UAE Complementary And Alternative Medicine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Intervention (Traditional Alternative Medicine/Botanicals, Mind Healing), By Application, By Target Audience, Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The UAE complementary and alternative medicine market size was estimated at USD 2.99 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.94% from 2024 to 2030. The market growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy due to the rising incidence of chronic diseases across the UAE region. In addition, rising awareness about chronic disease among physicians & patients and increasing healthcare expenditure in various regions propel the overall market growth. The market is expected to witness significant growth, driven by the rising awareness of wellness medicine and adoption of traditional medicine practices. This trend is reflected in the increasing popularity of yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and wellness therapies, available in yoga studios, meditation centers, spas, & wellness parlors nationwide.

Government support and endorsement of multinational firms highlight the value of wellness medicine, with platforms like Takalam offering online counseling services to enhance mental wellbeing across the UAE. A study conducted in Ajman, UAE, revealed that 57% of adults had utilized CAM, primarily for managing chronic conditions. This preference for CAM, especially for treating health issues like anxiety, stress, and chronic diseases, highlights the market growth potential. The inclusion of alternative therapies in basic health insurance plans, such as the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) in Dubai, further facilitates access to CAM services, supporting the market's expansion.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for CAM services, practitioners, and modalities globally. This surge can be attributed to societal shifts toward spirituality and a growing acceptance of alternative healing practices. Studies indicate that these social changes have positively influenced the CAM market, leading to greater penetration and legitimacy of various CAM modalities worldwide. The concurrent use of CAM and allopathic medicines is becoming increasingly common in managing serious medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV. Many traditional and complementary medicine providers integrate allopathic & CAM professionals, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners, into their practice.

Government initiatives significantly influence the growth of the CAM markets globally, often through increased funding and establishment of government facilities designed to lower capital costs. This, in turn, leads to an expansion in the number of facilities offering alternative medical services. Moreover, government actively promotes medical tourism, attracting individuals from various regions seeking top-tier alternative medical treatments. For instance, the UAE has taken a proactive stance on health promotion as well as disease prevention, implementing initiatives, such as free screenings for early detection of breast cancer and the National Prediabetes and Diabetes Screening campaign. These programs aim to mitigate the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, highlighting the UAE's commitment to preventive healthcare.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market is undergoing substantial innovation, advances in telemedicine & mobile applications are enabling remote consultations and online booking for CAM services, making it easier for patients to engage with practitioners regardless of geographical constraints. In addition, wearable devices and apps tracking vital signs & sleep patterns are integrating with CAM practices to personalize treatment plans based on real-time data. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also being explored for immersive therapeutic experiences, such as VR-guided meditation or AR-enhanced acupuncture sessions. These technological innovations are not only enhancing patient convenience but also opening new avenues for research and evidence-based validation of CAM practices

The market is characterized by a moderate level of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity. Several market players are acquiring smaller firms to strengthen their positions. This strategy enables companies to increase their capabilities, expand product portfolios, and improve competencies. Key players adopting this growth strategy include Mediclinic Middle East and TCMSH Middle East Ltd. Terms Ltd.

Government support is one of the major factors expected to drive CAM adoption in the UAE. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has established regulations for CAM practitioners & products, to ensure quality and safety. In addition, the DHA promotes CAM integration into the conventional healthcare system through initiatives, such as the Dubai Complementary & Alternative Medicine Project. Wellness tourism is a booming industry in the UAE, with numerous luxury hotels and resorts offering CAM services, including spa treatments, yoga, and meditation. The UAE is one of the most popular wellness tourism destinations in the Middle East, attracting domestic and international visitors

Substitute products in the CAM market include conventional medicine, particularly if it becomes more accessible or effective for conditions traditionally treated through CAM. In addition, lifestyle changes and self-care practices could serve as substitutes for some CAM treatments. The effectiveness of these substitutes and consumer preferences play crucial roles in determining the threat of substitutes

