Industry Outlook
The Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market accounted for USD 8.86 Billion in 2024 and USD 10.02 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 34.32 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 13.1% between 2025 and 2035. Rising demand for natural healthcare, supportive government policies, and e-commerce growth drive herbal product adoption in the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) herbal medicine market would contain manufacturing, exportation of wholesale, retail, and development of the therapies and remedies made of plants and traditional healing practices like Unani, Ayurvedic, and Traditional Arabic Medicine. The rising demand for natural and preventive health care segments, cultural aspects in terms of the use of traditional medicines, and mainstreaming of complementary therapies are some of the drivers that have led to a booming market.
Governments of MEA are more willing to promote CAM by regulation and registration. There is also an increase in e-commerce, wellness tourism, and awareness of the healing value of herbal products, other factors that favor the market. As the demand in the industry is increasing in healthcare sectors in the field of personal care, there is a bright potential for long-term future growth of the industry.
Industry Experts Opinion
“Establishing our new manufacturing facility in Dubai marks a major milestone in our mission to bring safe, effective, and science-backed herbal healthcare to the Middle East and Africa region.”
- Philipe Haydon, CEO of Himalaya Wellness Company.
Report Scope:
Parameter | Details |
---|
Largest Market | UAE |
Fastest Growing Market | Turkey |
Base Year | 2024 |
Market Size in 2024 | USD 8.86 Billion |
CAGR (2025-2035) | 13.1% |
Forecast Years | 2025-2035 |
Historical Data | 2018-2024 |
Market Size in 2035 | USD 34.32 Billion |
Countries Covered | Turkey, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Nigeria, Algeria, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, and Others |
What We Cover | Market growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter’s five forces analysis, PESTLE analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, pricing analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and 10 companies. |
Segments Covered | Product Type, Form, Source, Distribution Channel, End-user, and Country. |
To explore in-depth analysis in this report - Request Sample Report
Market Dynamics
Rising consumer shift toward plant-based, natural, and preventive healthcare alternatives.
The consumer trend of due diligence towards plant-based, natural, and prevention-based health options is becoming apparent and expanding in the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market. The trend is mostly spurred by increased health awareness, fear of side effects associated with synthetic drugs, and interest in an overall wellness approach.
The use of herbal medicines by consumers as a solution for immunity, stress, digestive health, and chronic disease management is on the rise. It was widely accepted since 98.7% of the respondents used herbal medicine regularly, as revealed by a UAE government-linked survey. This change is also reinforced by the cultural knowledge of conventional treatments such as Unani, Ayurveda, and Arabic medicine. The wellness trend and the post-pandemic one have increased the need for safer, nature-based solutions. To satisfy the progressive consumer demands, manufacturers are making innovations involving clean-label and clinically supported products. Adoption is also gaining speed due to its accessibility in the form of pharmacies, health stores, and online platforms. The transformation is part of a larger health paradigm that lies within the prevention, sustainability, and natural healing practices.
Government support for traditional medicine integration into public healthcare systems.
In the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market, there is a high degree of governmental encouragement of the incorporation of traditional medicine into the healthcare delivery systems in the countries. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and South Africa are making great efforts in the promotion of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by using regulatory processes, licensing practitioners, and integrating it into primary care. Herbal medicines are being acknowledged because of their cultural and therapeutic value in health ministries, and because of this fact, funds are being raised to prove that herbal drugs do work.
At the institutional level, Saudi Arabia has put in place devoted CAM centers in hospitals. Egypt has embarked on campaigns to incorporate the usage of herbs into the rural health activities. To make safe use, the UAE has also brought in measures to standardize and license practitioners. This official approval boosts the trust of the consumers, promotes clinical implementation, and establishes a controlled scope as far as product development is concerned. This type of policy will encourage stronger market credibility while speeding up the process of integrating natural medicine in combination with conventional drugs.
Lack of standardized regulations across countries is affecting product approval and safety.
A significant challenge facing the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market is that there are no standardized regulations to cover different countries, thereby influencing the approval more than the safety of the product. There are inconsistencies between quality assurance and safety-assuring channels of herbal medicine regulation across different countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, which are plagued by poor to nonexistent regulatory frameworks. This fragmentation erects obstacles to the manufacturers and holds up the cross-border product launch.
When standards are not unified, such problems as contamination, adulteration, and labeling mistakes occur at a higher rate, hence consumer distrust. Furthermore, there is a lack of harmonized clinical validation that prevents the inclusion of herbal products in the mainstream health systems. Exporters find it difficult to satisfy various standards of compliance, thus making operations more complex and expensive. It is easy to become lost in this land, and small producers struggle to maneuver this landscape and innovate, limiting market entry. This regulatory loophole not only limits the market, but it also makes the effectiveness and safety of commonly used herbal medicines questionable.
Expansion into functional herbal foods, beverages, and immunity-boosting product lines.
The region of the Middle East and Africa, where herbal medicine is concerned, is growing fast into functional herbal foods, beverages, and immunity victuals product lines. With higher health awareness and the culture of prevention of wellness, consumers are now demanding natural products that have nutritive and therapeutic qualities. Functional snacks, fortified drinks, and herbal teas enriched with ginger, turmeric, moringa, and ashwagandha are also becoming quite popular. The demand for products that enhance immunity has increased tremendously early in post-pandemic days, and the majority of the products are being newly invented.
