Health improvement is an objective of all economic-level countries to increase the well-being of populations and reduce mortality. A key indicator of population health is life expectancy at birth which offers a clear picture of how effective health interventions work and reflects the quality of life in a society. As healthcare innovations continue to progress, people are living longer, but not everyone benefits equally; health disparities are critical, especially in developing regions. In this context, we will examine the relationship between economic factors, such as GDP per capita and social contributions, and health outcomes in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Levant countries. We will explore how economic growth affects life expectancy as well as mortality rates to find effective public health strategies in these regions.

Economic Disparities and Health Challenges in the GCC and Levant

The connection between economic prosperity and health outcomes is evident in the GCC and Levant regions, but countries with lower economic standing face more significant challenges. Qatar, with the highest estimated per capita income at $69,034 by 2057, could benefit from better healthcare, longer life expectancy, and overall improved health. On the other hand, the majority of Levant countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, struggle because of limited economic resources. While Oman is a GCC country, it also faces economic constraints that impact health financing. By 2065, all these countries are expected to have some of the lowest GDP per capita and net income levels, which will directly affect their healthcare systems and public health outcomes.

The primary issue in these lower-income countries is the insufficient health expenditure, which limits the development of healthcare resources and infrastructure and result in poor health outcomes like higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy. Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria are known for having the lowest health expenditures in the region, with Oman’s spending relatively lower than wealthier Gulf countries like Qatar and the UAE. This creates a vicious cycle and consequences are unavoidably negative: limited funding results in fewer healthcare resources, which in turn leads to poor health outcomes. Countries with high mortality rates, like Syria, Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan, are therefore, resulting in health disparities.

These countries also have difficulty controlling social determinants of health, like education, income inequality, and access to basic services. They will continue to have disparities in health outcomes compared to their prosperous neighbors in the GCC unless a holistic solution is found. Mortality rates in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan are high as they are struggling with the worst figures in the region. Additionally, life expectancy is lower in Levant Countries and Oman. Economic limitations are thus restricting health improvements and contributing to these disparities.

 

A Multifaceted Approach to Health Improvement

The current situation in these nations presents a challenge and an opportunity to develop strategies that tackle the root causes of poor health outcomes. A multifaceted approach should be implemented to overcome economic and healthcare system limitations.

• Increased Health Expenditure: The most urgent step is to increase public health funding, as healthcare is critical for the Levant countries. This sector should become a part of the principal national budget. Innovative financing projects like collaborations or expansions of public and private health insurance should be considered, and funds from other sectors should be used differently. For example, the Quality of Life Programme in Saudi Arabia, which is in line with Vision 2030, aims to improve well-being and increase life expectancy to 80 years by that year. Public health is also given top priority in the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, which encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles while guaranteeing that the elderly population has access to better medical care.
• Economic Diversification: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Oman can work toward economic diversification to generate more tax revenue, which, in turn, could be reinvested into the healthcare system. Take the example of the partnership between Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) and Deep Knowledge Analytics. They invest in biotech, pharmaceutical, and AI-driven healthcare sectors to stimulate economic growth while improving healthcare accessibility.
• International Support and Partnerships: Levant countries also have the option to look for international collaborations, foreign aid, and grants to enhance their healthcare systems. Countries like Germany, which contributes the most to social contributions, have strong social safety nets. Utilizing these international resources can help in closing the economic gap between more developed and less developed countries. In the UAE, there is the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center (ADSCC) and the Omics Centre of Excellence, that can help Levant countries by dealing with health challenges like chronic diseases and facilitating knowledge transfer, and healthcare innovation.
• Focus on Preventive Care: A shift toward preventive healthcare, including public health campaigns, immunization programs, and lifestyle changes, is essential. Currently, GCC countries focus on longevity programs that deal with critical lifestyle factors affecting health outcomes, such as diet, physical activity, and nicotine use. Initiatives such as displaying calorie counts on restaurant menus, imposing sugar taxes on sweet drinks, and launching educational programs that promote healthy eating and active living could be implemented in Levant countries, hence reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Social Determinants of Health: Prioritizing education, fair income distribution, and access to sanitary facilities and clear water are all critical for improved health. Better health outcomes and an overall higher quality of life will result from this.

In conclusion, there is a strong correlation between health disparities between GCC and Levant countries and economic factors such as GDP per capita, income inequality, and healthcare expenditures. Many Levant countries still have low incomes and insufficient healthcare investment, but GCC countries, especially Qatar, have high-income levels and better healthcare outcomes. Therefore, some recommendations are related to economic diversification, and social determinants improvement to break the cycle of poor health outcomes and reduce the mortality gap. These actions can maximize life expectancy and build a healthier future for the entire region.

 

References

Wirayuda, A. A. B., Al-Mahrezi, A., Al-Azri, M., & Chan, M. F. (2025, January 15). Comparison of life expectancy determinants among Gulf Cooperation Council members – BMC public health. BioMed Central https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-21296-4

Comprehensive Stem Cell Services at ADSCC in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center. (2024, October 10). https://adscc.ae/stem-cell-services/

Srtip. (2024, September 10). Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park showcases innovations in vertical farming at the global vertical farming show 2024. Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park Showcases Innovations in Vertical Farming at the Global Vertical Farming Show 2024. https://blog.srtip.ae/srtip-showcases-innovations