Biotechnology in Saudi Arabia & GCC Countries: A Health Security and Economic Diversification

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are accelerating their economic diversification away from oil dependency. They are shifting from reliance on imports, as the region still imports 90% of its pharmaceuticals, to being self-sufficient, creating high-value jobs, and making itself a global biotech player. In this striving for change, a strategic pillar of growth has emerged: Biotechnology. National visions such as Saudi Vision 2030 and others are investing billions in healthcare innovation, precision medicine, biomanufacturing, and genomics.

The GCC biologics market, a core segment of biotechnology, was valued at approximately USD 21.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 102.9 billion by 2035, growing at an amazing CAGR of 15.26%. This outpaces many global benchmarks.

Broader healthcare spending in the GCC is also giving it a major push. The government is investing in new hospitals, research centers, and training programs to build a world-class medical system, strengthen ties with leading international institutions, and attract global talent.

GCC‑Wide Biotech Market Overview

• The GCC biologics market is poised for significant growth, projected to increase from US$21.6 billion in 2024 to US$102.9 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 15.3%. Source
• The GCC biosimilar contract‑manufacturing market is forecast to grow from USD 22 million in 2024 to USD 1,297.55 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 18.9%. Source
• Monoclonal antibodies are the largest contributors, expected to increase from US$7 billion to $32.5 billion between 2024 and 2035. Source
• In the GCC cancer biologic therapy space, the market is expected to grow from USD 39 billion in 2024 to USD 9.37 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of ~9.7%. Source
• The Middle East & Africa biosimilar contract manufacturing market is projected to reach USD 2 million by 2033, a CAGR of 14% (2025–2033). Source

Key Drivers of GCC Biotech Growth

1. Government Support & Vision-Led Growth

Strong government support and long-term national strategies constitute the primary drivers of growth in the biotechnology sector across the GCC. Member states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are making substantial investments in the life sciences as part of broader economic diversification mandates to reduce hydrocarbon dependence. In 2024, Saudi Arabia allocated approximately USD 57 billion to healthcare and social development, underscoring the scale of public-sector investment underpinning biotechnology expansion across the region.

2. Localization of Biotech Manufacturing

The reduction of import dependence is a primary strategic concern across the Gulf Cooperation Council, driving member states to develop domestic capacity in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This imperative serves a dual purpose: advancing economic diversification and ensuring the security of national medicine supply chains. Given that approximately 80–85% of medicinal products consumed in the GCC are imported, localization has emerged as a principal strategic priority across the region.

3. Rising Chronic Disease Burden

The elevated prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases constitutes a significant demand-side driver for the biotechnology sector across the region. Conditions including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease necessitate advanced and long-term therapeutic interventions. Diabetes currently affects approximately 20–23% of the adult population across GCC member states, generating sustained and structural demand for biotechnology-derived solutions.

4. Growth in Biologics & Advanced Therapies

The transition from traditional pharmaceutical products to biologics and biosimilars is a significant accelerant for the expansion of the biotechnology sector across the GCC. The utilization of these advanced therapeutic modalities is increasing across oncology, autoimmune disorders, and rare disease indications. Biologics and biosimilars are among the fastest-growing segments within the region, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 15–20%.

5. Increasing Healthcare Spending & Coverage

The expansion of insurance coverage frameworks and rising healthcare expenditure are collectively improving patient access to advanced therapeutic modalities, including biotechnology-derived medicinal products, thereby fostering a conducive commercial environment for sustained sector growth.

