Dr Agarwal's Health Care Plans UAE Entry and Expansion in Africa

Chennai-headquartered eye care network Dr Agarwal’s Health Care is planning to enter the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, beginning with the launch of new healthcare facilities in the United Arab Emirates. The company has temporarily slowed down its rollout in the UAE due to the current war situation in West Asia, with management choosing to wait for the situation to settle before moving forward.

Evaluating the region as a potential growth market, Chief Executive Officer Adil Agarwal confirmed the company's intent to start its GCC operations in the UAE. He explained that the decision to adjust the rollout pace was directly tied to the conflict in West Asia, emphasizing that the organisation is monitoring the region until conditions stabilize.

The moves in the GCC come alongside an ongoing expansion across Africa, where the Chennai-based healthcare network is extending its footprint into two additional nations, Ethiopia and Nigeria. As part of this expansion effort, the company’s board of directors recently approved the formal incorporation of a wholly owned subsidiary in Nigeria.

At present, Dr Agarwal’s Health Care operates 19 hospitals across nine African countries, including Kenya and Mauritius. The international segment contributes approximately 10 per cent of the company's overall revenue. For the first quarter of FY27, the organisation reported revenue from operations reaching Rs 614 crore.

Addressing the broader opportunity in the Middle East, Dr Agarwal’s Health Care Chairman Amar Agarwal described the GCC as a huge and potential market for the brand. He highlighted that the region features stable governments and a solid economy, alongside existing local brand recognition stemming from a significant number of patients from the GCC region who already seek treatment at Dr Agarwal's facilities.