Rising above the slopes of the Bosphorus, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul opened in January this year. The hotel has recently won the “Best City Hotel Turkey” and “Best City Hotel Europe” awards while achieving the International Five-Star Hotel Standard.
The International Hotel Awards is a global competition that determines the finest hotels and hospitality companies in the world. A gala dinner and presentation took place on Oct. 26, where the winners of the awards were announced.
The Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, as the Europe regional winner in the “Best City Hotel” category, serves as a hub in the heart of Istanbul for the well-traveled.
“A new icon for the vibrant Mecidiyeköy district, Fairmont Quasar sits at a crossroads in Istanbul — where eclectic neighborhood bazaars and colorful side streets meet modern shopping centers and commercial properties,” a press release said. “Set on the site of the 1930’s Robert Mallet Stevens’ designed Art Deco liquor factory, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, with its 209 rooms, various culinary venues, art collection in the hotel and Willow Stream Spa, blends a sense of urban culture and industrial flair with the city’s storied traditions and a strong sense of place.”
Hundreds of entries from across Europe were scrutinized by the judging committee, which is chaired by Viscount John Thurso, as well as over 50 global experts. Stuart Shield, president of the International Hotel Awards, and Thurso presented the award to Kai Winkler, general manager of Fairmont Quasar Istanbul.
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul scoops national, regional awards
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul scoops national, regional awards
Novartis celebrates double recognition for clinical research excellence in Saudi Arabia
Last month marked a great beginning to 2026 for Novartis in Saudi Arabia, with the company receiving two major recognitions that underscore its leadership in clinical research and its contribution to the Kingdom’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.
At the “Clinical Trials Transformation Conference: Unraveling the Future” held in Riyadh, Novartis was awarded first place in the Clinical Research Contribution Award. Presented by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, this award reflects Novartis’ dedication to advancing high quality clinical research in Saudi Arabia and supporting local scientific capabilities.
Adding to this milestone, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, in its 2025 clinical trials statistics, recognized Novartis as the top contributing multinational company to clinical trials in the Kingdom. This recognition is a testament to Novartis’ sustained investment in research and development and its commitment to bringing innovative treatments to patients in Saudi Arabia.
Together, these dual recognitions demonstrate how a strong clinical research ecosystem is transforming Saudi Arabia into a global healthcare innovation hub, directly supporting the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By integrating innovative clinical trials with advanced research, Novartis contributes to ensuring that the Kingdom’s growing leadership in global healthcare innovation benefits patients locally, regionally and worldwide.
Amir Abdulaziz, country president, Novartis Saudi Arabia, said: “Starting the year with these two recognitions is a proud moment for all of us at Novartis Saudi Arabia and an inspiring reflection of our long-term partnership with the Kingdom. They highlight the strength of our collaboration with regulators, healthcare institutions and professionals, and our shared commitment to advancing clinical research that truly makes a difference for patients. In line with Vision 2030, we remain focused on reimagining medicine, investing in local talent and helping position Saudi Arabia as a leading global destination for healthcare innovation.”
Novartis has a long-standing presence in the Kingdom and is committed to supporting Vision 2030 by improving health outcomes, advancing innovation, contributing to economic diversification, and investing in people and communities. In 2025, Novartis medicines reached millions of patients across the Kingdom, providing access to innovative treatments in different therapeutics. By addressing unmet medical needs and bringing cutting-edge therapies to Saudi patients, Novartis helps improve the quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
People are at the core of Novartis’ impact in Saudi Arabia. In alignment with Vision 2030’s focus on employment, Saudization and women’s participation in the workforce, Novartis continues to attract, develop and retain local talent, foster an inclusive and diverse workplace, and support capability-building and leadership development. These efforts not only advance healthcare but also contribute to the growth of a vibrant life sciences sector and the broader economic transformation of the Kingdom.