GCC Biotech by Country: Facts, Stats & Insights:

Saudi Arabia: Advancing Biotechnology as a National Economic Priority Under Vision 2030

1. The Saudi Arabian biotechnology market has been assessed at a cumulative valuation of USD 7.1 billion based on a five-year historical analysis of sector performance. Source
2. The Saudi healthcare bioconvergence market was valued at USD 550.33 million in 2024 and is projected to attain USD 1.14 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.42%. Source
3. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has committed more than USD 11 billion to biotechnology research and development. Source
4. The National Biotechnology Strategy sets a target to contribute 3% to non-oil GDP, with a projected cumulative economic impact of SAR 130 billion (approximately USD 35 billion) by 2040. Source
5. The National Biotechnology Strategy has set workforce development targets of approximately 11,000 quality employment positions by 2030 and 55,000 by 2040. Source
6. The biotechnology sector is projected to contribute USD 34.66 billion to the national GDP by 2040, in accordance with established strategic projections. Source
7. The Saudi biologics market recorded revenue of USD 3.5 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.2 million by 2030, subject to prevailing market conditions and regulatory enablement. Source
8. In January 2024, the Kingdom formally launched its National Biotechnology Strategy with the stated objective of establishing Saudi Arabia as a globally competitive biotechnology hub by 2040. Source
9. The Saudi Arabian biotechnology market is forecast to reach USD 11.6 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.66%. Source
10. The biotechnology market in Saudi Arabia is projected to generate USD 12,212.2 million in revenue by 2030, in line with prevailing sector growth trajectories. Source
11. National research and development expenditure reached SAR 22.6 billion (approximately USD 6 billion) in 2023, representing a year-on-year increase of 17.4%. Source
12. The Saudi Human Genome Program has completed genomic sequencing for more than 65,000 individuals to date. Source
13. Saudi Arabia currently accounts for 0.2% of global genomics sector activity, indicating substantial capacity for expansion and market penetration. Source
14. The projected CAGR for the genomics sector across the MENA region from 2022 to 2030 is 9.5%, compared with the global forecast of 16.5%. Source
15. The Saudi Arabian bioinformatics market reached USD 139.4 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 371.6 million by 2034. Source
16. The Saudi Arabian cell and gene therapy market reached USD 234.5 million in 2025 and is projected to attain USD 1,026.3 million by 2034. Source
17. The first gene and cell therapy manufacturing facility established by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) encompasses over 5,000 square meters and is projected to achieve a production capacity of 2,400 doses annually by 2030. Source
18. The KFSH&RC gene and cell therapy manufacturing facility is anticipated to generate SAR 8 billion in cost savings by 2030 while fulfilling approximately 9% of domestic demand for advanced therapy medicinal products. Source
19. The KFSH&RC manufacturing facility is advancing toward an annual production capacity of up to 100 gene therapy products. Source
20. The Saudi government has executed a SAR 3 billion agreement to consolidate its position in the development and manufacturing of advanced cell and gene therapies. Source
21. Saudi Arabia held the largest market share in the Middle East cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) market in 2024. Source
22. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has authorized 10 gene and cell therapy clinical trials since 2020, along with approximately 149 clinical trials for medical devices as of late 2024. Source
23. Regulatory reforms implemented by the SFDA resulted in a 40% increase in clinical trial approvals in 2024. Source
24. The National Biotechnology Center, established as a joint venture between KFSH&RC and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), has received approval for more than 110 biotechnology projects, of which 67 are currently active. The Hevolution Foundation receives an annual allocation of up to USD 1 billion from the Saudi government for longevity biotechnology research. Source
25. Training programs administered by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have produced more than 7,000 graduates in artificial intelligence and bioinformatics. As of August 2024, KAUST maintained 67 active research projects across bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Source
26. The Saudi government has allocated approximately USD 2.5 billion in support of biotechnology initiatives, with dedicated research funding exceeding USD 1 billion. The Saudi cell therapy market is valued at approximately USD 145 million, with more than 15 active collaborations between biotechnology firms and research institutions. Source
27. Saudi Arabia is the first Arab country to surpass 10,000 registered stem cell donors. Source

United Arab Emirates: Precision Medicine Infrastructure and Innovation-Driven Sector Growth

