FaceOf: Sultan Batterjee, CEO of International Hospitals Construction Co.
Batterjee holds a bachelor’s degree in international finance from Regent’s Business School, London
He also earned a master’s in real-estate development from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Updated 07 February 2019
Arab News
Sultan Batterjee has been the owner and CEO of the International Hospitals Construction Co. (IHCC) since 2007.
Since 2012, he has also been the founder and president of Lifestyle Developers Ltd., which raises standards for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments, contributing to the sustainable development of society and the environment.
Batterjee is vice president of business development and a board member of the Saudi German Hospital Group — BAB Medical Education Co. Ltd.
Batterjee holds a bachelor’s degree in international finance from Regent’s Business School, London.
He also earned a master’s in real-estate development from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, and a master’s in entrepreneurship from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
He received an executive MBA and a leadership certification from the American Management Association, and a real-estate evaluation diploma from Lahaye Applied Sciences University in the Netherlands.
This year, the IHCC won the Best Work Environment Award in Saudi Arabia. The award evaluates applicants’ human resources standards and practices, and their role in improving work environments.
Batterjee praised the company’s staff and management, saying: “It’s high time we won this prestigious award. Our primary conviction is that the role of human capital is paramount, and that everyone has the opportunity to improve and develop professionally.”
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future
Updated 52 min 49 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces.
The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Makkah’s Hira Cultural District has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity. (SPA photo)
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
City’s transformation recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. (SPA photo)
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
