Middle East Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Reagents & Consumables, Instruments), By Disease (Adenocarcinoma), By End Use (Diagnostic laboratories), By Country, And Segment Forecasts

Market Size & Trends

The Middle East gastric cancer diagnostics market size was estimated at USD 25.68 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 48.04 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.32% from 2025 to 2033. Growth in the gastric cancer diagnostics market in the Middle East is driven by rising disease burden and delayed detection rates, which are fueling demand for early screening and molecular testing. Strategic initiatives such as Mylab-AstraGene’s 2023 partnership in the UAE and Kuwait, Guardant Health-Hikma’s 2024 collaboration to expand liquid biopsy access, and the UAE’s 2025 approval of Biomerica’s Fortel H. pylori test are enhancing diagnostic capacity. In addition, biomarker adoption, including Claudin 18.2 testing at Burjeel Medical City in 2025, underscores increasing precision oncology integration

The gastric cancer diagnostics market in the Middle East is entering a period of accelerated growth, supported by significant regulatory approvals, commercial partnerships, and increasing healthcare investment. Although the overall incidence of gastric cancer in the region is lower compared to East Asia, late detection and limited survival rates are creating strong demand for early diagnostic solutions and precision oncology. Recent developments highlight how the market is evolving across screening, molecular diagnostics, and companion testing.

A major milestone came in March, 2023, when Mylab Discovery Solutions partnered with AstraGene in the UAE and Kuwait. This collaboration focuses on the co-development of automated molecular diagnostic solutions, including reagents, kits, and fully automated platforms. The initiative is expected to reduce reliance on imports, improve affordability, and build local capacity to meet the rising demand for oncology testing. Localized manufacturing also ensures compliance with regional regulatory frameworks and supports hospitals and laboratories with faster access to advanced molecular technologies.

Further strengthening the market, Guardant Health entered into a strategic partnership with Hikma Pharmaceuticals in January 2024 to expand access to liquid and tissue biopsy tests across the Middle East and North Africa. While the partnership covers multiple cancer types, it has direct implications for gastric cancer, particularly in recurrence monitoring and tumor profiling. Tests such as Guardant Reveal for minimal residual disease and Guardant360 for comprehensive genomic profiling provide clinicians with advanced tools to guide treatment decisions and support precision oncology practices in the region.

Another significant step was taken in August 2025, when the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention approved Biomerica’s Fortel home test for Helicobacter pylori. Given that H. pylori infection is a leading risk factor for gastric cancer, this approval introduces a new pathway for early screening and prevention. The test’s distribution through pharmacies and online platforms allows for a broader reach, helping identify at-risk individuals earlier and integrating them into structured diagnostic pathways. This development not only benefits patients but also reduces the burden on healthcare systems by supporting early intervention strategies.

Complementing these advances, Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi announced in June 2025 that it had become the first institution in the UAE and the wider Middle East to offer Claudin 18.2 testing through immunohistochemistry (IHC). Claudin 18.2 is emerging as an important biomarker in gastric and gastroesophageal cancers, enabling the identification of patients eligible for targeted therapies currently advancing through clinical trials. This move positions the UAE as a regional leader in adopting cutting-edge biomarker testing and ensures readiness for the introduction of new precision medicines.

Epidemiological data also underscores the urgency of these initiatives. The UAE National Cancer Registry reported 5,612 malignant cases in 2021, including 134 gastric cancer cases, with a higher prevalence among non-citizen populations. In Oman, the five-year survival rate for gastric cancer remains low at around 21%, compared with 30% in Europe, reflecting delayed diagnosis. Saudi Arabia registered over 4,000 gastric cancer cases between 2004 and 2017, showing that despite declining age-standardized incidence rates, the overall disease burden remains substantial. These figures highlight the need for wider adoption of screening programs, greater use of non-invasive diagnostics, and integration of molecular testing into routine oncology practice.

Looking ahead, the commercial opportunity in the Middle East lies in creating an end-to-end diagnostic pathway: starting with H. pylori screening, moving through histology and biomarker testing, and extending into liquid biopsy for recurrence monitoring. Vendors that can offer comprehensive portfolios covering prevention, diagnosis, and longitudinal monitoring will be best positioned to capture market share. In addition, localized partnerships, investments in automation, and evidence-based engagement with payers will be essential for expanding reimbursement and driving adoption.

The Middle East market is being shaped by a series of strategic initiatives dated between 2023 and 2025 that are transforming both accessibility and technological sophistication. As regional health systems align with international standards of cancer care, the integration of molecular diagnostics, companion testing, and non-invasive screening is expected to deliver strong market growth over the coming years.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The Middle East gastric cancer diagnostics space shows a high degree of innovation, pivoting from histology-first workflows to biomarker-driven, minimally invasive paradigms. 2024-2025 saw rapid uptake of liquid biopsy (ctDNA MRD and screening panels), automation in ISH/IHC, and the region’s first Claudin 18.2 companion-diagnostic IHC (UAE, 2025). Local co-development (e.g., automated PCR/NGS reagent systems) shortens turnaround, while home H. pylori tests expand pre-diagnostic reach. AI-enabled triage and multiplex assays further compress time-to-therapy and improve case-finding.