Manufacturers are succeeding in merging the herbs with the current trend of eating habits by producing clean-label, convenient formats. Increasing shelf presence of herbal consumables is being witnessed in the offline and online retail of countries such as the UAE and South Africa. These products have been popular among the health-conscious urban audience, and the cultural preference for using natural remedies. The segment is on the verge of becoming a major revenue generator in the wider herbal industry as consumer confidence and scientific recognition increase.
Development of personalized herbal formulations using AI and diagnostic integration.
The Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market is undergoing a revolutionary change as it develops tailor-made herbal preparations through AI and integration of diagnostics. Machine learning and advanced data analytics are being used to understand the personal level of health profile, genetic preferences, and lifestyle habits so that herbal therapy can be customized. This method increases its effectiveness and consumer trust in herb-based medicine. AI-based platforms are assisting in finding the best herbal combinations in stressful situations, immune-related conditions, digestion, and metabolic illness.
UAE and South African startups and wellness brands are putting customized herbal solutions in the context of mobile applications and virtual consultation. Wearable health devices can also be integrated to provide the ability to monitor in real time and adjust the products. The innovation is in line with the international trend of precision health and functional wellness. It can also help with regulatory objectives of greater validation and standardization in the clinical areas. With an increase in awareness, AI-based herbal personalization will be the key growth driver within the regional market.
Segment Analysis
Based on the product type, the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market is classified into Herbal Supplements, Herbal Cosmetics, Herbal Beverages, Herbal Drugs, and Essential Oils. The use of herbal-based cosmetics is fast spreading because of the growing concern over the use of natural beauty products and personal care products, especially among urban dwellers. Herbal drinks are becoming an essential wellness trend, particularly the products of detox tea and functional drinks.
You can also of this report.
Would you like to review the price list for each section?
The use of herbal medication has remained of great significance in the traditional health practice in the region, especially in Saudi Arabia and South Africa. There is an upward trend in the demand for such essential oils, which are utilized in aromatherapy and personal care, and wellness centers. The segment marked an equal demand throughout the therapeutics, cosmetic, and lifestyle segments. In general, the range of products facilitates entire health and fits the cultural and wellness focus of the region.
Based on the form, the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market is classified into Capsules & Tablets, Liquid Extracts, Powder, Ointments & Creams, and Other. Capsules and tablets are significant in the Middle East & Africa market of herbal medicine since they are easy to use, their dosage is defined, and they are popular among the modern crowd. Liquid extracts are also currently popular, particularly for conventional treatments and children's preparations, since they are more quickly absorbed and are convenient to take. Such forms as powdered are more likely to be used in teas and tonics, and do-it-yourself preparations because they are cheap and can be used in many preparations.
The topical segment is dominated by ointments and creams, especially in skincare, joint pain management, and dermatology. Other forms of markets, such as patches, gels, and sprays, are also incorporated, which target specific therapeutic and cosmetic requirements. The preference of consumers is geometrically changing towards convenient and quick-to-act delivery forms. This heterogeneous categorization based on forms favors special and individualized herbal treatment methods based on age and statuses of health.
Regional Analysis
The Saudi Arabia Herbal Medicine Market has become one of the major markets in the Middle East due to the high cultural dependence on traditional types of medicine and the growing number of government funding in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM practices have been approved by the Ministry of Health, and this has increased formalization and consumer confidence. Herbal supplements and topical products are also very popular, and they deal with lifestyle-related illnesses and skin diseases. Quick urbanization and the goods in hand income are also catalyzing the sale of superior herbal cosmetics and wellness items.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) herbal medicine market is developing wellness tourism due to the health awareness and multicultural population. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become an important center of herbal and natural products. The credibility of the market has been improved through government campaigns towards the importance of integrated medicine and licensing of CAM players. The increase in online shops and healthy retail shops facilitates the availability of herbal products. There is a high demand for herbal beauty, supplements, and therapeutic oils, especially among those who are younger and expatriates.
The South African Herbal Medicine Market is the largest in Africa, where traditional medicine has a long history, and people largely depend on native plants. The South African government acknowledges the traditional healers and has encouraged the integration of herbs in primary health care systems. There is a concentration of herbal production, particularly in the countryside, and mounting commercial and clinical certification pressure. The most sought-after are herbal pain relief, immune boosters, and digestive health products.
The Nigerian Herbal Medicine Market is the next major herbal market, which is also motivated by a high presence of traditional medicine and a considerable population that wants to have alternative healthcare exposures at low costs. These attempts of the government at making herbal medicine more homogenous and at supporting local healers are slowly bringing the quality of regulation and safety to new heights. Hyperuse of herbal supplements and local botanical products covers all parts of the country, including urban and rural communities. The high level of entrepreneurship and public health awareness is contributing to the process of innovation and diversification of products in the Nigerian herbal industry.
