The Middle East and Africa contract research organization market was valued at USD 17.28 Billion in 2025, driven by the strategic government initiatives and growing disease prevalence across the region. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.20% during the forecast period of 2026-2035, with the values likely to reach USD 41.66 Billion by 2035.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Lung cancer poses a growing health burden in the Middle East and Africa, with 90% mortality among diagnosed cases; this alarming trend is driving increased demand for oncology-focused contract research organization (CRO) services in the region.
Increasing demand for cost-efficient clinical trials, rapid adoption of decentralized trial models, and rising regulatory harmonization are key trends boosting the Middle East and Africa CRO market, driving regional and international investments in R&D infrastructure.
Market growth is significantly influenced by the strategic expansions, partnerships, and service diversification of leading global and regional CROs, enabling enhanced clinical trial capabilities and broader therapeutic coverage across the region.
Compound Annual Growth Rate
9.2%
Value in USD Billion
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
Contract research organizations support pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies by managing research services such as clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and data management on a contractual basis. In the Middle East and Africa, the market is expanding steadily due to increasing clinical trial activity, supportive government initiatives, and growing healthcare infrastructure. The market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 9.20% during the forecast period of 2026–2035. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are emerging as key hubs for outsourcing clinical operations. Rising demand for cost-effective drug development and regulatory compliance further drives market growth.
Rising Dementia Prevalence to Enhance the Growth of the Market
An alarming increase in dementia cases across the Middle East is pushing demand for advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. According to the World Alzheimer Report 2024, around 1.3 million individuals in the region were affected by dementia in 2021, with this number expected to rise significantly by 2050. This trend underscores the urgent need for innovative healthcare solutions and infrastructure to support aging populations. As governments and private players respond to this health burden, the market for neurological diagnostics, therapies, and caregiving support is expanding rapidly, driving long-term sector growth.
The market is experiencing several key trends, including a rise in cardiovascular clinical trials and an increase in strategic investments.
Surge in Cardiovascular Trials Expected to Boost Market Value
The market is experiencing a growing emphasis on late-stage clinical trials, particularly in the field of cardiovascular diseases. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, the region hosts approximately 125 active Phase III studies focused on cardiovascular conditions as of June 2025. This surge in advanced clinical research highlights increasing regional capabilities and interest in complex therapeutic areas, which is expected to significantly boost the CRO market value over the forecast period.
Strategic Investments to Propel the Middle East and Africa Contract Research Organization Market Demand
The surge in public-private investment aimed at building local pharmaceutical manufacturing and bioclusters is a significant trend in the market. For instance, the UAE is rapidly emerging as a regional biotech hub, following strategic moves by its government and investors to reduce import dependency and enhance clinical trial and gene therapy capabilities. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health has signed agreements with global pharmaceutical firms to boost local drug development and production. These initiatives aim to strengthen pharmaceutical self-reliance and promote economic diversification.
Clinical Services Segmentation Based on Service Type to Witness Substantial Growth
Several service types included in the market are clinical services, early phase development services, laboratory services, consulting services, and data management services. Clinical services are expected to dominate the market, driven by increasing clinical trial activity and rising demand for outsourced research. Among these, Phase IV clinical services are projected to witness the most substantial growth (around 5.7%) due to the rising emphasis on post-marketing surveillance and long-term drug safety.
The report covers Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Nigeria, and other countries. Among these, Saudi Arabia and South Africa are expected to lead the market due to increasing government support, rising clinical trial activity, and expanding pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. According to Mohammed Ahmed S. Alsuhaymi et al., 2024, the age-standardized incidence of all cancers, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, in Saudi Arabia was estimated at 17,522 cases (8,296 males and 9,226 females), reflecting a rising disease burden and the growing demand for advanced research infrastructure and contract research services.
The Middle East and Africa contract research organization (CRO) market research report by Expert Market Research provides an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape, offering key insights into funding trends, investments, and strategic initiatives by major players. It tracks recent mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships that demonstrate the market's evolving nature. Additionally, the report outlines strategic activities by leading companies, including regional expansions, technology integration, and capacity enhancement initiatives, enabling stakeholders to better understand market dynamics and the positioning of prominent industry participants. Some of the leading players are as follows:
IQVIA Inc., a leader in advanced analytics and contract research services, plays a pivotal role in the Contract Research Organization (CRO) market. Recognized as the Best Full-Service CRO at the 2018 Scrip Awards, IQVIA delivers innovative, data-driven solutions through its proprietary IQVIA CORE™ platform. The company leverages real-world evidence, advanced technology, and deep therapeutic expertise to support biopharmaceutical development across global markets, including the Middle East and Africa.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. plays a significant role in the Contract Research Organization (CRO) market through its integrated Accelerator™ Drug Development platform. The company offers comprehensive end-to-end CDMO and CRO solutions across early development, clinical trials (Phase I–III), and commercialization stages. Although no specific news ties its operations to the Middle East and Africa, Thermo Fisher's global recognition for quality, expertise, and reliability underscores its strong presence and impact in the CRO sector.
ICON plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO) offering consulting, development, and commercialization services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies. The company supports clinical trials with advanced technology and AI-driven solutions to enhance speed, cost-efficiency, and quality. Although recent news does not specify activity in the Middle East and Africa, ICON remains a key player in the global CRO market through its flexible, innovation-driven approach.
WuXi AppTec, through its subsidiary WuXi Clinical, plays a significant role in the Contract Research Organization (CRO) market, offering end-to-end clinical development services from Phase I to Phase IV. Specializing in pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices, the company provides solutions such as bioequivalence studies, clinical operations, biometrics, and regulatory affairs. Though predominantly active in Asia, WuXi AppTec’s global service capabilities position it as a vital CRO partner for multinational trials, including those expanding into the Middle East and Africa.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other key players in the market include Charles River Laboratories, Pharmaron, Fortrea, KCR S.A., Advanced Clinical, and PSI CRO AG.
The market report offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Service Type
Market Breakup by Therapeutic Area
Market Breakup by End User
Market Breakup by Region
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*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Service Type |
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| Breakup by Therapeutic Area |
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| Breakup by End User |
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| Breakup by Region |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Supplier Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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