Last Updated: 06 October 2025
UAE & KSA – Healthcare & Wellness Market
The healthcare and wellness industry in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase of expansion, marked by strong consumer demand, government investment, and a growing focus on preventive care. Both markets are evolving rapidly — the UAE leading with premium wellness, spa, and fitness experiences, while Saudi Arabia accelerates large-scale healthcare reforms under Vision 2030. This article, Healthcare & Wellness Market Research UAE & KSA 2025–2029, explores the size, structure, and future potential of both markets, providing investors, entrepreneurs, and wellness operators with clear insights into where the region’s next growth wave is headed.
The UAE wellness market has evolved from a niche luxury offering into a mainstream lifestyle segment encompassing gyms, spas, IV therapy clinics, slimming centers, and wellness resorts. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing physical fitness, mental well-being, and longevity — fueling steady double-digit growth across both private and institutional segments. Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian healthcare and wellness sector is undergoing rapid modernization under Vision 2030, with nationwide programs encouraging active lifestyles, wellness tourism, and women’s participation in sports and fitness.
For investors and entrepreneurs, this presents a unique moment of opportunity. From Pilates studios in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to wellness clinics and spas in Riyadh and Jeddah, demand for specialized, experience-driven wellness solutions continues to rise. At the same time, the shift toward digital health, hybrid memberships, and personalized wellness plans is creating new business models and long-term scalability.
Accurate Middle East Consulting supports clients across every stage — from market validation and feasibility studies to licensing, business planning, and investor presentation — ensuring each wellness venture enters the GCC market strategically and sustainably.
Market Size in 2025-2029: UAE & Saudi Arabia + Growth Outlook
UAE – Health & Wellness Market
According to JLL, the health and wellness retail sector in the UAE is projected to grow from AED 8.89 billion in 2024 to AED 9.44 billion by 2025. This suggests a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the double digits, driven by high urbanization, luxury consumption, and a strong tourism ecosystem.
Within that umbrella, the luxury spa market is primed for even stronger growth. Industry data forecasts that the spa sector in the UAE will jump from approximately AED 3.97 billion in 2024 to nearly AED 6.68 billion by 2030. That implies substantial upside even over short horizons, especially if niche, boutique, or premium wellness formats are positioned well.
According to IMARC Group, the UAE health and wellness market size reached USD 19.03 billion in 2024 and is expected to climb to USD 28.01 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.94% between 2025 and 2033.
Saudi Arabia – Wellness & Preventive Health Landscape
Saudi Arabia’s wellness economy (wellness market includes broad categories like physical activity, nutrition, spa, and wellness tourism) has also shown strength. The market was estimated to be USD 19.8 Billion in 2022, growing at a rate of 10.6%. Drawing from these trends, by 2025 the broader wellness + preventive care ecosystem in KSA (fitness, medical wellness, spa, supplements, wellness tourism) could be in the USD 23 billion range. The country’s Vision 2030 focus on health, tourism, and lifestyle reforms gives extra tailwinds.
Focusing further into corporate wellness (a key niche for clinics, IV therapy, and slimming), market research projects that segment’s revenue in KSA will reach USD 680.7 million by 2030, growing at ~2.3% CAGR from 2025 onward.
| Year | UAE Market Size (USD Billion) | Saudi Arabia Market Size (USD Billion) | Estimated Annual Growth (%) | Key Growth Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (Base Year) | 19.3 | 35.32 | – | Post-pandemic recovery, urban wellness spending, growing private healthcare investment |
| 2025 (Estimate) | 20.1 | 38.75 | UAE +3.9%, KSA +9.7% | Rising wellness tourism, fitness apps, government health initiatives (Vision 2030) |
| 2027 (Projection) | 21.9 | 46.36 | UAE +3.9%, KSA +9.7% | Growth in spas, IV-therapy, and boutique wellness; digital fitness integration |
| 2030 (Forecast) | 24.8 | 61.00 | UAE +3.9%, KSA +9.7% | Expansion of preventive health, corporate wellness, and medical tourism |
| 2033 (Long-Term Forecast) | 28.01 | 81.11 | UAE CAGR 3.94%, KSA CAGR 9.7% | Regional expansion, sustainability focus, strong consumer health culture |
Source: JLL , iMARC Group, Global Wellness Institute, Statista, and Accurate Middle East Research estimates (2025).