Competitive Landscape
The Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market is well-established, and so there is lot of competition among global players and the emerging regional giants. The established market players like The Himalaya Drug Company, Dabur, Dr. Willmar Schwabe, Blackmores, and Arkopharma are market leaders in terms of brand awareness and trust due to their diversified herbal product range and investments in clinical research. Local companies such as Paxherbals in Nigeria, SEKEM in Egypt, and Julphar in the UAE are also cashing in on the plant resources and indigenous expertise in traditional medicine and catering to the growing domestic market. Such firms are also making sharper entries via unions, licensing, and incorporation of e-business.
The drug market is also experiencing a rise in competition in the herbal supplements, cosmetics, and therapeutics segments, where the players are now concerned with quality-related certifications and novel formulations. One of the largest developments took place in October 2023, when Himalaya Wellness Company said it would invest AED 200 million to establish a state-of-the-art herbal pharmaceutical plant in Dubai Industrial City. Such a plant is going to increase the local manufacturing of tablets, capsules, syrups, and ointments. These are some strategic responses that indicate the growing relevance of the MEA region in the global herbal trade. The regulation compliance, clinical efficacy, and differentiated product offerings over the competition are becoming increasingly critical.
Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024
To explore in-depth analysis in this report - Request Sample Report
Recent Developments:
- In April 2025, Trade Arabia and other regional outlets affirm Himalaya’s UAE factory will align with the government’s “Make it in the Emirates/Operation 300 Bn” industrial agenda signaling strong public-private cooperation.
- In March 2025, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) introduced an enhanced regulatory framework for faster registration of herbal and traditional medicine products, aimed at improving market access.
Report Coverage:
By Product Type
- Herbal Supplements
- Herbal Cosmetics
- Herbal Beverages
- Herbal Drugs
- Essential Oils
By Form
- Capsules & Tablets
- Liquid Extracts
- Powder
- Ointments & Creams
- Other
By Source
- Plant-Based
- Animal-Based
- Mineral-Based
By Distribution Channel
- Online
- Offline
- Pharmacies & Drug Stores
- Supermarkets
- Specialty Stores
By End-User
- Hospitals & Clinics
- Homecare
- Wellness Centers
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food & Beverages
- Research Institutes
- Other
By Region
Middle East & Africa
- Turkey
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Egypt
- Israel
- Nigeria
- Algeria
- Kenya
- Morocco
- Rwanda
- Oman
- Qatar
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
List of Companies:
- The Himalaya Drug Company
- Dabur India Limited
- Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG
- Blackmores Limited
- Arkopharma Laboratoires Pharmaceutique
- Paxherbals Herbal Medicine Research Laboratories
- Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries
- SEKEM Group Egypt
- Nature’s Answer, Inc.
- Ricola AG
- Sami-Sabinsa Group Limited
- Bioforce AG
- Weleda AG
- Lotus Herbals Private Limited
- Shahnaz Husain Group
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market accounted for USD 8.86 Billion in 2024 and USD 10.02 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 34.32 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 13.1% between 2025 and 2035.
Key growth opportunities in the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market include expansion into functional herbal foods, beverages, and immunity-boosting product lines, development of personalized herbal formulations using AI and diagnostic integration, and strategic partnerships with research institutes to clinically validate indigenous herbal remedies.
In the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market, herbal supplements are the largest segment, while herbal cosmetics show the fastest growth.
Saudi Arabia will make a notable contribution to the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market due to strong CAM support and rising demand for natural therapies.
Leading players in the Middle East & Africa Herbal Medicine Market include The Himalaya Drug Company, Dabur India Limited, Dr. Willmar Schwabe, Blackmores Limited and Arkopharma Laboratoires Pharmaceutiques.
Related Report
North America Herbal Medicine Market Share, Size 2025-2035
The North America Herbal Medicine Market accounted for USD 33.66 Billion in 2024 and USD 38.24 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 136.86 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 13.6% between 2025 and 2035.
Jun 2025
Healthcare 218 Pages Read More
Latin America Herbal Medicine Market Share, Size 2025-2035
The Latin America Herbal Medicine Market accounted for USD 15.06 Billion in 2024 and USD 17.05 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 58.90 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 13.2% between 2025 and 2035.
Jun 2025
Healthcare 220 Pages Read More
Europe Herbal Medicine Market Share, Size & Trend 2025-2035
The Europe Herbal Medicine Market accounted for USD 28.35 Billion in 2024 and USD 32.15 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 113.06 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 13.4% between 2025 and 2035.
Jun 2025
Healthcare 220 Pages Read More
Asia Pacific Herbal Medicine Market Share, Size 2025-2035
The Asia Pacific Herbal Medicine Market accounted for USD 22.15 Billion in 2024 and USD 25.10 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 87.48 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 13.3% between 2025 and 2035.
Jun 2025
Healthcare 220 Pages Read More
Herbal Medicine Market Share, Size & Forecast 2025-2035
Herbal Medicine Market industry reached a market value of USD 88.6 Billion in 2024 and is forecast to climb to USD 356.8 Billion by 2035, fueled by a CAGR of approximately 13.50% throughout 2024-2035.
Jun 2025
Healthcare 219 Pages Read More