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The Saudi economy is strengthened by the record high oil prices, and the health sector is particularly benefiting from this with the Government allocation of SR31 billion (US$8.27 billion) for health and social services in the Kingdom in its 2006 budget. This is an increase of around 30% on 2005, and the healthcare sector will receive the second, previously third, largest share of the budget. With oil prices remaining high, a growing population and an overall buoyant economy, the 2007 budget is expected to see a similar increase.



Saudi Arabia is the largest market for medical equipment and healthcare products in the Gulf, and the Ministry of Health is the largest buyer representing around 60% of the market for such products. The Kingdom is also the largest market in the Middle East for pharmaceuticals, with over 65% of all Gulf Region sales, importing 90% of its requirements valued at US$1.2 billion in 2005. With a growing population, from the present 26 million to a forecast 47 million by 2020, the importance of the Kingdom as the market in the Region is set to continue well into the century.