ABU DHABI: NMC Health, the UAE-based health care provider, plans to expand in Europe and the Gulf to retain its recently won place in London's FTSE 100 blue chip index.
Next week NMC is set to become the only Middle Eastern company whose stock is a constituent of the prestigious benchmark, giving it access to a new and more stable investor base as well as exposure to greater shareholder scrutiny.
“The most important thing now is to continue performing and solidify growth that we’ve seen since we began acquiring assets in 2015,” NMC CEO Prasanth Manghat told Reuters.
A company needs to ensure that its market capitalization grows in order to stay in the index, unlike Jordan-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals which entered the FTSE 100 index in 2015 but was subsequently ejected after its share price slid.
Manghat said that NMC, which listed in London in 2012, would strengthen its position with further investment, using $500 million in cash and unused financial facilities.
“We will definitely look at opportunities to consolidate and grow in Europe, the UK and the Gulf,” he added.
NMC entered Europe by acquiring one fertility clinic in Spain and one in Italy and now has three in each country. It also has three such clinics in Brazil and one in Colombia.
“It is a very good business where, we believe, not many investments are coming. Corporatization of the IVF (fertility) business is our aim,” Manghat said.
NMC treated 2.88 million patients in the first half and growth in the Gulf’s health care sector is being driven by growing populations becoming more susceptible to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
While NMC is looking at further growth in the UAE, its main target market is Saudi Arabia where it made a first foray last year by building a new hospital and buying a stake in another.
NMC will invest in long-term care, fertility and general clinics across smaller cities in Saudi Arabia, Manghat said, adding that the firm was also bullish on Oman, where he hopes deals could materialize by the end of the year.
Saudi Arabia’s government has said it will welcome foreign investors in its healthcare sector to relieve a huge budget deficit resulting from low oil prices.
Although uncertainty remains about how Riyadh will regulate investment, Manghat said NMC could cope more easily with the high costs and sophisticated technology needed to run Saudi hospitals than smaller competitors.
NMC Health targets Saudi growth to keep FTSE 100 slot
NMC Health targets Saudi growth to keep FTSE 100 slot
Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran
- Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
- Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai
RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.
Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace. The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities. Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings. The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.
بيان رسمي من #الخطوط_السعودية pic.twitter.com/CHfjKj9yLX
— Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية (@SaudiaGroup) February 28, 2026
Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures. The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center. Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.” The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required. Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026
In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to…
Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended it's operations from it's hub Dubai. The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. Emirates said it adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities. The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) February 28, 2026
Emirates urges customers to check https://t.co/Ucm3UswfVh and https://t.co/yehFUeWZQq for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.
We are actively monitoring… pic.twitter.com/SLDC7iNaUN
Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens. It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.
Temporary Suspension of Qatar Airways Flights due to Qatari Airspace Closure
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) February 28, 2026
Qatar Airways Group confirms the temporary suspension of its flights to, and from, Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the…
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.
Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.
