Tunisia Makes Its Mark on Forbes’ 2026 List of the Middle East’s Most Influential Health Sector Founders and Shareholders
Tunisia is represented only once on the Forbes 2026 list of the 50 most influential founders and shareholders in the Middle East’s health sector. Olfa Gam, the leader of Cytopharma, secures the 49th position on the prestigious ranking.
Her inclusion places a Tunisian company among the key players in a regional health sector characterized by significant investments, external growth operations, and a growing commitment to developing local capabilities.
Regional Concentration: UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt Dominate
However, the list remains heavily concentrated around three countries. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) leads with 18 representatives, followed by Saudi Arabia with 13 and Egypt with 10. Together, these three markets account for 41 of the 50 personalities selected by Forbes.
This concentration reflects the increasing weight of these economies in the development of the private health sector. Regional groups are no longer limited to operating care facilities; they are also investing in:
- Medical technologies
- Laboratories
- Research
- Manufacturing
- Health infrastructure
The UAE: A Model of Expansion
The UAE particularly illustrates this dynamic. Among the ranked personalities is Shaista Asif, co-founder and leader of PureHealth, a group that has grown through investments, acquisitions, and international expansion. Several regional actors are now seeking to go beyond their domestic markets and establish themselves in Europe or the United States.
Saudi Arabia: Transformation Through Economic Programs
Saudi Arabia benefits from the transformation underway under its major economic programs, which place significant emphasis on developing health infrastructure and national capabilities.
Egypt: A Strategic Platform
With 10 representatives, Egypt leverages the importance of its domestic market and its role as a platform for accessing other African and Arab markets.
Methodology and Strategic Implications
Forbes evaluates the selected personalities based on several criteria, including:
- Company size
- Influence within the sector
- Capacity for innovation
The ranking thus highlights profiles that contribute to a broader transformation of the regional ecosystem.
Beyond these investments, there is also a critical issue of health sovereignty. The region is seeking to strengthen its local capabilities in research, production, and medical technologies, while developing groups capable of positioning themselves on international markets.