CAM has gained significant traction among professionals as well as consumers in developed and underdeveloped economies. Post-industrial societies have been identified as having significant potential for market expansion in the past few decades due to the increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic disorders, including infectious diseases

Intervention Insights

On the basis of intervention, the body healing segment dominated the market with a share of 53.33% in 2023. This growth can be attributed to increasing demand for physiotherapy among all age groups and rising awareness about the benefits of physiotherapy in the UAE. Mind-body healing techniques combine meditation/mindfulness with body movements incorporated into the daily healthcare routine. These techniques have a long history of healing and strengthening human bodies and minds. However, only recently have they been recognized by the medical and scientific communities as useful in medical settings. These techniques include acupuncture, reflexology, kinesiology, yoga, and chiropractic. With the increasing burden of diseases and the rising popularity of alternative medicines, the demand for these techniques is expected to grow in the near future.

The sensory healing segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Sensory impressions are crucial to health, according to Ayurveda. These impressions are important in determining the quality of emotions and thoughts. Five main senses aid in the healing process of the body. It includes sound, taste, feelings, smell, and sight. Sound therapy has been recognized as a valuable therapeutic for healing and balance. On the other hand, smells or aromatherapy connect the human body with emotions, memories, and instincts, further relaxing the body to boost healing. Both these treatments have been gaining considerable attention for the past few years owing to their potential benefits in promoting body healing.

Application Insights

On the basis of application, the psychological condition segment held the largest revenue share of 14.50% in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The segment growth can be attributed to the increasing incidence of psychological conditions and high demand for CAM therapies in the UAE. Psychological conditions encompass a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These conditions affect millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting individual well-being and societal costs. CAM represents a rapidly evolving field in the healthcare sector, offering nontraditional therapeutic approaches to treat psychological conditions. CAM includes practices, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

The women’s health segment is expected to register the second-fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Women’s health encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, from reproductive health to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and mental health, reflecting the unique biological, social, & behavioral conditions that differentiate women’s health from men’s. The complementary and alternative medicine market addresses these disparities by offering holistic approaches to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. In the UAE, the growing interest in CAM therapies for women’s health issues, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and general reproductive health, is driven by a combination of cultural openness to alternative treatments, the presence of specialized CAM practitioners, and the increasing recognition of the benefits of integrative care.

Target Audience Insights

On the basis of target audience, the market is segmented into age, income levels, and gender. On the basis of age, the 15- to 64-year-old segment held the largest revenue share of 62.62% in 2023. This can be attributed to the presence of a large pool of population under this age group in the region. However, the 65 and above segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to the growing geriatric population and cases of chronic pain, arthritis, and stress-related conditions among these individuals. This age group often opts for CAM to manage chronic conditions, improve quality of life, and enhance overall wellness. Practices like yoga, acupuncture, and herbal remedies are particularly popular among this age group. Moreover, rising health consciousness among seniors is expected to support segment growth.

In 2023, the middle-income segment held the largest share due to the high population base, affordability of CAM therapies by the population of this segment, and a rise in the number of CAM therapies priced for this segment. This segment includes individuals with a monthly income between AED 5,000 and 50,000 or an annual income between USD 16,000 and USD 160,000. This segment includes middle-class families, professionals, and small business owners who have moderate disposable income. This segment has greater access to a variety of CAM services compared to the lower-income group and can afford regular treatments. Popular CAM applications in this segment include chiropractic care for musculoskeletal health, acupuncture for pain management & overall wellness, and yoga & meditation for stress relief & mental well-being. In addition, mid-range herbal products are commonly used for health maintenance and preventive care.

Distribution Channel Insights

On the basis of distribution channel, the direct sales (direct channels/offline) segment dominated the market with a share of 56.32% in 2023 due the entry of new health & wellness centers and growing disposable income levels. Direct sales through offline channels involve physical locations and face-to-face interactions for the delivery of CAM products and services. This traditional approach includes various facilities where practitioners and sellers meet customers directly. In the UAE market, direct sales channels include retail pharmacies & health stores, specialized CAM clinics, wellness centers & spas, hospitals & medical centers, and practitioner home visits & mobile services.

