Industry news

ABHI UK Pavilion at Global Health Exhibition 2023 Showcases the Cutting-Edge of UK HealthTech, Boosting UK-KSA Partnerships

Five leading HealthTech innovators will be among the strong delegation of UK companies joining the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) at Global Health Exhibition in Saudi Arabia. 

Life Science, Assolombarda, and SDA Bocconi together at the Global Health Exhibition with Companies from the Sector   

Assolombarda, headed by the Deputy Chairman, delegated for Life Sciences, Sergio Dompé, has set up a significant network of ties around the world in recent years, with a view to launching international-type partnerships on matters of health and innovation in the Health Sector.

Healthcare Innovation Consortium (HIC) launch programme targeting antimicrobial resistance at Global Health Exhibition 2023 

Healthcare Innovation Consortium (HIC) – a leading UK-based digital health and social care agency – is launching a new programme aimed at combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at Global Health 2023. 

Genomics and its rapid evolution in the Middle East

As genetic testing becomes increasingly preemptive and predictive, healthcare institutions are advocating for genetic screenings to reduce the prevalence of certain diseases, enable early intervention and devise suitable treatment plans. Particularly in young couples, prior testing helps identify risks of genetic conditions the newborn could possibly inherit.

ChatGPT to usher in a new era of patient care

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, a new digital revolution is taking place. Propelled by the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, ChatGPT has captured the attention of industries worldwide, including healthcare where it shows a potential impact on patient communication. 

Investment opportunities in Medtech sector in Saudi Arabia

Amongst the different healthcare sectors, the medtech sector has emerged as an attractive segment and drawn the global attention of innovators and investors. While the global medtech market was estimated to be USD 422 billion in 2021, KSA accounts for 3%-3.5% market share by revenue. However, it represents almost 50% of the Middle Eastern market and is expected to sizably outpace global growth (expected growth of almost 18%) in the next 6-7 years.

How cosmetic treatments help drive Saudi economic diversity

The consumer-driven investment value of the cosmetic treatments industry plays a key role in KSA’s economic diversification and growth innovations, reveals aesthetics expert Dr Iman Sadik, as cosmetic procedures become increasingly accepted in the kingdom.

New era for blood cancer treatment in Saudi Arabia

Globally, treatment approaches to cancer have evolved significantly over recent years. Kite, a Gilead Company, has contributed to this evolving treatment landscape through research and development in cell therapies, which use genetically modified immune cells programmed to target cancer cells. A key tenet of Saudi Vision 2030 – a blueprint for the nation’s economic and social reform - is healthcare, on the basis that good health is a crucial aspect of any nation’s development plans.

Financing healthcare projects in Saudi Arabia and unlocking the hidden value

Based on Colliers’ estimation, the KSA will require approximately 195,000 additional beds by 2030. However, two of the biggest factors hindering the growth of the KSA healthcare sector are high land cost and the availability of funds for capital expenditure, mainly for the construction of hospitals. The opportunity, therefore, lies within unlocking existing value within the sector to support expansion programmes or as alternative funding sources for new developments.

Sustainability in healthcare developments in Saudi Arabia

Examining sustainability in healthcare from the context of Saudi Arabia reveals that the Kingdom is taking small yet demonstrable steps toward sustainable healthcare.

How healthtech solutions are shaping primary care in Saudi Arabia

A significant challenge facing the healthcare system in the country is the accessibility to primary care and the lack of integration between primary care and other health sectors. Despite these shortcomings, the region is constantly working towards providing consumer-centric solutions.

e Book: Navigating Saudi healthcare market

In this exclusive eBook, we spoke to industry experts Dr. Maliha Hashmi, Global Health Leader, and Elie Daoud, Managing Director, Knwbility, to gain insight into Saudi Arabia's diversified investments in innovative start-ups, health tech and workforce training as it forges towards Vision 2030. We also shed light on new investment schemes and policies set in place for investors and international healthcare providers looking for opportunities in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s emerging market for medical devices

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is one of the largest in the Middle East, the region is considered a lucrative target for manufacturers, distributors and investors. With progression, regulation becomes a significant subject of discussion. Currently, Saudi Arabia boasts of a strong and comprehensive medical device regulatory policy that helps improve the safety and effectiveness of medical and in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) devices and provides better access to these products.

Riyadh to host Global Health Exhibition 2022 in October

The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will organize the Global Health Exhibition 2022, a prominent healthcare event in the region, from 9 to 11 October, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event will be held under the theme of "Transformation in the Healthcare Sector". This year’s forum will be organized in person after two years of being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NFTs in healthcare – will data become the new currency?

