Middle East & Africa Genetic Testing Services Market Report (2021-2031) by Scope, Segmentation, Dynamics, and Competitive Analysis

The genetic testing services market in the Middle East and Africa is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 236.91 million by 2031, up from US$ 87.99 million in 2023. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% from 2023 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa are witnessing a steady expansion in the genetic testing services market, fueled by a growing awareness of genetic disorders, improvements in healthcare infrastructure, and an increasing demand for personalized medicine. Key players in this market include countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, which are at the forefront of adopting genetic testing services. These countries are particularly focused on areas such as prenatal screening, cancer diagnostics, and the detection of rare genetic disorders.

Investment in healthcare is on the rise, and as access to advanced medical technologies improves, the availability of genetic testing services is also increasing. The prevalence of chronic diseases and a regional emphasis on enhancing health outcomes are further driving demand for genetic testing. The integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and advancements in genetic counseling are expected to bolster market growth. However, challenges such as high costs associated with testing and limited awareness in certain regions persist. Despite these hurdles, the ongoing focus on healthcare development presents significant opportunities for future market expansion.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The genetic testing services market can be segmented based on service type, disease, and service provider.

1. Service Type: The market is divided into several categories, including predictive testing, carrier testing, prenatal testing, newborn screening, diagnostic genetic testing, and others. In 2023, the predictive testing segment accounted for the largest share of the market.
2. Disease: The market is also segmented by disease type, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and others. The cancer segment was the largest contributor to the market share in 2023.
3. Service Provider: The market is categorized by service provider types, which include hospital-based laboratories, diagnostic laboratories, and other providers. Hospital-based laboratories held the largest market share in 2023.

Market Outlook

As of 2018, approximately 75,000 genetic tests were available, with nearly ten new tests being introduced daily. According to a study published in 2023, the number of genetic tests accessible in the United States reached around 129,624, while globally, the figure was approximately 197,779 as of November 2022. The scope of genetic testing has expanded from single-gene tests to multi-gene panels, with whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing gaining popularity.

To address the challenges posed by health data exhaust, the medical field is increasingly leveraging advanced clinical tools, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies are being utilized to enhance the acceptance and application of genomic medicine. Many consumer-oriented genetic testing technologies now incorporate machine learning or AI, which is particularly beneficial given the vast amounts of data involved in genetic analysis. For instance, analyzing the human genome requires processing billions of data points, a task that has become more manageable with the advent of machine learning.

AI has shown great promise in analyzing genetic data and assisting healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses. Notable initiatives include Google’s Deep Variant program, which can comprehensively map the human genome, and efforts by organizations like the National Institutes of Health to explore how AI can enhance genetic understanding. Companies such as Blueprint Genetics are also employing AI for clinical interpretation, indicating that machine learning and AI are pivotal in advancing genetic research and engineering. These tools are not only easy to integrate but also highly scalable, positioning genetic laboratories to expand their operations in line with the rapid growth of the genetic testing sector. Consequently, the effective use of these technologies will enable clinicians to diagnose rare genetic disorders more efficiently, offering hope to millions affected by such conditions worldwide.

Country Insights

The genetic testing services market in the Middle East and Africa includes key countries such as Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, and others. South Africa held the largest market share in 2023.

The UAE is committed to providing top-tier healthcare facilities and fostering a healthy society. In 2019, the UAE government initiated the establishment of a cutting-edge Genome Center aimed at harnessing the benefits of genetic science. This initiative focuses on implementing modern techniques, including DNA sequencing and profiling, to combat non-communicable diseases like cancer and to develop personalized medicine programs. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has partnered with Pure Health Laboratory Network to launch the first phase of this genome center, which aims to create a comprehensive database of genetic diseases in the UAE. Additionally, in November 2023, the Department of Health–Abu Dhabi (DoH) launched a Clinical Genomic Medicine and Genetic Counseling Program for 100 Emirati physicians, marking a significant step in enhancing the national healthcare workforce's capabilities in genetic and genomic issues.

In November 2022, Illumina opened its Illumina Solutions Centre in Dubai, equipped with advanced genetic testing technologies and offering training in diagnostic tests. These initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the genetic testing services market in the UAE during the forecast period.

Company Profiles

Key players in the Middle East and Africa genetic testing services market include Eurofins Scientific SE, Exact Sciences Corp, Laboratory Corp of America Holdings, 23andMe Holding Co, Ambry Genetics Corp, Quest Diagnostics Inc, Illumina Inc, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, NeoGenomics Inc, Centogene NV, Ancestry Genomics Inc, Gene By Gene Ltd, SIVOTEC BioInformatics LLC, Progenesis, Fulgent Genetics, Inc, VERITAS INTERCONTINENTAL, and GeneDx, LLC. These companies are pursuing various strategies, including expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, to enhance their market presence and offer innovative solutions to consumers.

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