GCC Investments in Life Sciences Create New Opportunities for Manufacturing and Research Hubs, JLL Report Finds

Growing government investment in healthcare self-sufficiency is transforming the GCC's life sciences sector, creating significant opportunities for specialised pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology and research hubs, according to JLL's GCC-focused EMEA 2026 Life Sciences Industry & Cluster Report.

The report says long-term national strategies aimed at strengthening healthcare resilience and reducing dependence on imports are accelerating the region's transition from a consumer of pharmaceutical products to an innovation-driven producer.

Healthcare Self-Sufficiency Drives Investment

According to JLL, geopolitical disruptions and global supply chain challenges have reinforced the importance of developing domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities across the Gulf.

Government-led initiatives such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Operation 300B are supporting investments in local drug production, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing to improve healthcare security while contributing to broader economic diversification goals.

The report also highlights regulatory reforms, including streamlined drug approval processes and stronger intellectual property protections, as key factors supporting industry growth.

Pharmaceutical and Biotech Markets Expand

JLL estimates that the GCC pharmaceutical market exceeded USD 30 billion in 2025, growing at an annual rate of approximately 7.5%.

The regional biotechnology market is projected to reach USD 2.6 billion by 2028, while the localised generics market is expected to expand to around USD 14.7 billion by 2032.

The report also notes that biosimilars are experiencing annual growth of between 15% and 20%, supported by investments in new manufacturing facilities and cold-chain logistics infrastructure.

Shift Towards Advanced Therapies

Sandeep Sinha, Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences Consulting, Middle East and Africa at JLL, said the GCC is entering a new phase of healthcare development, with increasing emphasis on pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory enhancement and supply chain resilience.

He said governments are investing in specialised life sciences clusters, advanced production facilities and logistics networks as the sector evolves beyond traditional drug manufacturing towards biologics, advanced therapies and other high-value pharmaceutical products.

According to JLL, emerging areas of growth include personalised medicine, genomics, vaccine production, biosimilar development, cell and gene therapy, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in drug discovery.

National Strategies Accelerate Sector Development

Beyond Saudi Arabia and the UAE, other GCC countries are also expanding their life sciences capabilities through long-term national development plans.

Qatar's National Vision 2030 and Kuwait's Vision 2035 are supporting investments in digital healthcare, genomics and personalised medicine, while Oman's Vision 2040 is introducing incentives within special economic zones to encourage domestic pharmaceutical production and reduce reliance on imported pharmaceutical ingredients.

Cities Develop Distinct Life Sciences Specialisations

The report highlights the emergence of specialised life sciences clusters across the region.

Riyadh and Dubai continue to strengthen their positions as regional centres combining pharmaceutical manufacturing with research and development, supported by leading academic institutions and the presence of multinational pharmaceutical companies.

Abu Dhabi is focusing on biotechnology and precision medicine, while Doha is positioning itself as a centre for genomics, specialised clinical research and integrated healthcare excellence.

Elsewhere in the region, Oman is expanding pharmaceutical production capacity with 18 new manufacturing facilities under construction, complementing the 20 plants already in operation.

Meanwhile, Manama aims to become a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and logistics, while Kuwait City is prioritising the import of advanced life sciences technologies and specialised expertise.

Opportunities Remain for Global Investors

Despite rapid growth, JLL identifies significant opportunities for further investment across the GCC's life sciences ecosystem.

The report notes a shortage of large-scale clinical trial facilities, biotechnology research centres and manufacturing capacity for biologics, biosimilars and vaccines.

With the GCC home to a population representing more than 200 nationalities, JLL said the region offers considerable potential for developing world-class clinical research infrastructure, particularly in genomics, oncology and precision medicine, creating new opportunities for international investors and healthcare companies.