Saudi Arabia Biotechnology Market

Saudi Arabia Biotechnology Market Size and Share:

The Saudi Arabia biotechnology market size was valued at USD 7,067 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 11,604 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.66% from 2025-2033. The biotechnology Market growth in Saudi Arabia is driven by increasing government investments in healthcare and research, the rising demand for biopharmaceuticals, advancements in genetic engineering, and the growing focus on precision medicine. Additionally, initiatives like Vision 2030 emphasize diversifying the economy and fostering innovation in biotechnology, further increasing the Saudi Arabia biotechnology market share.

The biotechnology market in Saudi Arabia is growing significantly, driven by various factors that are aligned with the country's economic and healthcare development goals. The Saudi government's Vision 2030 initiative emphasizes economic diversification and innovation, with biotechnology identified as a key sector. Substantial investments in research and development (R&D), infrastructure, and collaborations with global biotech companies are propelling the market forward. For example, Saudi Arabia recently created a national biotech policy in January 2024 with the intention of becoming a global biotech hotspot within the next 16 years. This is a part of a bigger plan known as Vision 2030, which will also help to establish the nation as a biotechnology leader in the Middle East and North Africa by the year 2030. Such endeavors are facilitating the Saudi Arabia biotechnology market demand.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making huge investments in genomics and genetic research focusing on precision medicine and rare genetic disorders that prevail in the region. Programs like the Saudi Human Genome Program accelerate advancements in this area, thereby driving the biotechnology market. For example, in September 2024, the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) is spearheading the country's efforts to be a world leader in biotechnology through advances in biomanufacturing, genomics, and sustainable health practices. CAR T-cell production localization is an achievement for KFSHRC since it is the first Saudi entity to manufacture the therapeutic cells locally. This will lower treatment costs by 80% and expedite access to life-saving treatments. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly, with an increasing focus on biologics and biosimilars. The demand for biopharmaceutical products is fueling the development and adoption of biotechnology in drug discovery and production, thereby driving the Saudi Arabia biotechnology market growth.

Saudi Arabia Biotechnology Market Trends:

Government Initiatives and Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasizes economic diversification and innovation, prioritizing biotechnology. The government invests heavily in research, infrastructure, and partnerships with global biotech companies. Initiatives like the Saudi Human Genome Program and funding for biotech startups demonstrate the country’s commitment to fostering a robust biotechnology ecosystem, driving market growth. For instance, in March 2024, India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announced a strategic cooperation characterized by respect for one another, common objectives, and a strong dedication to regional and international security. As a part of this collaboration, India’s ties with Saudi Arabia, especially in the realms of biotechnology, healthcare, and energy security, is expected to be strengthened further.

Growing Healthcare Needs

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, is driving the demand for advanced healthcare solutions. According to industry reports, new cancer cases are expected to increase from 27,885 in 2020 to 60,429 by 2040 (+116.7%). Biotechnology provides innovative treatments, including biopharmaceuticals, gene therapies, and precision medicine. These technologies address the country’s rising healthcare challenges, boosting adoption and development in the biotechnology sector. For instance, in December 2024, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in cooperation with the Ministries of Investment and Health, to locate gene therapy manufacturing in the Kingdom. The agreement’s main objectives are to train Saudi talent in biotechnology, increase research and development, and establish local biomanufacturing capabilities.

Growth in Agriculture and Food Biotechnology

In order to combat food insecurity and improve agricultural sustainability, Saudi Arabia is adopting biotechnology to enhance crop yields, develop drought-resistant crops, and promote sustainable farming. These innovations align with environmental goals and address the challenges of farming in arid regions, creating a positive Saudi Arabia biotechnology market outlook. For instance, in September 2024, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) emphasized the National Biotechnology Strategy's goal of making Saudi Arabia a global leader in biomanufacturing and medical innovation. The policy seeks to improve Saudi Arabia's quality of life by integrating biotechnology into several areas. This includes food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medical items, and the industrial sector. The SFDA has modified its organizational structure to better reflect this national goal by establishing new divisions within the food, medicine, medical device, and research lab sectors that are dedicated to biotechnology fields.

Saudi Arabia Biotechnology Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Saudi Arabia biotechnology market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product type, technology, and application.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Instruments
• Reagents
• Software and Services

Innovative instruments are essential to biotechnology's research, diagnosis, and production procedures. Spectrometers, bioreactors, and PCR machines are popular worldwide as they deliver efficiency and reliability in industrial and research environments. The increasing investment in biomanufacturing and research facilities in Saudi Arabia further fuels the demand for these instruments, making this a market segment.

In biotechnology research and development, consumables such as chemicals, enzymes, and antibodies are known as reagents. Consistent demand is guaranteed by their frequent application in drug development, protein analysis, and genetic engineering. Reagents are essential to Saudi Arabia's concentration on precision medicine, biopharmaceuticals, and genomics since they underpin these applications and propel market supremacy.

In activities related to genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology, advanced software and services are essential for handling complicated data. In research and manufacturing, they make it possible to perform accurate analysis, modeling, and automation. Their substantial market share is guaranteed by Saudi Arabia's emphasis on innovation and programs like the Human Genome Project, which increase demand for software and professional services.

