MALHAM, RIYADH, 21 October 2024 – The Global Health Exhibition, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Health and organized by Tahaluf, opened with a total of SAR 50 billion in investments announced on the first day.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Health, His Excellency Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel, highlighted the impact of health transformation in the sector, stating: “We aim to position Saudi Arabia as a hub for addressing current and future global challenges, following a unified government approach under Vision 2030. This is based on the principle of ‘health in all policies’ by developing regulations that encourage investment in innovation, building a healthcare system that unleashes the power of digital solutions and artificial intelligence, and developing local healthcare talent while attracting the best minds from around the world. These efforts are driving us forward in our health transformation with concrete and measurable steps.”
Also announced was Dallah Health’s acquisition of Al Salam Hospital and Al Ahsa Hospital in the Eastern Province, adding a total of 749 beds, and the construction of a new Dallah Hospital in Riyadh with a 250-bed capacity and potential for expansion, valued at SAR 4 billion.
Global Health Exhibition opened with five key platforms: the Leaders’ Summit, Medical Excellence Forum, Digital Health Forum, Investor Forum, and a Health Transformation Forum. Other highlights include the NUPCO Health Innovation Hackathon, the Vision NextGen startup competition, and unique onsite experiences including 3D medical diagnostics, the Medical Escape Room Challenge, and sporting activities, with prizes exceeding SAR 2 million awarded to attendees throughout the event.
Furthermore, it was announced that the SEHA Virtual Hospital—launched in 2022—is now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest virtual hospital in the world.
“On day one, Global Health Exhibition has surpassed our expectation of delivering one of the premier health events in the international calendar which brings the most skilled, diverse and innovative players in world healthcare here to Riyadh,” said Rachel Sturgess, Group Director, Tahaluf. “From the moment our doors opened, the infectious atmosphere of debate, dialogue and collaboration across our five specific conferences could be felt. We’ve already seen major breakthrough advancements in technology from our partners and exhibitors, fresh insight and thinking from world-leading speakers, as well as an astonishing array of deals, partnerships and new industry collaborations announced live. As the event continues, we are excited to see continued best-practice sharing, deeper looks at the creative technologies reshaping healthcare for patients and we look forward to giving a voice to some of the world’s most dynamic healthcare startups who are bringing their innovations to this event for the first time.”