UAE Bariatric Surgery Devices Market Analysis

UAE Bariatric Surgery Devices Market Executive Summary

The UAE Bariatric Surgery Devices Market is at around $13.3 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $20.3 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Gastric bypass and other types of weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric or metabolic surgery, this involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. Bariatric surgery is done when diet and exercise haven't worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight. Some weight-loss procedures limit how much you can eat. Others work by reducing the body's ability to absorb fat and calories. Some procedures do both.

While bariatric surgery can offer many benefits, all forms of weight-loss surgery are major procedures that can pose risks and side effects. Also, you must make permanent healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise to help ensure the long-term success of bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is done to help you lose extra weight and reduce your risk of possibly life-threatening weight-related health problems, including: certain cancers, including breast, endometrial and prostate cancer, heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes etc.

According World Obesity Federation, 41% of Emiratis and 28.8% of Non-Emiratis are Obese and 29.3% of Emiratis and 35.1% of Non-Emiratis are Overweight. Therefore, the market is driven by various factors such as increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, rising incidence of obesity, technological advancements, rising awareness about bariatric surgery.

The prominent players in the market are Medtronic, B. Braun, Asenus Surgical, Johnson & Johnson, Cousin Surgery among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing rate of Obesity: UAE has been experiencing a steady increase in obesity rates over the past few decades. According to World Obesity Federation-2024, 1 in 4 adults is living with obesity in UAE, ranging from 22% in Dubai to 39% in Ajman and Fujairah. This trend is likely to continue, creating a larger potential patient pool for bariatric surgeries and driving demand for related devices.

Growing Demand for Minimally Invasive Surgeries: There is an increasing preference for minimally invasive bariatric procedures in the UAE, such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, which offer faster recovery times and reduced complications compared to traditional open surgeries. This trend is fuelling the demand for bariatric surgery in the country.

Technological developments in equipment used in bariatric surgery: Continuous advancements in surgical methods and equipment are improving the safety, effectiveness, and minimal invasiveness of bariatric operations. For instance, shorter recovery times and better surgical results are being achieved with the advent of sophisticated laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical devices.

Market Restraints

Expense related to bariatric surgeries and devices: The high expense of bariatric operations and gadgets remains a major barrier for many patients, even with advances in coverage. This is particularly the case for people living in provinces with little public funding for these treatments or without full insurance coverage.

Stringent Regulatory Policies: The UAE has strict regulations governing the approval and use of medical devices for bariatric surgery. These regulatory hurdles slow down the introduction of new technologies and devices, potentially restraining market growth

Problems that may arise from surgical operations: Infection, haemorrhage, and anaesthesia-related adverse responses are among the hazards associated with bariatric procedures, just like with any major surgery. Long-term issues can also arise, such as dumping syndrome and dietary deficits. Some patients may be discouraged from exploring surgical alternatives due to these concerns.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

The UAE has strict regulations governing the approval and use of medical devices for bariatric surgery. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is responsible for regulating and approving medical devices in the country. All bariatric surgery devices must undergo a rigorous approval process to ensure their safety and efficacy before they can be used in the UAE. This regulatory process can be time-consuming and can potentially slow down the introduction of new technologies and devices. The UAE has adopted the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Medical Device Regulation, which harmonizes the registration requirements for medical devices across the GCC countries. This regulation aims to ensure the safety, quality, and performance of medical devices in the region.

Reimbursement for bariatric surgery and related equipment varies in the UAE, depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the specific plan details. Some insurance plans in the UAE may cover bariatric surgery and related devices, but the coverage can be limited or subject to certain conditions, such as a minimum BMI threshold or the presence of obesity-related comorbidities. The UAE government provides some financial support for bariatric surgery through its public healthcare system, but the availability and extent of coverage can vary depending on the patient's eligibility and the specific hospital or clinic.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the UAE Bariatric Surgery Devices Market:

• Medtronic plc.
• Ethicon, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Asenus Surgical US, Inc.
• B Braun
• Cousin Surgery
• Olympus Corporation
• Richard Wolf GmbH
• SPATZ FIGA, Inc.
• Teleflex Incorporated
• USGI Medical, Inc.