RIYADH – The interiors contracting and fit-out developments in the GCC healthcare sector is estimated to earn $474 million on projects worth $5.9 billion, expected to complete by the end of 2012, while the interiors contracting and fit-out developments in the GCC educational sector is expected to earn $431 million on projects worth $5.3 billion expected to complete during 2012. The data are part of the latest findings from a new research by Ventures ME commissioned by dmg :: events, the organizing team behind the ongoing INDEX International Design Exhibition, the Middle East and North Africa's largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The 22nd annual edition of INDEX ends today (Sept. 27). Qatar, with an investment of $192 million, and Saudi Arabia, with investments worth $145 million, have bagged the largest shares of the healthcare interiors contracting and fit-out segment in 2012, surging ahead of UAE and Oman investments of $119 million and $13 million, respectively. As of September 2012, the growing market of Qatar is the emerging leader in terms of project completion, with total healthcare projects worth $2.4 billion expected to witness completion by year end; representing a 40 percent share of the total GCC medical projects expected for completion in 2012. Following Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE healthcare projects expected to complete in 2012 are worth $1.8 billion and $1.49 billion respectively, ranking as second and third largest spenders of healthcare in the GCC with a 30 percent and 25 percent market share respectively. Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain account make up the balance with 3 percent, 1 percent and 1 percent, respectively. “The new data confirm that investments in the GCC interiors contracting and fit-out market remain healthy across various sectors,” said Frederique Maurell, INDEX Event Director. “Healthcare and education are of primary focus of investment in GCC countries, reflecting sustainable balanced economic development. – SG