Medical data until now is siloed because of its unique intellectual property, and despite being highly valuable, monetising it remains a challenge as individuals are afraid of using or losing medical data. So, how could NFTs represent a unique potential in the digital age, and will patients be able to own their digital healthcare data? Aimedis founders Michael J. Kaldasch and Ben O. El Idrissi, who also serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively, have the answer

Female healthcare platform Nabta Health raises $1.5m

The only hybrid healthcare platform that offers telehealth and in-person treatment for females in the Middle East, Nabta Health, has raised $1.5 million in a seed round investment.

Microsoft AI tool to speed up cancer treatment reaches Saudi Arabia

A partnership between Microsoft Arabia and Roche to activate artificial intelligence, or AI, in the early diagnosis of cancerous diseases has now reached Saudi Arabia for the first time.

Saudi authorities lay foundation stone for King’s College London Hospital in Jeddah

Authorities in Saudi Arabia have laid the foundation stone for King’s College London Hospital in Jeddah during a ceremony, a day after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson left the Kingdom following an official visit.

Saudi Arabia: Umrah for pilgrims abroad to resume on August 10

Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced the resumption of Umrah service for pilgrims abroad from August 10 following a successful Hajj season, state press agency SPA said.

Saudi Arabia ends the suspension of travel to 10 countries

Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the ends of suspension of arrivals from Germany, the US, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, the UK, Sweden, Switzerland, France and Japan.

Saudi Ministry of Health administers over 16.8mln coronavirus vaccine doses

June 23, 2021

The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Wednesday said it has so far administered more than 16.8 million vaccine doses through 587 vaccination centers across the Kingdom, covering 70 percent of the total adult population in Saudi Arabia.

MoU signed to boost innovation in Saudi healthcare

June 30, 2021

Saudi Arabia’s Investment Ministry and Janssen Pharmaceuticals have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance innovation in the Saudi health and life sciences sector.

Saudi’s oldest medical city looks to the future with digital treatment

June 28, 2021

Riyadh’s King Saud Medical City (KSMC), the oldest medical city in the Kingdom, started the process to digitize its services and processes in 2018 and aims to digitally treat up to 2,500 patients a week by Q4 2021.

Saudi Arabia is open again— will it stay that way?

June 25, 2021

Saudi authorities reinstated domestic air travel on 21 May and by June 21, all curfews were lifted, ending the three-month lockdown across the country with the exception of the city of Mecca.

UAE's firm signs agreement to deploy mobile laboratories across Mideast and North Africa

June 22, 2021

The partnership will offer the innovative Seegene Mobile Station – a laboratory on-wheels facility providing optimised molecular diagnosis and tests at any location to safeguard the health of community.

Several projects already launched in wake of new Saudi privatization law

March 18, 2021

Registry of Privatization Projects will include a comprehensive central database of information on opportunities

How attendees get the most out of virtual events

With the emergence of COVID-19, virtual events have exploded as an industry necessity, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing for attendees.

Prompt action defines Saudi Arabia’s success story in emerging from COVID-19

September 6, 2020

COVID-19 mortality rates within Saudi Arabia is approx 0.9 per cent, which is lower than the global rate.

Top priorities in KSA’s healthcare sector

September 6, 2020

From telemedicine to manufacturing, a look at the growth opportunities in KSA.

KSA on Emerging Markets List for Digital Diagnostics

August 21, 2020

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been dubbed a key “emerging market” for autonomous AI healthcare solutions by Digital Diagnostics Inc., a pioneering global healthcare autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) company, formerly known as IDx, which has acquired 3Derm Systems Inc. of Boston, MA.

How the pandemic is dismantling silos in healthcare

August 18, 2020

COVID-19 is bringing down traditional barriers, comments NEOM executive Dr Maliha Hashmi - and that can only be a good thing.

Efforts on to change attitude toward blood donation in Saudi Arabia

August 12, 2020

The Kingdom’s donor centers launched a ‘Donate at your home’ initiative during the pandemic to avoid the need to go to hospital or a blood bank.

MOH: Critical COVID-19 Cases Down 5.5%

August 9, 2020

KSA is witnessing a decrease in critical COVID-19 cases, with a 5.5 percent drop during the current period said MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali.

MOH: Our Research Continues, New COVID-19 Vaccine Trials to Be Conducted

August 8, 2020

KSA has announced that a clinical trial for a vaccine against the virus will be conducted in the Kingdom, within the framework of the cooperation agreement between KSA and China.

Drivers of global healthcare industry in H2 2020

July 30, 2020

Frost & Sullivan's Reenita Das explains how healthcare's success will depend on how it leverages pandemic learnings.

Healthcare technology trends accelerated by COVID-19

July 28, 2020

We take a look at the healthcare technologies being shaped by COVID-19.