1. The UAE biotechnology market has been assessed at a cumulative valuation of USD 3.5 billion based on a five-year historical analysis. Source
2. The UAE biopharmaceuticals market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 12% from 2019 to 2030, reaching a market value of USD 15 billion by 2030. Source
3. The UAE biologics market generated revenue of USD 2.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.8 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.2%. Source
4. The UAE biologics contract manufacturing market generated revenue of USD 84.9 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 141.1 million by 2030. Source
5. The UAE federal government allocated approximately AED 1.5 billion (approximately USD 408 million) for dedicated biotechnology research investment. Source
6. The UAE has set a policy objective to achieve 50% localization of pharmaceutical production by 2030, creating significant opportunities for domestic biotech manufacturing capacity. Source
7. Dubai Science Park currently hosts in excess of 400 companies operating across biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and life sciences sectors. Source
8. The UAE red biotechnology (medical biotechnology) segment generated revenue of USD 4.48 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 16.7%, making it the fastest-growing red biotechnology market in the Middle East and Africa. Source
9. In 2023, the UAE government committed USD 1 billion to support biotechnology research initiatives, public-private partnerships, and regulatory capacity development under its National Biotechnology Strategy. Source
10. Agricultural biotechnology investments are projected to reach AED 1 billion (approximately USD 272 million), and the personalized medicine market is forecast to reach AED 1.2 billion (approximately USD 326 million). Source
11. Abu Dhabi’s biotechnology sector is projected to contribute USD 25.6 billion to the emirate’s GDP, with USD 11.5 billion in institutional funding anticipated to enter its biotechnology ecosystem over the next two decades. Source
12. Life sciences patent registrations in the UAE increased from 24 in 2015 to 1,032 by 2023, representing growth of over 1,000% over eight years. Of registered patents, 37% are associated with European Union partnerships and 25% with United States-based innovators. Source
13. The Emirati Genome Program has collected more than 815,000 DNA samples from an Emirati population of approximately 1 million, positioning it among the most comprehensive national genome programs globally. Source
14. Analysis of 50,000 genetic samples from Emirati nationals identified more than 5 million novel gene variants, providing population-level genomic data of unique scientific and clinical value. Source
15. A 2025 genomic analysis of 43,608 UAE individuals identified in excess of 421 million single-nucleotide variants, over 600 million copy-number and structural variants, and 756 million annotated molecular effects. Source
16. The UAE cell and gene therapy manufacturing market generated revenue of USD 26.4 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 82.0 million by 2030. Source
17. The UAE bioinformatics services market generated revenue of USD 9.6 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 19.4 million by 2030. Source
18. The UAE biobank market generated revenue of USD 243.4 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 444.6 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.9%. Source
19. The Al Jalila Foundation committed USD 4.6 million to establish the UAE’s first robotic biobank, in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority, with a specimen management capacity exceeding 7 million biological samples. Source
20. The UAE biochip market generated revenue of USD 72.9 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 122.1 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.3%, with DNA chips accounting for the largest segment share at 39.92%. Source
21. The UAE animal biotechnology market generated revenue of USD 99.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 148.6 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.6%. Biologics constitute the dominant subsegment, with a 32.8% revenue share. Source
22. The UAE biotechnology and pharmaceutical services outsourcing market generated revenue of USD 296.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 362.3 million by 2030. Source
23. In excess of 350 life sciences companies have established their regional base in Dubai, supported by the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) free zone, which provides fiscal incentives and government-backed research and development infrastructure. Source
24. The UAE biosimulation market generated revenue of USD 6.5 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 16.8 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 17.1%, positioning it among the fastest-growing biotechnology sub-segments nationally. Source

