Johnson, Himalaya Drug Company, Terumo Medical Corporation, Roche, and Panasonic Healthcare.
It also pays special attention to companies that are involved in both the Halal and medical industries. The freezone recently issued its guide to halal industries in various sectors, particularly medical care and equipment and services. DAFZA is keen on helping companies related to the pharmaceutical and medical sectors obtain Halal certificates and meet international and local standards. Spanish KITS and Abbot Laboratories were the first two companies of their kind to obtain Halal certification from the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), as well as other international certificates in Halal industries.
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world and is a key contributor to the UAE economy. Alpen Capital Consulting Services said that the UAEs healthcare market is expected to reach $19.5bn (AED71.5bn) in 2020 at an average annual growth rate of 12.7% from 2015, which is marginally higher than the average growth rate in the rest of the GCC, noting that the market size in 2015 reached $10.7bn.