UAE healthcare market to reach Dh44bn by 2015

The UAE has witnessed a significant expansion in healthcare and wellness facilities over the years, which has put emphasis on the appeal for healthy living.

The total healthcare market in the UAE is estimated to reach Dh44 billion by 2015. Approximately Dh11bn of this accounts for wellness products and services sectors.

Research has shown that the demography of this region is dominated by a young population. Combined with increased spending power in this affluent society, the lifestyle aspirations of the majority of people now encompass a healthy body and mind.

Cashing in on this trend, leading regional and international companies specialising in wellness and spa products and services will be exhibiting at the Wellness and Spas Middle East exhibition from June 7 to 9 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"An ageing population of baby boomers, and the increasing stress of modern life, has created a boom in wellness retreats and spas around the world," said Elisabeth Brehl, Managing Director of Epoc Messe Frankfturt, the organisers of the exhibition. "Personal wellness is starting to become a lifestyle trend as people seek relaxation and a respite from the pressures of daily life, and activities that cultivate physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing are becoming important to many people in deciding how to spend their leisure time."

"Everyone's lives have become so busy and overcrowded. A chance to breathe, relax and engage in a renewing activity and environment is becoming vital."

With the worldwide prevalent trend of wellness retreats and spas all over the world, there are many opportunities for people to participate in wellness tourism from luxury spa weekends and yoga retreats, to Ayurvedic spas that include a spiritually renewing programme.

Americans and Canadians have spent Dh41.10bn on wellness and Dh4bn on spa tourism, respectively, over the past two years. Wellness and anti-ageing are a trillion dollar business globally.

Wellness and Spas Middle East gathers international spa and fitness club operators and professionals, hotel operators as well as architects and designers. It brings the world's leading manufacturers together to introduce their latest products and equipment from day spa treatment cabins to body toners. It is the most successful showcase in the region for the latest in spa centres and resorts.

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