GCC Market Growth Potential & What’s Driving It
Rising health consciousness: Consumers are shifting from reactive care to preventive and holistic wellness (fitness, nutrition, recovery therapies).
Medical wellness convergence: IV therapy, aesthetic medical treatments, nutraceutical support, and anti-aging services are becoming mainstream.
Wellness tourism: UAE and KSA both push spa, detox, and medical wellness tourism, attracting global clients.
Digital fitness & hybrid models: Online classes, app integrations, and remote wellness coaching complement physical studios.
Female participation & tailored formats: Female-only gyms, mother wellness, youth fitness, and niche formats (Pilates, barre) are growing fast.
Corporate & institutional wellness adoption: Companies are investing in employee wellness programs, incentivized by productivity and health cost savings.
Market Research Consulting in the UAE and Saudi Arabia: Healthcare & Wellness
If you plan to open or expand a wellness or healthcare business in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, market research is not a formality — it’s your risk control tool. The region moves fast, and one wrong assumption about demand or pricing can cost months of investment. Serious research gives you a factual view of your niche, your competitors, and your customers.
1. Define the real market size — in your exact niche.
You can’t rely on generic wellness statistics. A spa, a slimming clinic, and a fitness app operate in completely different segments. The first step is to measure the actual market size in your niche by looking at the sales of direct competitors, how many customers they serve, and what share of that market you can reasonably capture. Only then can you calculate your growth potential and break-even point.
2. Interview experts — that’s where the truth hides.
Local experts, operators, and suppliers will tell you what reports can’t: real costs of raw materials, acquisition cost per client (CAC), and hidden expenses. They also share tips on how to cut costs, what trends are worth watching, and where the biggest market gaps lie. Expert calls are not optional — they are how you turn scattered data into practical business advice.
3. Analyse competitors properly.
A proper competitive analysis shows who dominates your segment, how they price their services, what audiences they attract, and where they underperform. This is where you find your positioning edge — a service, price level, or experience that others don’t offer.
4. Benchmark prices realistically.
Pricing in Dubai or Riyadh can vary by 200% for similar services. A price analysis compares real rates for treatments, memberships, or products across local competitors, helping you decide where to position your offer — budget, mid-range, or premium — without losing margin.
5. Know your customer better than anyone else.
Before launching, you must define your customer profile: who they are, how often they purchase, what they expect, and what convinces them to return. Interviews, focus groups, and online feedback all help you understand expectations, lifestyle, and spending habits — the foundation for marketing and service design.
In a competitive and fast-moving region like the GCC, data replaces guesswork.
Accurate Middle East Consulting helps investors and entrepreneurs collect and interpret this data, turning insights into sound business strategies for wellness and healthcare projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Feasibility Study for Wellness and Healthcare Business
A feasibility study for a wellness business in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is the cornerstone of every successful investment decision. Before launching a spa, fitness studio, or IV therapy clinic, entrepreneurs must evaluate real market demand, customer behavior, location potential, and financial viability.
At Accurate Middle East Consulting, our team conducts comprehensive market research, competitor benchmarking, and five-year financial modeling tailored to the UAE’s dynamic wellness sector. The study identifies revenue streams, startup costs, licensing requirements, and risk factors, allowing investors to understand whether their concept is truly sustainable. From boutique Pilates studios in Dubai to holistic wellness centers, healthcare clinics in Abu Dhabi, a well-structured feasibility study helps transform an inspiring idea into a profitable business with clear ROI projections and a roadmap aligned with regional trends and regulatory frameworks.
