Over the past decades, the GCC has achieved extraordinary progress in healthcare. Life expectancy has increased significantly, from 60.5 years in 1978 to 73 years by 2004, while infant mortality rates have dropped sharply, from 69 deaths per 1,000 live births to just 18 during the same period. Healthcare spending has been growing steadily from US$66.3 billion in 2015 to US$97 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach US$124 billion in 2028. Yet, as populations grow, non-communicable diseases rise, and technology evolves faster than ever, it is important for the GCC governments to future-proof the healthcare system rather than just keep on expanding it. And we believe this transformation hinges on three key priorities.

1. Investing in digital health infrastructure 

Digital transformation is the backbone of modern healthcare. The GCC has already made significant strides. Saudi Arabia’s Sehhaty, which is the Ministry of Health’s app that provides citizens and residents with comprehensive digital healthcare services, and the UAE’s Riayati platforms, centralise medical records and create an integrated digital healthcare system that enhances service quality and improves citizens’ quality of life, are clear examples of how digital systems can unify data and streamline patient experiences. But the real opportunity lies in building a connected, regional ecosystem of care. 

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Imagine a patient record that follows an individual across hospitals, cities, and even borders, secure, comprehensive, and instantly accessible to authorised clinicians. This is the promise of interoperable data systems powered by secure, cloud-native technologies. With such infrastructure in place, governments can harness the full potential of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and precision medicine to identify risks early, optimise resource allocation, and improve outcomes. 

To achieve this vision, governments must develop robust data governance frameworks, interoperability standards, and cross-border collaboration. It also means treating health data not just as an administrative necessity but as a strategic national asset. Ultimately, investing in digital health infrastructure will be an enabler of efficiency, equity, and resilience. It allows systems to respond faster to crises, deliver more personalised care, and measure performance with precision. 

2. Fostering healthcare talent development and retention 

Behind every great healthcare system is a strong, skilled, and motivated workforce, especially that long-term sustainability depends on developing and retaining local talent. The region continues to struggle with attracting and retaining qualified medical professionals, as reflected in low nurse-to-population ratios, just 3.1 per 1,000 people in the UAE and 5.2 in Saudi Arabia, compared to 8.4 in the UK and 9.9 in the US. 

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The healthcare workforce of the future must be not only clinically competent but also digitally fluent. The integration of AI, robotics, and data analytics into everyday medical practice means that doctors, nurses, and administrators will need new kinds of skills. Governments can lead this transformation by establishing national centers of excellence focused on digital health and by embedding informatics, data science, and innovation into medical and nursing education. 

Retention is equally critical. High turnover rates can disrupt patient care and drive costs high. By creating clear career pathways, recognising innovation in clinical practice, and investing in continuous learning, GCC healthcare systems can strengthen loyalty and institutional knowledge. 

Moreover, enabling regional and international collaboration through exchange programs and joint research can broaden expertise and ensure that healthcare professionals remain globally competitive.

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3. Promoting public-private partnerships and investment in healthtech 

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have already transformed sectors like infrastructure across the GCC. Applying the same model to healthcare could unlock even greater value. Many countries have already started this initiative in the healthcare sector. Governments and private innovators can co-create solutions tailored to local needs, whether for population health analytics, remote patient monitoring, or hospital workflow optimisation. For example, partnerships between ministries of health, academic institutions, and technology firms can accelerate the adoption of AI-powered diagnostics or cloud-based health data platforms. At the same time, fostering innovation clusters and health tech accelerators can help nurture local startups, attract venture capital, and localise advanced manufacturing for medical devices. Such initiatives not only advance healthcare innovation but also contribute to economic diversification, aligning perfectly with national visions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Centennial 2071. When governments act as facilitators rather than sole providers, they unlock a dynamic ecosystem where innovation can thrive. 

The path forward 

The GCC has already proven its ability to achieve rapid healthcare advancement. The next frontier is building systems that are predictive, personalised, and preventive. These systems use data to anticipate needs, empower citizens to manage their own wellness, and deliver care that is both accessible and sustainable. By investing in digital infrastructure, cultivating a digitally skilled workforce, and deepening collaboration with the private sector, GCC governments can transform healthcare from a service into a strategic advantage, and a source of national resilience and global leadership. 

 References available on request.