MOH: COVID-19 Recoveries Exceed 217,000

July 25, 2020

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), 2,051 cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 217,782 cases.

MOH: Over 2 Million COVID-19 Tests Conducted to Date

July 13, 2020

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), over two million COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests​ have been performed in the Kingdom since the first case was reported.

Preparedness for COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: Learnings from the MERS-CoV experience

June 15, 2020

We explore how the learning’s and experiences of MERS-CoV have influenced and guided Saudi Arabia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the long-term benefits of implementing a national biosafety and biosecurity system in the Kingdom, to help manage any future outbreaks.

Supply chain for disaster management

June 14, 2020

COVID-19 impact on the medical device supply chain.

Over 150 beneficiaries of medication home delivery service by Prince Nasser Al-Sudairy Hospital-Al-Ghat

June 7, 2020

Over 150 Beneficiaries of Medication Home Delivery Service by Prince Nasser Al-Sudairy Hospital-Al-Ghat.

New volunteering campaign raises health awareness at mosques

June 5, 2020

The MOH’s Health Volunteer Center has launched a new health awareness volunteering campaign. The kick-off of the campaign's field activities was on Friday, in coordination with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance

MOH provides sign language service to enable the deaf and hearing impaired to use 937 services

June 1, 2020

MOH has launched the first stage of translating the 937 Call Center’s services into sign language through ‘Ishara’ Application.

What gives Saudi Arabia the confidence to ease coronavirus restrictions

May 31, 2020

As Saudi Arabia implements a three-stage plan to introduce a return to normal life in less than a month, experts have urged citizens and residents to keep practicing social distancing, wear face masks in public settings and maintain hand hygiene among other precautionary measures.

Saudi Arabia and Russia in talks on new anti-COVID-19 treatment

May 31, 2020

Russia has developed a promising new treatment for the coronavirus COVID-19 which it could soon trial in partnership with Saudi Arabian health experts.

Saudi Arabia's human resources minister says time for business to resume

May 26, 2020

Ahmed Al-Rajhi said it was important to maintain a balance between health protection and the needs of the economy

Health minister outlines two-pronged strategy to deal with coronavirus

May 25, 2020

Saudi Arabia to enter a new stage with relaxed measures from Thursday

Saudi Health Council launches specialized electronic platforms to combat coronavirus

May 25, 2020

The National Center for Health Research and Studies, one of the wings of the Saudi Health Council, has launched a number of specialized electronic platforms to provide comprehensive interactive services on coronavirus, according to a Saudi Press Agency report

MOH Announces Third Stage of Expanded COVID-19 Testing

May 19, 2020

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that it intends to launch the third stage of its expanded COVID-19 testing. 

The Kingdom Calls on International Community to Take Immediate Measures to Reduce COVID-19 Death Toll

May 18, 2020

In his speech before the 73^rd World Health Assembly, the Health Minister, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah has called on the international community to take immediate measures to reduce COVID-19 death rates

Global healthcare community to unite in world’s biggest virtual event Omnia Health Live

May 13, 2020

For five days in June (22-26 June 2020) the global healthcare community will be brought together on a scale like never seen before through a new experience delivered entirely online, Omnia Health Live. 

Saudi Arabia’s digital healthcare landscape post-COVID 19

May 5, 2020

We explore the role of digital health in Saudi Arabia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and discover how the learnings can be used to formulate the Kingdom’s strategic plans for the digitalisation of the healthcare system in the future.

74^th Meeting of COVID-19 Monitoring Committee

May 3, 2020

Carrying out clinical studies while emphasising the importance of social distancing.

Saudi MOH conducts advanced multicenter clinical study for treatment of COVID-19

May 2, 2020

The MOH in collaboration with the WHO is conducting an advanced multicenter clinical study at seven hospitals in the Kingdom to stop the COVID-19 pandemic.

MOH advices people to have fiber-rich foods and sugar-free liquids in Ramadan

April 30, 2020

In continuation to its efforts and awareness messages, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has provided a number of health tips on the holy month of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia and China sign $265m deal to fight coronavirus

Apr 27, 2020

China will supply Saudi Arabia with 9 million coronavirus test kits, 500 specialist technicians and six test laboratories.

Saudi Arabia’s evolving healthcare system: What's new in 2020

April 12, 2020

Saudi healthcare continues to change, from privatisation to COVID-19 regulatory interventions.

Healthcare opportunities and challenges in Saudi Arabia

January 15, 2020

The healthcare sector in KSA is undergoing evolution on the back of rapid advancements in technology, and research and development (R&D) in line with global and regional trends.

Trends in KSA healthcare market

December 11, 2019

A number of significant trends currently drive demand for KSA’s healthcare market.