GCC Medical Endoscopes Market Outlook (2021-2031)

The GCC medical endoscopes market is projected to reach USD 304.5 million by 2031, up from USD 239.9 million in 2024. The estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2031 is 3.5%.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region—comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain—is emerging as an important market for medical endoscopes. This growth is fueled by significant government investments in healthcare infrastructure, an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and a rising demand for advanced medical technologies.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The market is segmented based on product type, application, usability, and end user:

Product Type:The medical endoscopes market includes rigid endoscopes, flexible endoscopes, capsule endoscopes, ultrasound endoscopes, and robot-assisted endoscopes. The flexible endoscopes segment was the largest in 2024.

Usability:The market is divided into reusable and disposable endoscopes, with the reusable segment dominating in 2024.

Application:Endoscopy applications include gastrointestinal endoscopy, laparoscopy, gynecology endoscopy, arthroscopy, urology, bronchoscopy, ENT endoscopy, neuroendoscopy, and others. Gastrointestinal endoscopy held the largest market share in 2024.

End User:The market segments are hospitals, specialty clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and diagnostic centers, with hospitals accounting for the largest share in 2024.

Market Outlook

The medical endoscopes market in the GCC countries is experiencing steady growth, primarily driven by substantial government investments in healthcare infrastructure and ambitious national health programs. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading this expansion, initiating large-scale hospital projects and adopting advanced medical technologies that enhance patient care.

The growing prevalence of lifestyle-related conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders, is fueling demand for endoscopic procedures. Additionally, the increasing preference for minimally invasive treatments and a rapidly expanding private healthcare sector is further propelling market growth in the region.

Country Insights

The GCC medical endoscopes market can be further categorized by country: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, with Saudi Arabia holding the largest market share in 2024. Substantial investments in both public and private healthcare sectors play a crucial role in this growth. A key driver in Saudi Arabia is the Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services. This initiative focuses on increasing specialized treatment offerings and reducing outbound medical travel, which in turn boosts the demand for advanced diagnostic and minimally invasive technologies. Hospitals are increasingly transitioning to high-definition and AI-driven endoscopy equipment for gastroenterology, urology, and bariatric applications.

For example, in September 2021, Riyadh Health Affairs reported the launch of upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy procedures at Afif Hospital, allowing specialists to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Notably, 25 patients benefited from this procedure, and 112 patients were treated at the liver and digestive tract clinic.

As chronic diseases rise and the elderly population grows, Saudi Arabia presents significant opportunities for international endoscope manufacturers, especially those seeking partnerships in private and public sectors.

Company Profiles

Key players in the GCC medical endoscopes market include Olympus Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, Smith+Nephew, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, B. Braun SE, Stryker Corporation, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, HOYA Corporation, and Ambu A/S. These companies employ strategies such as expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to maintain competitiveness and introduce innovative products to consumers.