Middle East and Africa MRI Market

Middle East & Africa MRI Market Size

The MRI market size in the Middle East and Africa was valued at USD 431.3 million in 2024. The regional market is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 2.7% from 2025 to 2033 and be valued at USD 548.17 million by 2033 from USD 442.95 million in 2025.

MRI systems are non-invasive imaging tools that provide detailed images of internal body structures, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The market encompasses a range of MRI systems, including low-field, mid-field, and high-field systems, as well as advancements like 3T and 7T MRI machines. The MEA region is witnessing increasing demand for MRI systems due to rising healthcare investments, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, and improving healthcare infrastructure.

The Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is driving market growth with significant investments in healthcare modernization. According to the World Health Organization, healthcare expenditure in the GCC region reached $76 billion in 2022, with a strong focus on advanced diagnostic technologies. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the adoption of high-field MRI systems, supported by government initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE's healthcare transformation programs. In Africa, the market is expanding due to increasing awareness of early diagnosis and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. The African Union reports that non-communicable diseases account for 37% of deaths in the region, highlighting the need for advanced diagnostic tools like MRI systems.

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases 

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurological conditions, is a major driver of the Middle East & Africa MRI Market. The World Health Organization reports that non-communicable diseases account for 71% of deaths globally, with the Middle East and Africa experiencing a significant burden. For instance, the Saudi Ministry of Health highlights that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia, contributing to 37% of total mortality. MRI systems are critical for early diagnosis and management of these conditions, driving demand for advanced imaging technologies. This trend is further supported by government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and reduce disease burden. 

Increasing Healthcare Investments and Modernization 

Growing healthcare investments and modernization efforts are significantly driving the MEA MRI Market. According to the Gulf Health Council, GCC countries allocated over $76 billion to healthcare in 2022, with a focus on adopting advanced medical technologies. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's healthcare transformation programs are key contributors, emphasizing the expansion of diagnostic capabilities. The African Union also highlights that healthcare spending in Africa increased by 6% annually, with countries like South Africa and Nigeria investing in modern imaging equipment. These investments are enhancing access to MRI systems, particularly in urban centers, and improving diagnostic accuracy, thereby fueling market growth across the region.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Cost of MRI Systems

The high cost of MRI systems is a significant challenge in the Middle East and Africa, limiting their adoption in hospitals and diagnostic centers. Advanced MRI machines can cost over USD 1 million, making them an expensive investment, especially for low-income regions. Beyond the initial purchase, additional expenses include maintenance, operational costs, and the need for highly trained personnel. Many healthcare facilities struggle to allocate sufficient budgets for these machines, leading to outdated equipment and limited access to high-quality imaging. Without financial support or funding initiatives, expanding MRI availability remains a challenge in resource-constrained settings.

Limited Availability and Accessibility

The uneven distribution of MRI facilities across the Middle East and Africa restricts access to advanced diagnostic imaging. Several countries in the region have fewer than 0.1 MRI units per million inhabitants, far below the World Health Organization's recommended standard of 1 unit per million. This shortage is worsened by infrastructure issues, such as unreliable electricity and inadequate maintenance services. Patients often face long travel distances and extended wait times for MRI scans, delaying critical diagnoses and treatments. Expanding MRI accessibility requires investments in healthcare infrastructure, improved funding for medical equipment, and training programs for radiology professionals.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Technological Advancements and Integration

The growing adoption of advanced MRI technologies presents a major opportunity for market expansion in the Middle East and Africa. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI)-)-assisted imaging, portable MRI machines, and enhanced 3D imaging techniques are improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. AI integration helps in the early detection of conditions such as neurological disorders and cancer, reducing scan times and improving workflow for radiologists. The demand for faster, more precise, and cost-effective imaging solutions is driving investments in modern MRI systems. As healthcare providers seek advanced diagnostic tools to improve patient outcomes, the integration of AI and smart imaging technology will accelerate market growth.

Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure

Rising investments in healthcare infrastructure are creating opportunities for increased MRI system adoption across the Middle East and Africa. Governments and private healthcare providers are building new hospitals, upgrading diagnostic centers, and improving medical services to meet the growing demand for advanced imaging. Countries are allocating higher healthcare budgets to expand access to MRI services, particularly in underserved rural areas. New hospital construction projects, coupled with initiatives to modernize public healthcare facilities, are boosting the demand for MRI systems. As healthcare access improves and more diagnostic centers become operational, the region is expected to see significant growth in MRI installations and utilization.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Shortage of Skilled Radiologists and Technicians

The limited availability of trained radiologists and MRI technicians is a major challenge in the Middle East and Africa. Many healthcare facilities struggle to operate MRI systems efficiently due to a lack of specialized professionals, leading to longer patient wait times and delays in diagnosis. The shortage of skilled personnel also results in underutilization of existing MRI machines, preventing hospitals from maximizing their diagnostic capabilities. Training programs and medical education initiatives are needed to address this gap, but many countries face challenges in funding and infrastructure development. Without a sufficient workforce, the expansion of MRI services remains difficult, affecting overall healthcare quality.

