Burjeel Holdings revealed its plans to establish the leading radiation oncology network in the GCC region after acquiring an 80 per cent stake in the Dubai-based Advanced Care Oncology Center (ACOC).
ACOC is renowned for its specialised expertise in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and chemotherapy services. It recorded revenue of AED 64 million ($17.43 million) in 2024.
Burjeel will pay AED 92 million ($25 million) on a cash-free, debt-free basis, with an option to acquire the remaining stake.
Bashir Abou Reslan, ACOC’s Founder and CEO, retained a 10 per cent stake and will continue to lead the centre’s operations. Raphael Khlat Middle East FZCO holds the remaining 10 per cent shares.
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 specialised 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. This network will not only support early intervention and treatment but will also connect seamlessly with the Burjeel Cancer Institute for advanced therapies.”
Globally, cancer cases are projected to increase significantly, driven by aging populations and lifestyle changes. According to the World Health Organisation, annual global cancer diagnoses are expected to rise from 20 million in 2024 to over 30 million by 2040.
Burjeel expands oncology platform
Cancer cases in the GCC region are anticipated to grow by approximately 50 per cent over the next two decades, driven by similar demographic and lifestyle trends. However, the region faces a critical shortage of cancer care infrastructure to manage the growing cases, leading to substantial unmet demand for specialised oncology services, which is an opportunity for Burjeel Holdings to expand its oncology platform.
The growing adoption of advanced oncology solutions, such as radiation therapy, robotic surgical oncology, and precision medicine, demonstrates a clear trend towards innovative and specialised care pathways in the GCC.
The ACOC-branded network aims to improve oncology access in underserved markets across the GCC.
The stand-alone ACOC centres will serve as trusted hubs for radiation therapy, expanding patient access to specialised care in underserved regions across the UAE and the GCC. These centres will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including state-of-the-art LINAC systems, AI-driven radiation planning, and precision imaging tools.
By offering focused and dedicated radiation therapy services, ACOC-branded centers will establish a platform for referrals from a broad network of healthcare providers and will support Burjeel Cancer Institute, the group’s hub for advanced cancer treatments.
Leveraging the Oracle Health EMR implementation for its diverse patient base, the network is also expected to drive medical research and data-driven innovations.
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