Kuwait: Emerging Biomanufacturing Capacity and Genetic Disease Management

1. Kuwait’s agricultural biotechnology market is valued at approximately USD 2.9 billion, reflecting sustained investments in agricultural research and development and increasing demand for food security technologies. Source
2. CRISPR/Cas9 platforms account for 54.2% of the 2025 revenue share within the genome editing market segment. Source
3. The Kuwait genome editing market generated revenue of USD 44.1 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 99.3 million by 2033. Source
4. Kuwait’s CRISPR-based diagnostics market is valued at USD 135 million, supported by elevated prevalence of hereditary genetic disorders and government-mandated integration of molecular diagnostics within public hospital systems. Source
5. The Kuwait gene therapy platform market is valued at USD 2.4 million, with primary focus on genetic disorders including thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Source
6. The government has allocated approximately USD 200 million to biotechnology research, representing a 20% increase relative to the preceding allocation period. Source
7. Kuwait has recorded approximately 1,500 new cases of genetic disorders annually, with documented increases in conditions including thalassemia and cystic fibrosis. Source
8. Approximately 15% of Kuwait’s population is affected by genetic conditions including thalassemia and sickle cell disease. The World Health Organization estimates that genetic disorders account for approximately 10% of all deaths in the country. Source
9. The Kuwait government increased research and development funding for gene editing technologies by 15%, in support of domestic biotechnology firms implementing CRISPR and related gene editing platforms. Source
10. Kuwait’s premarital screening program, established in 2009, has administered in excess of 400,000 diagnostic tests utilizing advanced tools including next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, with a dedicated genetic laboratory established for hereditary blood disorder diagnosis. Source
11. A 2019 scientific study confirmed that Kuwait’s premarital screening program reduced the risk of transmitting hereditary blood diseases among prospective couples by 50%, contributing to a measurable decline in new thalassemia cases. Source
12. An 11-year premarital screening study encompassing 275,819 individuals identified 2.12% carrying the β-thalassemia trait, 1.81% carrying the sickle cell trait, and 0.062% with sickle cell disease. The program achieved prevention of marriage in 50.4% of high-risk couples identified. Source
13. The Kuwait Ministry of Health has announced preparations to introduce gene therapy for pediatric patients above the age of 12 years for the treatment of thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. In excess of 40 children have already undergone successful stem cell transplantation procedures within Kuwait. Source
14. Kuwait’s stem cell transplantation program was established in 2000, with allogeneic transplants commencing in 2011, primarily targeting acute leukemia and hemoglobinopathies. The Kuwait National Bone Marrow Registry was formally established in 2012. Source
15. Kuwait is among the GCC member states in which antisense oligonucleotide treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, first authorised in the United States in 2019, has been made available, reflecting progressive access to advanced gene-based therapeutics. Source
16. In 2023, Kuwait enacted the Agricultural Biotechnology Regulatory Framework, establishing a comprehensive authorization and commercialization procedure for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), incorporating mandatory safety assessments, environmental impact evaluations, and product labeling requirements. Source
17. A genomic study of Kuwaiti exomes identified a heterozygous-to-homozygous variant ratio of 0.63, indicating a population tendency toward homozygosity attributable to elevated consanguinity rates, a primary determinant of genetic disease burden and associated demand for biotechnology interventions. Source
18. Kuwait recorded the highest proportion (94.1%) of women expressing willingness to undergo thalassemia screening upon receiving information regarding associated health risks, the highest rate among all countries included in a BGI Genomics global thalassemia awareness study encompassing Azerbaijan, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand. Source
19. The Kuwait biotechnology market attained a valuation of USD 2,914.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 40.29%, reaching USD 17,844.34 billion by 2032. Source
20. The Kuwait synthetic biology market is valued at USD 20 million. Source
21. The Kuwait biopharmaceuticals contract manufacturing market generated revenue of USD 51.9 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 91.6 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.9%. Source
22. The Kuwait biopharmaceutical contract research organization (CRO) market generated revenue of USD 79.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 168.2 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 8.7%. Source
23. The Kuwait recombinant protein manufacturing services market is valued at USD 3 million. Source

