DNA Testing and Next-Generation Sequencing Are Growing Rapidly in the Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) are seeing a big boost in DNA testing, especially through advanced technologies like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). NGS lets scientists and doctors read large portions—or even entire sequences—of DNA quickly and more affordably than older methods. This makes it possible to diagnose diseases more accurately, choose treatments tailored to individual patients, discover new drugs, and carry out important research.
Experts predict the MEA’s NGS market will reach around $356.5 million by 2032, growing at about 11% annually from 2025 to 2032. This expansion is driven by a multitude of factors. Governments and scientific institutions are investing heavily in large-scale genome research. For example, the United Arab Emirates recently announced a national mission to sequence all of its citizens' genomes with the purpose of providing customized healthcare.
At the same time, sequencing equipment and testing materials have become much more affordable. Machines that used to cost over $2 million a few years ago can now be bought for about $300,000. This makes it easier for hospitals and labs throughout the region to get the equipment they need.
The region also faces a rising number of cancer and genetic disease cases. As a result, more doctors and patients are turning to genetic tests to better understand illnesses and create treatment plans that are customized to each person. This has made NGS a key part of modern medicine in many countries.
Consumables Drive Market Demand
Consumables—like reagents and sample preparation kits—are the biggest part of the NGS market right now. They need to be used for each DNA test, so demand keeps growing as more testing takes place.
Among different sequencing methods, targeted genome sequencing is the most popular. Instead of reading every single gene, targeted sequencing focuses only on important regions linked to specific diseases. This makes tests cheaper and results easier to interpret, especially for cancer and inherited conditions.
Popular Technologies
The most common sequencing technology in use today is called sequencing by synthesis (SBS). SBS is known for being highly accurate, which is essential when doctors rely on the results to make decisions. While newer techniques like nanopore sequencing are starting to gain some attention, SBS remains the trusted standard because precision matters so much in healthcare.
Who Uses NGS?
The majority of NGS testing is performed by research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms. These organizations use DNA sequencing for drug discovery, identifying disease markers, and personalizing treatments. Their demand for sequencing technology is only growing.
The increase in diseases like cancer is fueling this demand. For example, the UAE expects cancer cases to rise from about 5,500 in 2022 to over 7,300 by 2032. Saudi Arabia anticipates cases growing from around 28,000 to nearly 40,000 in the same period. This means more patients will need genetic testing and targeted therapies.
Regional Leaders
Saudi Arabia leads the MEA NGS market thanks to strong government support and genome research projects. Egypt is also a key player because of its solid healthcare and medical education systems. In the Gulf region, the UAE and Qatar focus heavily on detecting genetic conditions common in their populations.
Major global companies like Illumina, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Roche, and Oxford Nanopore provide the machines, chemicals, and software needed for genome sequencing in the region. They also work closely with local hospitals and governments to expand NGS access.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its bright future, the region confronts certain challenges. There aren't enough trained experts to operate the equipment and analyze genetic data. Furthermore, many countries lack defined regulations and procedures for genetic testing, which can slow adoption.
Cost is still an issue. Building a fully equipped sequencing facility requires hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus continuous costs for test kits and reagents. Smaller hospitals may struggle to afford these investments without outside assistance.
Still, advances in data analysis tools and growing partnerships between governments, scientists, and businesses are expected to make NGS more affordable and widely available.
In Summary
The future of DNA testing in the Middle East and Africa looks promising. Countries that invest in training, infrastructure, and clear rules will be in a strong position to gain from genetic medicine. This will lead to improved care, faster diagnoses, and new scientific breakthroughs that can improve health outcomes across the region. With the right focus, the MEA has the potential to be a leader in personalized medicine and genetics in the coming years.
Download Sample Report Here—
https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5786
Contact Us:
Meticulous Research®
Email- sales@meticulousresearch.com
Contact Sales—+1-646-781-8004
Connect with us on LinkedIn—https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research.