M&A activity in the Middle East market remains moderate but strategically impactful, with most deals focused on partnerships, joint ventures, and selective acquisitions to strengthen regional presence. Global leaders often collaborate with local healthcare providers or diagnostic companies to expand access and distribution, as seen in Guardant Health’s 2024 tie-up with Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Mylab’s 2023 joint venture with AstraGene. While full-scale acquisitions are limited, these targeted alliances serve as functional M&A substitutes, enabling technology transfer, regulatory alignment, and accelerated market entry.

Regulatory frameworks in the Middle East market are evolving rapidly, shaping adoption and commercialization. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have strengthened oversight through agencies like SFDA and MOHAP, introducing stricter quality, validation, and data reporting requirements for diagnostic tests. Harmonization with global standards (IVDR, FDA) is increasingly emphasized to ensure safety and reliability, particularly for companion diagnostics and liquid biopsy assays. While these measures extend approval timelines, they also enhance physician confidence, foster trust among patients, and create a stable environment for global players to introduce advanced molecular solutions.

Substitute options for gastric cancer diagnostics, such as conventional imaging, basic endoscopy without AI support, and non-specific blood tests, remain available in clinical practice. However, these methods are generally limited by lower sensitivity and specificity, leading to delayed detection or inconclusive results. In contrast, molecular and AI-enhanced diagnostic approaches provide greater accuracy in identifying tumor-specific biomarkers and early-stage disease. This performance gap significantly reduces the threat from substitutes and strengthens the market demand for advanced, reliable, and clinically actionable gastric cancer diagnostic solutions.

End-user concentration in the market is notably high, with hospitals, specialized oncology centers, and large diagnostic laboratories accounting for the majority of test volumes. These institutions possess the infrastructure, advanced instrumentation, and skilled personnel required to perform complex molecular and imaging-based diagnostics. Smaller clinics and standalone diagnostic centers contribute to a lesser extent, largely relying on referrals to larger facilities. This concentration creates opportunities for companies to focus on strategic partnerships with high-volume centers, ensuring consistent demand, streamlined adoption of new technologies, and stable revenue generation.

Product Insights

The reagents and consumables segment held the largest market revenue share of 60.89% in 2024 and are also among the fastest-growing segments. Their critical role in diagnostic workflows-ranging from molecular testing and immunohistochemistry to histopathological analysis-makes them indispensable for accurate cancer detection. The increasing prevalence of gastric cancer in the region, along with greater focus on early diagnosis supported by public health initiatives, continues to drive strong demand for these products across hospitals and laboratories.

Ongoing advancements in reagent formulations have significantly improved test sensitivity and specificity, ensuring more consistent and reliable diagnostic outcomes. This progress has also accelerated the integration of personalized medicine and precision oncology into clinical practice across the Middle East. As healthcare systems in the region continue upgrading diagnostic capabilities, the reliance on specialized reagents and consumables is expected to deepen, reinforcing both the dominance and growth trajectory of this segment.

Disease Insights

The adenocarcinoma segment accounted for the largest share at 85.65% in 2024 and remains the fastest-growing segment, reflecting its prevalence as the dominant form of gastric cancer. The high burden of adenocarcinoma has intensified the need for specialized diagnostic tools that enable early and accurate detection, supporting timely and effective treatment planning. Advances in molecular diagnostics, imaging modalities, and biomarker-driven approaches have further strengthened diagnostic accuracy, ensuring better patient stratification and therapeutic decision-making.

Recent innovations are reinforcing this trend, with key milestones highlighting the clinical shift toward precision diagnostics. In October 2024, Roche introduced the VENTANA CLDN18 (43-14A) RxDx Assay, the first CE-marked immunohistochemistry companion diagnostic designed to detect CLDN18 protein expression in gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Similarly, in November 2023, the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx test was developed to identify PD-L1 expression, enabling clinicians to select patients most likely to benefit from targeted immunotherapies. These advances, combined with rising awareness and growing adoption of personalized oncology in the region, are propelling the adenocarcinoma segment as the central focus within gastric cancer diagnostics, underpinning both market growth and innovation.

End Use Insights

The hospitals segment represented the largest end user segment with a revenue share of 64.96% in 2024, reflecting its central role in patient care, diagnosis, and treatment integration. The rising incidence of gastric cancer and the growing demand for early and accurate detection have significantly increased the reliance on hospital-based diagnostic services. Hospitals provide a multidisciplinary approach by combining diagnostic imaging, pathology, and oncology expertise, which supports more effective and personalized treatment planning. Expanding healthcare infrastructure across the region, particularly in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with government-led initiatives for early cancer detection, are further strengthening the hospital segment’s dominance. Strategic collaborations between hospitals and diagnostic technology providers are also enhancing the availability of advanced testing methods, ensuring that patients benefit from cutting-edge solutions within comprehensive care environments.