Accurate Middle East Case Studies
Case Study 1: Feasibility Study for a Luxury Spa and Wellness Center in Dubai
Client Objective
Our client, an international entrepreneur with prior experience in the hospitality sector, approached Accurate Middle East to explore opportunities in Dubai’s booming wellness industry. The goal was to launch a premium spa and wellness center offering rejuvenation, detox, and holistic health programs targeting high-income residents and tourists.
Our Approach
Our consulting team conducted a comprehensive market analysis of the UAE spa and wellness industry, identifying key trends such as rising demand for holistic therapies, aromatherapy, and personalized wellness experiences. The research included:
- Competitive benchmarking of over 20 top wellness centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Location scoring based on visitor traffic, tourist density, and nearby luxury hotels.
- Pricing and service mix analysis covering massages, body treatments, facials, and wellness packages.
- Development of a complete feasibility study with demand forecasts and investment scenarios.
- Preparation of a detailed business plan and five-year financial model, including CapEx, OpEx, break-even analysis, and ROI projections.
Outcome
The study revealed a strong opportunity in the premium spa niche focused on “wellness tourism” and “personalized care.” With our support, the client selected an ideal location within a 5-star hotel area and secured investor interest. The concept was refined into a high-margin, sustainability-oriented spa brand, positioned to attract both tourists and long-term residents seeking stress relief and lifestyle improvement.
Healthcare Wellness Market Research UAE Saudi Arabia
Case Study 2: Market Entry Strategy and Business Plan for a Slimming & IV Therapy Clinic Chain in the UAE
Client Objective
A healthcare investor group approached Accurate Middle East to develop a slimming and IV therapy clinic chain targeting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The client aimed to combine medical-grade slimming treatments with IV nutrient therapy under one innovative brand that focuses on safe, aesthetic, and result-driven body wellness.
Our Approach
Accurate Middle East conducted a full-spectrum market and competitor analysis across the UAE healthcare and wellness segments. The study identified the growing consumer shift toward preventive healthcare, aesthetic wellness, and non-invasive treatments.
Our research covered:
- Demand sizing and trend forecasting for slimming, IV therapy, and vitamin infusion services.
- Competitive analysis of existing slimming centers and wellness clinics.
- Customer profiling by nationality, gender, and spending behavior.
- Regulatory and licensing requirements for medical and aesthetic facilities.
- Development of financial and business models outlining pricing strategies, service packages, and expected ROI.
Outcome
Our analysis revealed that the UAE market for slimming and IV therapy services is growing at over 10% CAGR, fueled by increased awareness of preventive healthcare and body aesthetics. Based on our strategic recommendations, the client defined two clinic formats:
Flagship clinic in Dubai with premium interiors, full service range, and medical supervision.
Compact branch model in Abu Dhabi focusing on slimming and IV drips with personalized consultations.
The final business plan and feasibility study provided the client with a strong investment case, clear marketing direction, and realistic growth targets for the next five years.
Case Study 3: Market Analysis and Business Plan for a Premium Dance and Yoga Studio
Accurate Middle East Consulting team completed comprehensive business plan and a financial model for another premium dance and yoga studio in Abu Dhabi. Our expert team has meticulously prepared a detailed market analysis, competitor analysis, price analysis, business model, operational plan, and a five-year financial model development. Additionally, we have provided strategic recommendations on location, positioning, and marketing channels. Our client is delighted with the outcome, and we believe this success will resonate with many of our clients considering similar ventures.
How to Start a Wellness, Fitness, or Pilates Studio in the UAE
How to start a wellness or fitness business in the UAE or Saudi Arabia
Opening a wellness business in the UAE isn’t just about setting up a studio — it’s about understanding people, culture, and timing. The country’s wellness sector is booming, but competition is fierce. To succeed, you need a clear concept, proper licensing, and a solid understanding of your audience and costs.
