- The global biotechnology market is projected to reach over $4 trillion by 2035; the GCC market is expected to reach $2.6 billion by 2028, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the growth in the region
- Biotechnology and life sciences serve as a strategic bridge, connecting cutting-edge research with real-world healthcare transformation
- World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, formerly Arab Health, will take place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre from 9-12 February 2026, welcoming more than 235,000 professional visits and 4,300 exhibitors at the largest healthcare event in 2026
World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, formerly Arab Health, which takes place from 9-12 February 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), has officially announced the launch of a new dedicated Biotech & Life Sciences zone in recognition of the sectorโs expansion, which is expected to exceed US$4 trillion globally by 2035.
The introduction of the new zone reflects the unprecedented acceleration across the global biotechnology industry, which uses living organisms, cells, or biological processes to develop products and technologies for treating, preventing, and diagnosing human diseases. Breakthroughs in areas such as advanced therapeutics, AI-driven research and development, translational science, clinical innovation, and sustainable biomanufacturing are shaping the market.
According to Global Data Route Analytics, a leading business intelligence firm, the global biotechnology market was valued at US$1.6 trillion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2% until 2035, reaching US$4.05 trillion.
Furthermore, a recent report from Knight Frank highlights the trajectory of the GCC biotechnology market, projected to reach US$2.6 billion by 2028. Leading this growth are the UAE and Saudi Arabia, driven by a surge in localised R&D activities in areas such as genomics, oncology, rare diseases, and synthetic biology. This momentum is further fuelled by an increasing investor appetite and enhanced cross-border collaboration as the industry transitions from early discovery to commercial-stage innovation. Notably, the UAE is keen on establishing itself as a global hub for biotechnology, precision medicine, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This ambition is exemplified by initiatives like โOperation 300Bn,โ which allocates AED 300 billion to vital sectors, including healthcare.
Aligning with this growth, the inaugural Biotech & Life Sciences Zone, which will take place on 9 February 2026 as part of the newly introduced Frontiers Stage at WHX in Dubai, will convene global experts, regional innovators, policymakers, investors and industry leaders as part of a comprehensive programme exploring the scientific, economic and societal impact of biotechnology.
Biotech & Life Sciences zone session chair, Dr Omar Najim, CEO, Baynouna Gene Solutions, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Khalifa University, has emphasised that the Middle East is entering a new era in which biotechnology and life sciences are no longer peripheral disciplines but central drivers of healthcare transformation, economic diversification, and scientific leadership.
He said: โBiotechnology and the life sciences are at the crossroads of developing solutions for regional populations through local talent, clinical innovation, and distribution, to reach the wider world. The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, home to 1.7 billion people, is a rapidly growing market for biotech companies seeking to expand, but also a source of unparalleled global talent.
โThe region is well recognised as a strategic bridge, connecting cutting-edge research with real-world healthcare transformation. By accelerating translational science, building regional capability and fostering global partnerships, we can ensure that breakthroughs developed in our labs become accessible solutions that improve health outcomes for our communities. The launch of the dedicated Biotech & Life Sciences Zone at World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai is a pivotal step toward realising that shared vision.โ
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Solenne Singer, Senior Vice President, Informa Markets, said:โThe introduction of a dedicated Biotech & Life Sciences Zone reflects the ambitions of WHX in Dubai and the growing expertise within our global community. Biotechnology is transforming every aspect of healthcare, and our platform is uniquely positioned to connect the worldโs leading scientists, innovators and industry partners together to accelerate this progress. This initiative aligns with the forward-thinking content that WHX in Dubai aims to promote, underscoring our commitment to delivering the ideas and collaborations that will shape the next decade of global health.โ
In 2026, WHX in Dubai will be co-timed with WHX Labs in Dubai (formerly Medlab Middle East), the region’s leading laboratory and diagnostics event. While WHX in Dubai moves to Expo City Dubai, WHX Labs in Dubai will continue at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 10-13 February, creating a city-wide experience across two landmark venues. Together, the co-timed events will attract more than 270,000 professional visits and 4,800 exhibitors, forming the worldโs largest healthcare event.
WHX in Dubai and WHX Labs in Dubai are held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.