Qatar: Genomics-Led Biotechnology Strategy and Precision Medicine Development

1. Qatar’s genomics market was valued at USD 87.88 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 248.43 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 12.24%. Source
2. Qatar’s genome editing market is valued at USD 30 million, with the Qatar National Research Fund having allocated USD 60 million specifically for genetic research programs. Total sector funding for biotechnology has reached approximately USD 160 million. Source
3. The Qatar Genome Project, targeting the sequencing of 100,000 Qatari citizen genomes, has been allocated USD 300 million in dedicated funding. The government has committed approximately USD 1.5 billion to biotechnology research and development. Source
4. Qatar’s biotechnology sector has attracted investments exceeding USD 500 million in recent years, with emphasis on healthcare and agricultural applications. Sourc22e
5. The Qatar Biobank has collected biological samples from in excess of 20,000 participants. Source
6. The Qatar Genome Program has surpassed 40,000 whole genomes sequenced, with a strategic target of 100,000 constituting one of the most comprehensive Arab genomic datasets globally. Source
7. Qatar Biobank has enrolled in excess of 36,000 participants in its primary cohort study. Source
8. The Qatar Genome Research Consortium’s primary genetic study analyzed 6,218 individuals with whole-genome sequence data, identifying approximately 300 independent genetic signals, confirmed through analysis of 7,768 Qatar Biobank participants. Source
9. Approximately one in five Qatari nationals are carriers of genetic diseases — a key demand driver for genome editing and precision medicine services in the country. Source
10. Qatar has recorded a documented increase in genetic disorders, with approximately one in five children affected by genetic conditions in accordance with Qatar National Health Strategy data, generating demand for cell and gene therapy clinical trials. Source
11. In 2020, 71% of Qatari respondents surveyed indicated willingness to participate in genomics research, a high level of public engagement underpinning the Qatar Genome Program’s operational scale. Qatar has established a target to sequence one in three of its national population by 2026. Source
12. The Qatar cell and gene therapy clinical trials market is valued at USD 7 million, supported by the government’s commitment of in excess of USD 1.5 billion to biotechnology research and development through programs including the Qatar Biobank. Source
13. Qatar’s cell therapy market is valued at USD 12 million, driven by advancements in regenerative medicine and the increasing prevalence of chronic and genetic diseases. Source
14. Qatar’s human embryonic stem cell market is valued at USD 120 million, with research and development investment reaching approximately QAR 2.5 billion, representing a 15% increase relative to the preceding year. Source
15. Qatar’s cell and tissue preservation market is valued at approximately USD 150 million, with in excess of 250 transplantation procedures performed annually and a 20% increase in registered organ donors recorded. Source
16. Qatar’s gene synthesis research-use market is valued at USD 12 million, supported by the Qatar National Research Fund and Qatar Genome Program, which collectively drive demand for synthetic DNA in genomic research applications. Source
17. In July 2025, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) committed USD 132 million in a Series B funding round for Artbio, a cancer-focused radiopharmaceutical biotechnology firm. In 2024, the QIA additionally committed USD 200 million in a Series B round for Outpace Bio and USD 150 million in a Series B round for Latigo Biotherapeutics. Source
18. Between 2021 and 2024, Qatar convened 3 major national precision medicine conferences, with the 2023 conference attracting in excess of 400 participants, reflecting measurable expansion in the country’s biotechnology research culture. Source
19. Qatar’s advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) CDMO market is valued at USD 5 million, with Sidra Medicine operating a dedicated Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Program to produce GMP-grade cell and gene therapies. Source
20. Qatar’s government has invested approximately USD 1.2 billion in health technology initiatives and USD 1.5 billion in RNA synthesis and advanced biotechnology platforms, with the number of research institutions projected to increase by 20% annually. Source
21. The Qatar protein engineering market is valued at USD 85 million. Source
22. The Qatar cell culture market is valued at USD 55 million. Source
23. The Qatar drug discovery outsourcing market is valued at USD 110 million. Source
24. Qatar’s healthcare expenditure is projected to increase from USD 6 billion in 2024 to USD 13 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 14%. Source
25. Qatar’s molecular diagnostics market is projected to reach USD 19.2 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.4%. Source
26. The QIA led a USD 250 million funding round for BridgeBio Pharma in 2023. Source
27. The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) executed a Memorandum of Understanding with WuXi Biologics to establish the first integrated CRDMO center in the Middle East. Source