At the same time, diagnostic laboratories are emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the Middle East gastric cancer diagnostics industry. Their growth is supported by the increasing demand for specialized testing capabilities, including molecular diagnostics, histopathology, and biomarker-driven assays, which are critical for precision oncology. The rise in gastric cancer prevalence and the regional emphasis on early-stage detection are encouraging greater adoption of laboratory-based solutions. Moreover, partnerships between diagnostic laboratories and international medtech firms are accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies such as liquid biopsy and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Continuous investment in laboratory infrastructure across the GCC and broader Middle East, combined with rising awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, is positioning diagnostic laboratories as pivotal players in the region’s evolving gastric cancer diagnostics ecosystem.

Country Insights

Middle East Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Market Trends

The Middle East gastric cancer diagnostics industry is witnessing steady growth, supported by rising cancer prevalence, improving healthcare infrastructure, and expanding access to advanced diagnostic technologies. GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait are leading adoption through government-led screening initiatives and hospital investments. Partnerships with global medtech companies are introducing innovative tools, while growing awareness and emphasis on early detection continue to drive demand across both hospitals and diagnostic laboratories in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Market Trends

Saudi Arabia's gastric cancer diagnostics industry is expanding, driven by a rising aging population and advancements in diagnostic technologies. Technological advancements are improving early detection and personalized treatment options. Regulatory support from agencies like the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and increased healthcare investments further propel market growth.

UAE Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Market Trends

The UAE gastric cancer diagnostics industry is small in incidence but expanding steadily, supported by rising healthcare spending, advanced hospital infrastructure, and precision medicine adoption. In 2021, gastric cancer accounted for about 2.4% of malignant cases, predominantly among males. Growing use of biomarker-driven tests such as HER2, PD-L1, and MSI, alongside increasing investment in molecular diagnostics, is accelerating early detection, personalized treatment, and overall market growth in the country.

Kuwait Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Market Trends

The gastric cancer diagnostics industry in Kuwait, is shaped by late-stage detection challenges and a growing emphasis on precision diagnostics. The government is strengthening oncology infrastructure through national cancer control initiatives, fostering greater adoption of molecular and biomarker-based testing. Hospitals and specialized cancer centers are driving demand for advanced diagnostic tools, while collaborations with international partners continue to enhance access to innovative technologies and improve early detection outcomes.

Qatar Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Market Trends

The gastric cancer diagnostics industry in Qatar is anticipated to grow over the forecast period. In Qatar, gastric cancer remains infrequent, but the rising overall cancer burden is driving enhanced diagnostic capability. The country’s Biomedical Research Center and the Qatar Genome Programme are advancing molecular oncology infrastructure. Coupled with the Qatar Cancer Plan (2023-2026), these initiatives are accelerating the adoption of biomarker-driven tests, improved early detection, and precision diagnostics. As research capacity strengthens and clinical pathways evolve, demand for sophisticated gastric cancer testing continues to grow.

Oman Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Market Trends

The gastric cancer diagnostics industry in Oman is anticipated to grow over the forecast period. Although relatively rare, gastric cancer in Oman shows higher incidence rates than most GCC peers, historically around 10.1 per 100,000 in males and 5.6 in females. Most cases present at advanced stages, underscoring the urgent need for improved detection. The launch of the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (2021) has significantly strengthened molecular, IHC, and NGS diagnostic capabilities. This growing infrastructure, paired with rising demand for precision oncology, is driving the adoption of advanced gastric cancer diagnostics.

Key Middle East Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Agilent Technologies Inc., Abbott, QIAGEN, and Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. These players are prominent in offering a range of diagnostic solutions, including imaging systems, molecular diagnostics, and AI-powered platforms. New advancements include AI-based endoscopic diagnostic support devices, integrated digital pathology solutions, and molecular blood tests for early detection. These innovations aim to enhance diagnostic accuracy and early detection capabilities, contributing to improved patient outcomes in gastric cancer care.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Burjeel Medical City, under Burjeel Holdings, launched the UAE and Middle East’s first Claudin 18.2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing for gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas. This initiative marks a pivotal advancement in regional precision oncology, enabling the identification of patients eligible for emerging Claudin 18.2-targeted therapies. By integrating this companion diagnostic into its portfolio, Burjeel strengthens its leadership in biomarker-driven cancer care, enhances translational medicine capabilities, and aligns with global precision medicine strategies to expand access to personalized oncology solutions.

• In August 2025, Biomerica secured approval from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention for its Fortel Ulcer Test, a rapid at-home diagnostic designed to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibodies within ten minutes. Given that H. pylori infection is associated with up to 80% of gastric cancer cases, this approval significantly strengthens early detection efforts in the UAE. Through collaborations with local distributors and healthcare providers, Biomerica aims to expand access to convenient at-home testing, supporting proactive gastrointestinal care and reducing the burden of late-stage gastric cancer diagnosis.

Middle East Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Market Report Scope

Middle East Gastric Cancer Diagnostics Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Middle East gastric cancer diagnostics market report based on product, disease, end use, and country:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Reagents & Consumables

  • Instruments

• Disease Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Adenocarcinoma

  • Gastric lymphoma

  • Others

• End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Hospitals

  • Diagnostic Laboratories

  • Diagnostic Imaging

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Middle East

    • South Africa

    • UAE

    • Kuwait

    • Oman

    • Qatar