The distance correspondence (e-channels/online) segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Distance correspondence via online channels involves the use of the Internet for the distribution of CAM products & services. This approach includes e-commerce platforms, telemedicine, and other digital means to reach & serve customers remotely. UAE is seeing a major shift in how telehealth platforms are integrated with the current healthcare systems, improving the effectiveness of healthcare delivery and streamlining communication. An increasing number of people are using specialized online consultation platforms that offer more individualized and focused healthcare services. These platforms cater to particular medical issues and demographics. This growth is supported by underlying macroeconomic factors, such as the growing usage of digital technology and the internet, which have expanded the pool of potential customers for telehealth services related to CAM therapies. For instance, Okadoc Technologies FZ-LLC, DoctorUna, HealthHub by Al-Futtaim, Bioessence Holistic Clinic, Naturopathy UAE, and Local Wellness Centers & Practitioner Websites provide access to CAM services, making holistic health options more convenient and reachable for people.

Key UAE Complementary And Alternative Medicine Company Insights

Leading players are focusing on expanding their service portfolios to increase revenue. Market players, such as Mediclinic Middle East; Okadoc Technologies FZ-LLC; and TCMSH Middle East Ltd., leverage these strategies to increase their production capabilities & strengthen their geographic presence. Some of the major participants in the UAE complementary and alternative medicine market include:

Recent Developments

• In March 2024, the WHO and the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) conducted a rigorous 5-day audit, post which Mediclinic City Hospital became the first private hospital in the country to receive the Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative (PSFHI) certification

• In September 2022, Mediclinic Middle East introduced the first solo CAM clinic, Enhance, as part of its aesthetics and wellness brand. Situated in the center of The Dubai Mall in Perfumery & Co, Fashion Avenue, it provides a comprehensive array of services & technologies in plastic surgery, aesthetic dentistry, energy-based technology, aesthetic gynecology, and aesthetic medicine

• In November 2021, Okadoc Technologies FZ-LLC partnered with Novomed to support its endeavor to improve patient care. Novomed patients may now easily schedule in-person and virtual consultations with more than 100 doctors and 10 facilities

UAE Complementary And Alternative Medicine Market Report Scope 

UAE Complementary And Alternative Medicine Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the UAE complementary and alternative medicine market report on the basis of intervention, application, target audience, and distribution channel:

• Intervention Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Traditional Alternative Medicine & Botanicals

    • Naturopathic Medicine

    • Homeopathy

    • Traditional Arabic medicine

    • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

    • Ayurveda

    • Other

  • Mind Healing

    • Hypnotherapy

    • Neuro-linguistic Programming

    • Transcendental Meditation

    • Psychotherapy

  • Body Healing

    • Acupuncture

    • Chiropractic

    • Kinesiology

    • Reflexology

    • Yoga

    • Massage Therapy

    • Physiotherapy

    • Osteopathy

    • Breathwork

  • External Energy Healing

    • Electromagnetic Therapy

    • Reiki

    • Chakra

  • Sensory Healing

    • Aromatherapy

    • Sound Healing

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Psychological Condition

    • Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

    • Addiction Recovery

  • Pain

    • Body Pain

    • Head Ache

    • Others

  • Women’s Health

    • Menstrual Health

    • Pregnancy

    • Menopause

    • Others

  • Men's Health

  • Musculoskeletal Issues

  • Infertility

  • Weight Management & Obesity

  • Immune & Autoimmune Issues

  • Cardiovascular Diseases (Heart and Circulatory Issues)

  • Diabetes

  • Other Applications

• Target Audience Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Age

    • Below 14-year-old

    • 15- to 64-year-old

    • 65 and above

  • Income Levels

    • Lower Income

    • Middle Income

    • Higher Income

  • Gender

    • Male

    • Female

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Direct Sales (Direct Channels/Offline)

  • Distance Correspondence (e-Channels/Online)