Oman: Aquaculture Biotechnology and Sustainable Sector Development

1. Fisheries Development Oman (FDO) has received a government funding mandate of USD 1.2 billion to co-invest in aquaculture, fisheries, and marine biotechnology industries across the Sultanate. Source
2. The Omani government has allocated USD 20 million for marine research initiatives, reflecting its institutional commitment to advancing the marine biotechnology sector. Source
3. The Omani government has allocated USD 300 million specifically for biotechnology initiatives directed at enhancing domestic production capabilities across biotech sectors. Source
4. Government investments in the biotechnology sector in Oman are projected to reach USD 200 million, reflecting ongoing commitments to sector advancement. Source
5. Oman’s aquaculture production reached 9,240 tonnes in 2025, recording a growth rate of 67.7% relative to 2024, driven by biotechnology-enabled fish and shrimp farming operations. Source
6. In 2024, Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources licensed 24 integrated aquaculture farms with a projected combined output of 498 tonnes of tilapia, valued at OMR 746,000, incorporating biofloc and elevator biotechnology systems. Source
7. Oman’s first government-endorsed shrimp biotechnology farm at Wurun encompasses 500 hectares. Source
8. A major whiteleg shrimp facility in Shinas, North Al Batinah, commenced construction in February 2025 with a capital investment of OMR 23.5 million (approximately USD 61 million) across 15 hectares, with a target annual output of 7,500 tonnes upon full operational capacity. Source
9. Under Oman’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Vision 2040, the aquaculture sector is designated to achieve an annual production value of OMR 770 million (approximately USD 2 billion), constituting a central pillar of the country’s post-hydrocarbon economic diversification strategy. Source
10. Oman’s first National Biotechnology Strategy is currently in development, encompassing three defined domains: red (medical), green (agricultural), and white (industrial) biotechnology. An international consultancy tender was issued in July 2025 to inform its design and implementation roadmap. Source
11. In January 2025, Oman’s Biotechnology Regulatory Committee convened its first session of the year, with a dual mandate to safeguard national genetic data and to formulate policies governing all biotechnology applications across the Sultanate. Source
12. Oman accounts for 31% of total GCC fisheries production and is the sole net fish exporter in the Gulf region, a position sustained through continued investment in marine biotechnology and sustainable fisheries management practices. Source
13. The marine biotechnology and fisheries sector is projected to generate 8,500 additional direct employment positions and attract OMR 450 million (approximately USD 1.17 billion) in new investment, in accordance with official Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources forecasts. Source
14. In October 2024, Oman’s Food Security Lab initiated 41 projects with a combined value of OMR 45 million (approximately USD 116 million), targeting crops, integrated farming systems, and aquaculture development. Source
15. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors recorded a 9.8% year-on-year increase in contribution to Oman’s GDP as of Q3 2024, reaching OMR 807.6 million. Source
16. Oman developed its National Aquaculture Strategy in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2007 and its Aquaculture Sector Development Vision with the World Bank in 2015, constituting the two foundational frameworks that have guided over a decade of biotechnology-enabled fisheries expansion. Source
17. The Omani government provides financing packages covering up to 80% of project costs for entrepreneurs entering biotechnology-based integrated aquaculture, administered through the Oman Development Bank in conjunction with a dedicated innovation submission platform. Source
18. 85% of Oman’s revenue is dependent on the oil and gas sector; a climate of open innovation will not only lead to a more resilient economy but support the country’s diversification strategy by tapping the applications of marine biotechnology in potential fields such as medicine, fisheries, environment, food, cosmetics and energy. Source
19. The Oman biologics market is valued at USD 220 million. Source
20. The Oman cell and gene therapy CDMO market is valued at USD 80 million. Source
21. The Oman biopharmaceuticals contract manufacturing market is valued at USD 120 million. Source
22. The Oman biopharmaceutical CRO market generated revenue of USD 67.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 134.3 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.9%. Source
23. Approximately 1 in 1,000 births in Oman are affected by genetic conditions, including thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Source
24. Approximately 1,500 new cases of genetic disorders are recorded annually in Oman. Source

