Healthcare systems across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are expanding at pace, driven by sustained government spending, growing private-sector participation, and an accelerated push toward digital transformation.
According to newly released data from the GCC Statistical Centre, the number of hospitals across the bloc reached 882 by the end of 2024, marking an increase of 176 hospitals over the past decade. The expansion reflects continued public and private investment aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and widening access to services.
Hospital bed capacity has also risen steadily. Total beds reached 127,600, with government-owned facilities accounting for 73% of capacity. In 2022 alone, bed capacity climbed to 124,900, up from 111,200 in 2018, representing an average annual growth rate of 2.4%.
Primary care services have grown alongside hospital infrastructure. Government health centers and complexes totaled approximately 3,400 facilities in 2023, signaling broader geographic coverage and improved access to both specialized and community-based care.
The region’s healthcare workforce has expanded in parallel. The total number of healthcare professionals reached 1.05 million, with an annual growth rate of 6.8%. Nursing staff represent the largest segment, accounting for 39.3% of the workforce, while 57.5% of healthcare personnel remain concentrated in government facilities.
Between 2019 and 2024, the number of physicians rose to around 203,100, while the number of pharmacists reached 78,700. Nursing personnel totaled approximately 411,900. Notably, the private sector posted faster growth rates in physicians, nurses, and pharmacists compared with the public sector, exceeding global averages per 10,000 population.
Private hospitals now account for 42% of total hospitals and have expanded more rapidly than government facilities. The average hospital bed capacity stands at 20.8 beds per 10,000 population, above the global average, with private facilities leading bed growth.
Demand for services is also rising. Indicators show increases in outpatient visits, surgical procedures, diagnostic testing, and inpatient admissions, reflecting both population growth and improved accessibility across GCC countries.
At the same time, digital health is emerging as a key growth driver. The adoption of electronic health records, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, wearable technologies, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is accelerating across the region. These technologies are enhancing efficiency, improving emergency responsiveness, and elevating overall quality of care.
Market forecasts point to continued momentum. Digital health revenues are projected to reach $1.83 billion in 2025, while total healthcare spending is expected to rise to $159 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual rate of 7.8%.
Healthcare reforms across GCC countries are aligned with long-term national visions that prioritize financial sustainability, service quality, workforce nationalization, public-private partnerships, digital transformation, and innovation.
Collectively, the data highlights a healthcare system undergoing integrated development, expanding infrastructure, strengthening human capital, and scaling service delivery, positioning the GCC to meet rising demand while reinforcing healthcare as a central pillar of long-term economic and social sustainability.
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