Burjeel Holdings PLC, a premier super-specialty healthcare provider in the MENA region and a listed entity on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, has announced its strategic expansion in oncology care with the acquisition of an 80% stake in the Dubai-based Advanced Care Oncology Center (ACOC). This move sets the foundation for the region’s leading radiation oncology network, leveraging ACOC’s expertise in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and chemotherapy services.

This transformative initiative is poised to redefine cancer care delivery in the GCC, ensuring greater accessibility to specialized oncology treatments.

Global and GCC Oncology Landscape

The global burden of cancer continues to rise, driven by aging populations and lifestyle changes. According to the World Health Organization, annual cancer diagnoses are projected to increase from 20 million in 2024 to over 30 million by 2040.

In the GCC, cancer cases are expected to surge by approximately 50% over the next two decades. Despite this rising demand, the region faces a shortage of oncology infrastructure, creating a substantial gap in specialized cancer care. Burjeel Holdings’ strategic expansion aims to bridge this gap by enhancing access to high-quality radiation oncology services.

Furthermore, the region is witnessing increased adoption of advanced oncology solutions, including radiation therapy, robotic surgical oncology, and precision medicine—aligning with Burjeel’s vision for a comprehensive and innovative oncology network.

Advancing Cancer Care Across the GCC

The planned ACOC-branded radiation oncology network will focus on key areas:

• Enhancing Accessibility: Establishing stand-alone ACOC centers in underserved regions to provide specialized radiation therapy.
• Integrating Advanced Technology: Equipping centers with state-of-the-art LINAC systems, AI-driven radiation planning, and precision imaging tools.
• Streamlining Referrals: Creating a robust referral platform by collaborating with healthcare providers across the region.
• Supporting Burjeel Cancer Institute: Ensuring seamless integration with Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI) for advanced oncology services, including surgical oncology, immunotherapy, robotic surgery, and bone marrow transplants.
• Fostering Research & Innovation: Leveraging Oracle Health EMR for data-driven oncology research, reinforcing Burjeel’s leadership in preventive oncology and precision medicine.

Further details on expansion plans will be disclosed in due course.

Burjeel Cancer Institute: The Anchor of Burjeel’s Oncology Platform

The acquisition of ACOC aligns with Burjeel’s long-term strategy to expand its oncology platform. The Group operates one of the UAE’s largest cancer care networks, spanning Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Sharjah, and Dubai. Services include medical oncology, radiation therapy, robotic surgical oncology, bone marrow transplants, and palliative care. Integrating ACOC within this ecosystem will enhance synergies between stand-alone radiation oncology centers and comprehensive cancer care facilities.

John Sunil, Group CEO of Burjeel Holdings, commented: “Our vision is to establish a comprehensive and advanced oncology network in the GCC, addressing unmet needs in specialized cancer care. By building on ACOC’s legacy of excellence, we will bring accessible, high-quality radiation oncology services closer to patients, significantly enhancing cancer care outcomes across the region.”

ACOC Transaction Highlights

• Value Transaction: Burjeel acquired an 80% equity stake in ACOC for AED 92 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, with an option to acquire the remaining stake. ACOC recorded revenue of AED 64 million in 2024.
• Continuity of Leadership: ACOC’s Founder and CEO, Bashir Abou Reslan, retains a 10% stake and continues to lead operations, ensuring ongoing excellence in patient care. Raphael Khlat Middle East FZCO, an existing shareholder, holds the remaining 10%.

About Burjeel Holdings

Founded in 2007, Burjeel Holdings is a leading super-specialty healthcare provider in the UAE and Oman, with a growing presence in Saudi Arabia. The Group operates an integrated multi-brand healthcare ecosystem, including 100 assets across the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. This includes 19 hospitals, 29 medical centers, 29 physiotherapy and wellness centers, 15 pharmacies, and other allied services. Burjeel Holdings’ brands include Burjeel, Medeor, LLH, Lifecare, PhysioTherabia, and Tajmeel.

About Advanced Care Oncology Center

Established in 2017, ACOC is a trusted provider of integrated cancer care services in Dubai, specializing in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and chemotherapy. ACOC holds prestigious accreditations, including:

• Gold Accreditation from Accreditation Canada (awarded August 2021).
• PET/CT EARL Accreditation from the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM)—the only facility in the UAE with this distinction.
• Certificate of Medical Prescription Audit from Bienzobas (Spain), ensuring compliance with European regulatory standards such as EMA guidelines and NICE/NCCN protocols.

With this acquisition, Burjeel Holdings is set to revolutionize cancer care in the GCC, reinforcing its position as a leader in specialized oncology services.