Bahrain: Specialized Biologics Development and Regulatory Advancement

1. The Bahrain large molecule drug discovery outsourcing market is valued at USD 165 million. Source
2. The Bahrain gene therapy market is valued at USD 120 million. Source
3. The Bahrain biopharmaceutical CMO/CRO market is valued at USD 1.1 billion. Source
4. The Bahrain protein chip market is valued at USD 40 million. Source
5. Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, has entered into a strategic partnership with SandboxAQ in a collaboration projected to generate in excess of USD 1 billion in value through the development of new biotechnology assets. Source
6. The partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and SandboxAQ includes a three-year research program that employs artificial intelligence-powered molecular simulation to develop new drug targets. Source
7. The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) maintains a registry of 4,211 registered medicinal products in Bahrain. Source
8. The NHRA issued licenses to 51 new pharmacies in 2023, bringing the total number of licensed pharmacies to 434, representing a 6% increase relative to 2022. Source
9. The NHRA processed 743 applications for new medicinal product registration, 509 renewal applications, 1,012 medicinal product variation applications, and 386 product classification cases within a single reporting year. Source
10. The Medical Devices Control section reviewed 12,636 applications for new medical device authorization and approved 11,388 products that met applicable importation and quality criteria. Source
11. In February 2025, the Bahrain Oncology Center (BOC) conducted the first documented CRISPR-based gene therapy treatment outside the United States, utilizing Casgevy for the treatment of a sickle cell disease patient, establishing Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in precision medicine delivery. Source
12. Bahrain’s biotechnology sector is projected to attract USD 600 million in investment, driven by government-led initiatives and private sector activity in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Source
13. Bahrain’s biotechnology sector has received investment funding of approximately USD 150 million, supported by the Bahrain Economic Development Board as a designated priority growth area. Source
14. Bahrain’s gene synthesis research-use market is valued at USD 40 million, benchmarked against regional DNA and gene synthesis expenditure levels across the Middle East. Source
15. The Bahrain biotechnology sector has recorded a 15% annual growth rate in accordance with World Bank data. Source
16. The synthetic biology market in Bahrain is projected to reach USD 1.2 billion, driven by increasing demand for innovative solutions in healthcare and agricultural applications. Source
17. The cost of cell therapy raw materials in Bahrain may exceed USD 1,200 per unit, reflecting the high-technology nature of the sector and presenting barriers to entry for smaller market participants. Source
18. Bahrain’s stem cell assays market is valued at USD 15 million, with in excess of 15 new clinical trials initiated within the sector and sustained demand for standardized assay services. Source
19. The Middle East biobanks market, to which Bahrain contributes, is projected to reach USD 1.52 billion by 2033. Source
20. Therapeutics constitutes the largest application segment at 45.07% revenue share. Source
21. Bahrain’s cell therapy raw materials market is valued at USD 5 million, driven by advancements in regenerative medicine, increasing biotechnology sector investment, and rising chronic disease prevalence. Source
22. The Bahrain Economic Development Board has reported a 20% increase in funding allocated to gene editing projects. Source

Conclusion:

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases, comprehensive national strategies, sovereign investment, and the gradual development of advanced research and manufacturing infrastructure across all six member states have collectively contributed to the accelerated expansion of the GCC biotechnology sector.

Saudi Arabia leads through its National Biotechnology Strategy; the UAE is consolidating its position in AI-enabled biotechnology and precision medicine; and Qatar continues to accord high priority to population genomics. Within their respective national healthcare frameworks, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain are progressively developing CDMO capabilities, specialty biologics, and sustainable biotechnology platforms.

By 2035, the region is projected to attain significant self-sufficiency in biologics and establish an export-oriented biomanufacturing base, positioning biotechnology as a strategic pillar of economic diversification and long-term resilience across the Gulf.