Analysis by Technology:

• Nanobiotechnology
• Tissue Engineering and Regeneration
• DNA Sequencing
• Cell-Based Assays
• Fermentation
• PCR Technology
• Chromatography
• Others

Nanobiotechnology, which provides molecular-level precision, is essential to drug administration, diagnostics, and treatment. With Saudi Arabia's emphasis on cutting-edge medical research and treatment, nanobiotechnology helps treat cancer and chronic illnesses. Demand is high because of its use in biosensors and tailored medicines, which complement the nation's precision medicine objectives.

The increasing demand for novel therapies for organ damage and failure is met by tissue engineering. This topic is crucial because of Saudi Arabia's investments in healthcare research and infrastructure as well as the growing need for regenerative medicine solutions. Tissue engineering's uses in organ transplantation, bone restoration, and wound healing establish it as a rapidly expanding biotechnology industry.

DNA sequencing is essential for genetic problem diagnosis, personalized therapy, and genomics research. Initiatives from Saudi Arabia, such as the Human Genome Project, seek to identify and treat common genetic illnesses in the area. Its precision medical applications and customized therapies complement the nation's healthcare goals, guaranteeing a sizeable portion of the market.

Analysis by Application:

• Healthcare
• Food and Agriculture
• Natural Resources and Environment
• Industrial Processing
• Bioinformatics
• Others

Biotechnology is improving the healthcare system of Saudi Arabia in the field of biopharmaceutical and precision medicine and genetic study. Adherence to healthy lifestyles and increasing focus on new diagnostics and therapies development within the framework of the Human Genome Project cause increased demand. Biotechnology is appropriate to enhance the healthcare side and the country's Vision 2030, therefore this segment is expected to hold a significant Saudi Arabia biotechnology market share.

Biotechnology helps Saudi Arabia solve problems connected with food security by increasing crop productivity, creating crops resistant to dryness, and implementing ecological farming. Biotech solutions are critical for making farming sustainable, in a country that has scarce arable land and water. Funds that the government provides to the department for agriculture-biotech direction also align with national goals thus propelling growth in this sector.

Environmental Biotechnology is used in Saudi Arabia to exercise sustainable consumption of the environment through bioremediation, waste control, and utilization of renewable resources. Green technology and biofuels are examples of innovations that solve environmental issues while lowering reliance on fossil fuels. These applications guarantee a sizeable market share in this industry and are in line with the nation's environmental objectives under Vision 2030.

Regional Analysis:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region

The Central Region, which includes Riyadh, benefits from government programs, universities, and state-of-the-art medical facilities. Biotechnology investments support the objectives of Vision 2030, which emphasize genetic research, biopharmaceuticals, and innovative healthcare. The area is a major driver of market expansion due to its growing need for innovative healthcare solutions and its function as a center for policy creation.

The Western Region, including Jeddah and Makkah, sees biotechnology growth driven by medical tourism, robust healthcare facilities, and research centers. The demand for biopharmaceuticals and precision medicine supports innovation. Additionally, initiatives to improve food security and agriculture in this region contribute significantly to the biotechnology market.

The Eastern Region uses biotechnology for commercial purposes including bioremediation and biofuels as well as environmental sustainability because of its oil resources and industrial base. The region's state-of-the-art medical facilities and emphasis on treating chronic illnesses increase demand for biotech pharmaceutical and medical solutions.

The Southern Region emphasizes agricultural biotechnology due to its reliance on farming and livestock. Biotechnology enhances crop yields, drought resistance, and sustainable farming practices, addressing regional challenges. Healthcare developments in underserved areas also drive demand for biotechnology, ensuring its growth in the Southern Region

Competitive Landscape:

The biotechnology market in Saudi Arabia is characterized by competition from local and international players. Major pharmaceutical behemoths, biotech firms, and research organizations focus on biopharmaceuticals, genetics research, and industrial biotechnology. Key players invest in partnerships, establish research facilities, and innovate to align with Vision 2030's goals. Institutions like King Abdullah International Medical Research Center and global cooperation exert their advances. The impetus for competition lies in the increasing demand for healthcare solutions, precision medicine, and sustainable agriculture. Companies emphasizing cutting-edge technologies, such as nanobiotechnology and DNA sequencing, hold a strong position in this rapidly evolving market.

Latest News and Developments:

• In July 2024, The BGI Group announced that it is a founding member of the recently established Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance. The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) is hosting this historic event, representing a major turning point in BGI's dedication to developing agri-food technology and encouraging sustainable agricultural development in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
• In November 2024, the Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, the minister of health, declared that the establishment of a Biotechnology Bridge is one of the pledges made in the Jeddah Declaration to promote research, development, and innovation in biotechnological solutions to fight antibiotic resistance.
• In November 2024, SBI Holdings signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment (MISA), King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), and BIM Ventures to establish the country's first biotechnology investment fund. This initiative aims to foster biotechnology startups, enhance research, and improve healthcare outcomes in Saudi Arabia.
• In January 2024, a national biotechnology strategy was launched in Saudi Arabia, aiming to localize vaccine manufacturing and enhance public health. The initiative seeks to contribute 3% to the non-oil GDP by 2040, generating SR130 billion ($34.66 billion) and thousands of jobs. It focuses on vaccines, biomanufacturing, genomics, and plant enhancement.

Saudi Arabia Biotechnology Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Saudi Arabia biotechnology market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Saudi Arabia biotechnology market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Saudi Arabia biotechnology industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.