Regulatory and Safety Challenges

Regulatory inconsistencies and safety concerns pose significant challenges for the MRI Market in the Middle East and Africa. MRI machines require strict safety measures due to the use of strong magnetic fields, but enforcement of international standards varies across countries. Delays in regulatory approvals and differing national policies make it difficult for new MRI technologies to enter the market efficiently. Additionally, healthcare providers must ensure proper shielding, patient safety protocols, and equipment maintenance, which adds to operational costs. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and ensuring standardized safety guidelines across the region are essential for the wider adoption of MRI technology.

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Architecture Insights

The closed MRI systems segment held the largest share of the regional market in 2024 due to higher magnetic field strength, superior image quality, and greater diagnostic accuracy. These systems are widely used for detecting complex conditions such as neurological disorders, tumors, and musculoskeletal injuries, where detailed imaging is crucial. The enclosed design reduces external interference, ensuring clear and precise results. Hospitals and diagnostic centers prefer closed MRI machines because of their versatility and ability to perform advanced imaging techniques, making them the standard choice for most medical facilities worldwide.

The open MRI segment is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 7.7% over the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for patient-friendly, non-claustrophobic imaging solutions, particularly for pediatric, elderly, and bariatric patients. Open MRI machines provide a comfortable scanning experience, reducing anxiety and improving patient cooperation. They also allow for easier positioning of patients with limited mobility, making them an attractive option for specialized imaging centers. With ongoing technological advancements improving image quality, open MRI systems are gaining wider acceptance, expanding their role in modern diagnostic imaging.

By Field Strength Insights

The high-field and very high-field segment accounted for the leading share of the regional market in 2024. These systems provide superior image resolution, faster scan times, and higher diagnostic accuracy, making them essential for detecting complex conditions such as brain tumors, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries. The strong magnetic fields enhance signal clarity, allowing for precise visualization of anatomical structures. Hospitals and diagnostic centers prefer these MRI machines for their ability to perform detailed scans across multiple specialties, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatment planning. Their widespread use in neurology, oncology, and cardiology solidifies their leading position in the market.

The mid-field MRI segment is the fastest-growing segment, with significant growth expected during the forecast period. Their popularity is driven by the balance between image quality, affordability, and accessibility. These MRI systems provide adequate diagnostic accuracy for a wide range of conditions while being more cost-effective than high-field systems, making them suitable for hospitals and clinics with budget constraints. Additionally, mid-field MRI machines consume less power, reducing operational costs. Their versatility in imaging applications, coupled with the increasing demand for affordable and efficient diagnostic solutions, makes them the fastest-growing MRI segment across emerging and developed healthcare markets.

By Application Insights

The neurology segment held 30.3% of the regional market share in 2024. MRI is essential for diagnosing and monitoring neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and stroke, where high-resolution brain imaging is required. The aging population and increasing prevalence of neurological conditions drive demand for MRI in neurology. MRI's superior soft tissue contrast makes it the gold standard for brain and spinal cord imaging, allowing early detection and improved treatment planning. Hospitals and diagnostic centers rely on MRI scans to assess brain abnormalities, tumors, and nerve-related issues, solidifying neurology as the dominant application.

The oncology segment is estimated to progress at a CAGR of 8.5% over the forecast period. The increasing incidence of cancer is driving demand for advanced imaging techniques that provide detailed soft tissue visualization without ionizing radiation. MRI plays a crucial role in early cancer detection, tumor staging, and treatment planning, especially for cancers affecting the brain, liver, prostate, and breast. New MRI technologies, such as functional MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging, allow precise assessment of tumor biology and therapy response, improving patient outcomes. As healthcare systems prioritize early cancer diagnosis, MRI adoption in oncology continues to grow rapidly.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Saudi Arabia holds the largest share in the Middle East & Africa MRI systems market due to its significant investments in healthcare infrastructure. The country’s Vision 2030 initiative prioritizes medical technology advancements, leading to increased MRI installations in hospitals and diagnostic centers. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and cancer, is driving demand for advanced imaging solutions. Government initiatives to modernize healthcare and expand medical facilities ensure steady growth in the adoption of MRI systems across the country.

South Africa is witnessing rapid growth in the MRI systems market, supported by the expansion of healthcare services and a growing awareness of early disease detection. The rising burden of conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cancer has increased the demand for high-quality imaging. Government efforts to improve access to healthcare have led to more hospitals and diagnostic centers investing in MRI technology. With an emphasis on early diagnosis and improved treatment planning, the demand for MRI machines continues to grow.

The UAE is a key player in the MRI systems market, driven by its focus on medical tourism and high-end healthcare services. The country has invested heavily in cutting-edge medical technologies, including high-field MRI systems, to enhance diagnostic capabilities. The rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, has increased the need for advanced imaging solutions. As healthcare providers emphasize preventive medicine and early diagnosis, the adoption of MRI technology continues to rise across the UAE.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Companies playing a significant role in the MEA MRI market are Hitachi Medical Corporation, Toshiba Medical Systems, Siemens Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Imris Inc., Fonar Corporation, Esaote S.P.A, Neusoft Medical System, Aurora Medical Imaging, and Philips Healthcare.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the Middle East and Africa MRI market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Field Strength

• Low-to-Mid-Field
• High Field
• Very High Field
• Ultra-High Field

By Architecture

• Open MRI
• Closed MRI

By Application

• Brain
• Spine
• Cardiac
• Abdominal
• Breast

By Country

• KSA
• UAE
• Israel
• rest of GCC countries
• South Africa
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Egypt
• Sudan
• rest of MEA