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Saudi Arabia bets big on healthcare boom as global health exhibition 2026 expands into new billion-dollar sectors

Outlook Desk

Outlook Desk

Publish: 25 May 2026, 06:43 PM

Saudi Arabia bets big on healthcare boom as global health exhibition 2026 expands into new billion-dollar sectors

Saudi Arabia is set to deepen its push to become a global healthcare and medical innovation hub as the Global Health Exhibition (GHE) 2026 announced a major expansion into high-growth sectors including dermatology and aesthetics, orthopaedics and rehabilitation, and dental healthcare.

The exhibition, organized by Tahaluf under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Health, will take place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre from October 26 to 29, 2026. Registration for the event officially opened on Sunday.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda and the Kingdom’s Health Sector Transformation Program, the event aims to bring together global healthcare leaders, investors, innovators and policymakers as Saudi Arabia accelerates investment in one of the region’s fastest-growing industries.

In a major development for 2026, GHE will introduce three dedicated specialist zones targeting sectors experiencing rapid market expansion across the Kingdom.

According to organizers, Saudi Arabia’s dermatology and aesthetics market is projected to nearly double from $183.8 million in 2025 to $361.9 million by 2034, driven by rising demand for advanced cosmetic and aesthetic procedures.

The orthopaedics and rehabilitation sector is also expected to witness strong growth, expanding from $302.3 million in 2023 to $451.8 million by 2032 amid increasing demand for mobility care, rehabilitation services and aging-related treatments.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s dental market is forecast to grow from $2 billion in 2022 to $3 billion by 2027, reflecting growing demand for preventive dental care, advanced technologies and specialized treatment services.

Organizers said the new sectors would create significant opportunities for exhibitors and investors seeking access to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding healthcare market.


This year’s exhibition will also introduce several new initiatives aimed at strengthening high-level global collaboration and healthcare investment.

Among the key additions is the “Leaders Club 100,” an invitation-only network bringing together ministers, chief executives and senior healthcare decision-makers for closed-door strategic discussions and partnership building.

GHE 2026 will also launch “Capital Xchange,” an enhanced investor platform designed to connect investors, startups and policymakers. The initiative follows the success of last year’s investor programme, which attracted more than 200 investors from 40 countries managing assets worth $65 billion.

Other new features include “Power Breakfasts” focused on healthcare investment and policy discussions, ecosystem site visits for investors, and a reverse-pitching model allowing corporations and investors to present priorities directly to startups.

The exhibition will additionally debut “Pulse Studio,” a live podcast platform featuring healthcare CEOs, longevity experts and industry leaders discussing trends shaping the future of global healthcare.

Last year’s event drew more than 130,000 healthcare professional visits, over 2,000 brands and 600 speakers, while generating healthcare deals worth $35.5 billion.

Rachel Sturgess, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf, said the 2026 edition reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global healthcare sector.

“Global Health 2026 marks an exciting step forward as we expand into new sectors and introduce programmes that open access to broader and more diverse parts of the healthcare ecosystem,” she said.

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