Saudi RPM ensures health safety at F1 Grand Prix

The Saudi RPM deployed a skilled team of more than 150 paramedics and nurses.
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Updated 05 April 2022
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Saudi RPM ensures health safety at F1 Grand Prix

The Saudi Response Plus Medical services was the official medical support partner of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2022, tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of all attendees at all times. This comes after the successful deployment of the Saudi RPM at the inaugural edition of the motor racing event last year.

The prestigious sporting event, held in Jeddah from March 24-27, witnessed three action-packed days filled with back-to-back races.

The Saudi RPM deployed a skilled team of more than 150 paramedics and nurses who operated 23 ambulances and 12 onsite clinics. The team’s medical coverage solutions ensured that there were minimum casualties during this international event.

Adding years of experience and expertise in emergency medicine to the Saudi RPM contingent was Dr. Zuhair Alsharafi, who joined the team this year as medical director to oversee and orchestrate the synchronization of both medical and operational roles in the team.

“Emergency management of events is similar to the daily management of the ER and part of my expertise also comes from my vast experience in practicing mass disaster drills and mass casualty exercises. In addition to my assistance and administrative role in the team, the team has come fully prepared with crash condensed meetings held weeks prior to the event to set the stage,” Dr. Alsharafi said.

Mobilizing a strong contingent of world-class medical professionals, the Saudi RPM took all the required precautions. Speaking before the event, Wynand Wyngarrdt, chief of RPM EMS, said: “After the incredible experience we had last year, we are confident that we will be able to meet all the demands of the event this year as well. Our team is experienced enough to face the toughest challenges, and we look forward to another successful stint.”

Major Tom Louis, CEO, Response Plus Holding PJSC, added: “The Saudi Response Plus team has actively been associated with providing the highest standards of medical services for many prestigious international events. We hold ourselves and our teams to the highest standards and deliver on our commitments with dedication and sincerity. This is what sets us apart from the rest and makes us the partner of choice for such prestigious events.”


Saudi Awwal Bank becomes first Middle East bank to earn 7-star CinOrg innovation accreditation

Saeed Assiri, chief innovation banking officer at SAB
Updated 05 March 2026
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Saudi Awwal Bank becomes first Middle East bank to earn 7-star CinOrg innovation accreditation

Saudi Awwal Bank has become the first bank in the Middle East to receive a 7‑star Certified Innovative Organization rating from the Global Innovation Institute, the highest recognition awarded by the institute.

The accreditation marks a significant step in SAB’s innovation strategy and follows an innovation maturity assessment conducted by the institute in December 2025. The review, which built on an earlier assessment in December 2023, raised the bank’s maturity level from “Champion” to “Leader.” The new rating reflects SAB’s institutionalized approach to innovation, its enterprise-wide impact and its ability to consistently deliver measurable results.

With the 7‑star rating, SAB becomes the first bank in the region to reach the highest innovation maturity level, strengthening its position as a regional reference point for innovation-led and future-ready banking.

In 2025, the bank opened its flagship Innovation Centre and secured six internationally recognized innovation awards, along with a lab accreditation. The centre has supported SAB’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, encourage cross-functional collaboration and reinforce its standing as a regional leader in financial innovation.

Saeed Assiri, chief innovation banking officer at SAB, said the recognition reflects years of focused work to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

“By investing in SAB’s culture, governance and talent, innovation enables the bank to remain future-ready,” he said. “This milestone reinforces our role in accelerating financial innovation in Saudi Arabia and delivering long-term value for our customers.”

The certification adds to SAB’s broader efforts to strengthen its innovation capabilities as the Kingdom’s banking sector continues to evolve.