1. Start with Research That Reflects Reality
First thing – you have to validate your idea with proper market research. Don’t rely on assumptions. Learn what clients actually look for — from class types and price ranges to preferred locations. A focused feasibility study helps you choose the right direction, whether it’s a boutique Pilates studio, a yoga retreat, or a tech-driven fitness center.
2. Choose a Strategic Location and Business Format
Location can define your wellness business success. Gyms, studios and wellness centers in Jumeirah Dubai or Abu Dhabi Corniche attract premium clients, while Pilates and yoga studios often perform better in community areas with loyal local followings. Decide early if you’ll launch an independent brand, operate under a franchise, or partner with an established concept — each path has different costs and returns.
3. Get the Right Licenses and Permits from Day One
No wellness venture can operate legally without the proper setup. You’ll need a commercial license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a free zone authority.
For gyms or Pilates studios, apply for a gym license in Dubai or a fitness studio permit in the UAE.
For wellness and spa facilities, you may also need health and hygiene approvals from Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) — especially if your services include IV therapy, slimming, or other wellness treatments.
Working with experienced consultants saves time and helps avoid costly licensing mistakes.
4. Create a Brand That Feels Genuine
In the UAE, fitness and wellness are lifestyle choices — not just services. People want brands that inspire trust and belonging. Define your identity: are you a calm, minimalist Pilates studio, a luxury wellness spa, or a results-driven slimming center? Develop your tone, design, and customer experience around that promise.
5. Build a Financial Model That Works in Real Life
Every wellness idea needs a solid plan behind it. A proper business plan and a detailed financial model will help you calculate set up costs, expected returns, and breakeven points (in fitness and wellness businesses it’s very important). It also shows investors that your concept is serious and scalable. Accurate Middle East helps clients develop realistic models that reflect actual market conditions and cost structures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
6. Hire People Who Represent Your Brand
Your trainers, therapists, and reception staff define your reputation. Clients remember how they were treated more than which equipment you used. Invest in people who are highly motivated, enthusiastic and aligned with your business values. Offer regular training and make sure your team understands how to deliver consistent, high-quality service.
7. Launch with Intention and Visibility
Plan your opening like a campaign, not a date. As marketing tools you need to usse social media, influencer collaborations, and partnerships with nearby hotels or wellness events to create early buzz. Attend health exhibitions or local business networks to get exposure. A solid start helps you build momentum and attract long-term clients from day one.
Investing into healthcare and wellness industry in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2025-2027
The UAE health, wellness and fitness market in 2025 presents significant opportunities for growth and success for different types of businesses. By understanding the market dynamics, staying ahead of key trends, and offering unique and personalized services, you can establish a successful gym or fitness studio in the UAE. Accurate Middle East Consulting is here to support you every step of the way. We are ready to provide expert guidance and strategic insights to help you achieve your business goals.
Only in 2024 and the beginning of 2025 we are proud to have completed a few business plans and financial models for a premium dance and innovative yoga studios in Abu Dhabi, for a new spa and wellness center in Dubai, and am IV therapy clinic in Dubai and a chain of slimming centers in the UAE and we look forward to supporting more clients in their journey to success in the UAE fitness market. For more detailed insights and strategic guidance, contact Accurate Middle East Consulting today.
If you are interested to start a business in health or wellness industries in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can offer ready-to-go market analytics, accompanied by customized competitive analysis and financial model prepared for your business.
Contact us to discuss the best way to launch a successful business in the UAE health, wellness and fitness market
Ready to explore opportunities for your business in the UAE? Contact Accurate Middle East Consulting today to discover how we can facilitate your business’s growth and success in the dynamic Middle Eastern market. Talk to us in Whatsapp or call us +971 50 559 5603 in the UAE in order to get the best solution for you business.
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Author: | |
| Dr. Elena Zhukovskaya Senior Consultant, Partner | |
| 20+ years of experience in market research, business management, investor relations, and brand communications across the UAE, KSA, and GCC. Author of 50+ publications and a regular speaker at leading business events in the region. Linkedin profile |
