UAE Mental Health Apps Market Analysis

UAE Mental Health Apps Market Analysis


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The UAE Mental Health Apps Market was valued at $31 Mn in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2023 to 2030, to $88.68 Mn by 2030. The key drivers of this industry include a rising population, increasing smartphone penetration, and a shortage of professionals. The industry is primarily dominated by players such as Calm, Headspace, Moodpath, and Mindshift CBT among others.

ID: IN10AEDH157 CATEGORY: Digital Health GEOGRAPHY: UAE AUTHOR: Aashwi Mehta

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UAE Mental Health Apps Market Executive Summary

The UAE Mental Health Apps Market was valued at $31 Mn in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2023 to 2030, to $88.68 Mn by 2030.

Mental Health Apps are computer, tablet, and smartphone software applications that support and enhance cognitive and emotional health. These can be used alone or in conjunction with more conventional therapies to help people manage mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc. For example, they can give users access to synchronous or asynchronous mental health professional support via live chat, video, or phone calls. Apps can also be used to promote behavior changes like mindfulness and meditation, which can enhance overall well-being.

Approximately 24,000 cases of mental health disorders exist in the UAE, with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse being prevalent. The number of Visits with Mental Health Disorders at the UAE level in 2022 was estimated to be 377,838. The market is driven by significant factors like a rising population, increasing smartphone penetration, and a shortage of professionals. However, cultural considerations, the stigma of mental illness, and the lack of clinical validation restrict the growth and potential of the market.

Prominent players in this field include Calm, Headspace, Moodpath, and Mindshift CBT among others.

UAE Mental Health App Market Report 2023 to 2030

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising population: The projected population growth to 10,004,319 by 2030 in the UAE is a market driver for mental health apps due to the increased demand for mental health services that accompany a larger population. As the number of people rises, it further puts a strain on the mental health resources available, driving the mental health app market.

Increasing Smartphone Penetration: The market for mental health apps is driven by the UAE's extraordinarily high smartphone penetration rate, which is expected to surpass 96% in 2023 in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sub-region and ensure widespread access to these digital health solutions. Since most people own a smartphone, mental health applications can reach a large audience, offering quick and easy support for mental health issues and encouraging increased uptake and usage.

Shortage of professionals: The UAE's need for 1,759 additional psychiatrists and 3,381 psychiatric beds to meet the growing demand for mental health services, as the population approaches 10 Mn by 2030, drives the mental health app market. This shortfall in traditional mental health resources creates a significant opportunity for mental health apps to fill the gap by providing accessible, and immediate support for the increasing number of individuals in need.

Market Restraints

Cultural considerations: Market restraint may result from mental health apps that are not properly tailored to the UAE's cultural setting, which includes taking into account family dynamics and religious beliefs. This could lower user engagement. People may find apps less relevant or useful if they don't conform to local cultural norms and values. This might result in lower adoption rates and a reduction in the applications' ability to effectively address the unique mental health requirements of the UAE population.

Stigma of mental illness: Because of the cultural stigma associated with mental health problems in the United Arab Emirates, people are discouraged from seeking help, which results in conditions like depression and anxiety being undertreated. This serves as a market restraint for mental health apps. The potential user base for mental health applications is decreased by this unwillingness to recognize and treat mental health issues, which hinders the apps' adoption and effectiveness in the area.

Lack of Clinical Validation: The lack of comprehensive clinical validation in many mental health apps diminishes their credibility and acceptance among consumers and healthcare providers. Without strong scientific evidence of their effectiveness, these apps struggle to earn the trust of potential users and the medical community, limiting their acceptance and hindering market growth.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

In the UAE, the federal healthcare authority is the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the Sharjah Health Authority each carry out similar regulatory duties inside their respective emirates. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has developed the National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health. The policy aims to develop mental health services by providing comprehensive psychological services (preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and promotional). The implementation of Federal Law No. 10/2023 on Mental Health prioritizes the rights of individuals struggling with mental health conditions and establishes a structured framework for their assessment, treatment, and care. An Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) offered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is a type of health insurance policy that covers a set list of essential health services including mental health services.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the UAE Mental Health App Market:

  • Calm
  • Headspace
  • Moodpath
  • Mindshift CBT
  • Superbetter
  • Happify
  • Ayadi
  • Bright shift
  • BetterHelp
  • Mindful Me

1. Executive Summary
1.1 Digital Health Overview
1.2 Global Scenario
1.3 Country Overview
1.4 Healthcare Scenario in Country
1.5 Digital Health Policy in Country
1.6 Recent Developments in the Country

2. Market Size and Forecasting
2.1 Market Size (With Excel and Methodology)
2.2 Market Segmentation (Check all Segments in Segmentation Section)

3. Market Dynamics
3.1 Market Drivers
3.2 Market Restraints

4. Competitive Landscape
4.1 Major Market Share

4.2 Key Company Profile (Check all Companies in the Summary Section)

4.2.1 Company
4.2.1.1 Overview
4.2.1.2 Product Applications and Services
4.2.1.3 Recent Developments
4.2.1.4 Partnerships Ecosystem
4.2.1.5 Financials (Based on Availability)

5. Reimbursement Scenario
5.1 Reimbursement Regulation
5.2 Reimbursement Process for Diagnosis
5.3 Reimbursement Process for Treatment

6. Methodology and Scope

UAE Mental Health App Market Segmentation

By Platform

  • Android
  • iOS
  • Others

By Usage

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Meditation
  • Others

By Subscription Model

  • Free apps
  • Freemium apps
  • Paid apps

Methodology for Database Creation

Our database offers a comprehensive list of healthcare centers, meticulously curated to provide detailed information on a wide range of specialties and services. It includes top-tier hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic facilities across 30 countries and 24 specialties, ensuring users can find the healthcare services they need.​

Additionally, we provide a comprehensive list of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) based on your requirements. Our curated list captures various crucial aspects of the KOLs, offering more than just general information. Whether you're looking to boost brand awareness, drive engagement, or launch a new product, our extensive list of KOLs ensures you have the right experts by your side. Covering 30 countries and 36 specialties, our database guarantees access to the best KOLs in the healthcare industry, supporting strategic decisions and enhancing your initiatives.

How Do We Get It?

Our database is created and maintained through a combination of secondary and primary research methodologies.

1. Secondary Research

With many years of experience in the healthcare field, we have our own rich proprietary data from various past projects. This historical data serves as the foundation for our database. Our continuous process of gathering data involves:

  • Analyzing historical proprietary data collected from multiple projects.
  • Regularly updating our existing data sets with new findings and trends.
  • Ensuring data consistency and accuracy through rigorous validation processes.

With extensive experience in the field, we have developed a proprietary GenAI-based technology that is uniquely tailored to our organization. This advanced technology enables us to scan a wide array of relevant information sources across the internet. Our data-gathering process includes:

  • Searching through academic conferences, published research, citations, and social media platforms
  • Collecting and compiling diverse data to build a comprehensive and detailed database
  • Continuously updating our database with new information to ensure its relevance and accuracy

2. Primary Research

To complement and validate our secondary data, we engage in primary research through local tie-ups and partnerships. This process involves:

  • Collaborating with local healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics to gather real-time data.
  • Conducting surveys, interviews, and field studies to collect fresh data directly from the source.
  • Continuously refreshing our database to ensure that the information remains current and reliable.
  • Validating secondary data through cross-referencing with primary data to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Combining Secondary and Primary Research

By integrating both secondary and primary research methodologies, we ensure that our database is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date. The combined process involves:

  • Merging historical data from secondary research with real-time data from primary research.
  • Conducting thorough data validation and cleansing to remove inconsistencies and errors.
  • Organizing data into a structured format that is easily accessible and usable for various applications.
  • Continuously monitoring and updating the database to reflect the latest developments and trends in the healthcare field.

Through this meticulous process, we create a final database tailored to each region and domain within the healthcare industry. This approach ensures that our clients receive reliable and relevant data, empowering them to make informed decisions and drive innovation in their respective fields.

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Last updated on: 11 July 2024
Updated by: Dhruv Joshi

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