Saudi health program sees road deaths drop 50%, life expectancy rise

The announcement came during the Health Care Model Forum. SPA
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Updated 30 January 2024
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Saudi health program sees road deaths drop 50%, life expectancy rise

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation program has led to a 50 percent decline in fatalities from road accidents, as highlighted by the Kingdom’s health minister.

The announcement was made by Fahad Al-Jalajel on Jan. 30, confirming the successful completion of the initial phase of the health transformation program by launching 20 health clusters in various regions of the Kingdom.

The minister added that the World Health Organization’s commendation of the dietary policies adopted to enhance health and community protection is a testament of the good healthcare services provided in the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Moreover, Al-Jalajel noted an elevation in the average life expectancy to 77.6 years, with ongoing endeavors to push it even further to 80 years by 2030.

In a celebration held in Riyadh, the minister commended the leadership for its support. He also announced the conclusion of the initial phase of healthcare transformation, citing promising outcomes such as reduced traffic accident fatalities and recognition from the world’s top health policy-making agency.

Moreover, the minister announced the commencement of the second phase of healthcare transformation, named “Quality,” which focuses on the transition of health clusters to the Health Holding Co., approved by the Saudi Cabinet in 2022.

Al-Jalajel extended appreciation to those who contributed to accomplishing the initial phase, acknowledging and honoring healthcare workers for their dedicated efforts.

Attended by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the event concluded with the health minister honoring the clusters that have shown outstanding performances.

Al-Jalajel also praised the heads of the health consultative councils at the Kingdom’s level for their efforts in completing the first phase of the transformation.

With an emphasis on enhancing accessibility, upgrading facilities and equipment, and amplifying private sector investments, Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system is undergoing a comprehensive transformation to address the requirements of every individual in society, as stated by the Vision 2030 roadmap for the sector.

Spanning telemedicine consultations, data-informed treatment strategies, and improved traffic safety, the health sector’s modification program is committed to securing a prolonged, healthy, and productive life for all Kingdom residents.


Bahri profit rises 12% to $647m in 2025 as oil shipping boosts earnings 

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Bahri profit rises 12% to $647m in 2025 as oil shipping boosts earnings 

RIYADH: The National Shipping Co. of Saudi Arabia, also known as Bahri, posted a 12.07 percent increase in annual profit as stronger tanker earnings and higher global freight rates boosted results. 

Net profit attributable to shareholders reached SR2.43 billion ($647.46 million) in 2025, compared with SR2.17 billion a year earlier, according to a filing on Saudi Exchange. 

Revenue for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, rose 9.12 percent to SR10.35 billion, compared with SR9.48 billion in 2024, while gross profit increased 14.71 percent to SR3.10 billion. 

Highlighting the main reason for the increase in net profit during the current year, the company said: “The increase in gross profit of Bahri Oil BU by SR755 million mainly due to improved operational performance and global shipping rates during the current year compared to the last year.”  

It added: “The increase in the company’s share of results of equity-accounted investees by SR134 million during the current year compared to the last year. 

However, the gains were partly offset by declines in other areas. Gross profit from the chemicals business unit fell by SR324 million, while the integrated logistics unit recorded a SR37 million decrease.  

The company’s operating profit climbed 4.67 percent year on year to SR2.73 billion, reflecting improved operational performance across several business units.  

Bahri said the increase in revenue was driven primarily by higher activity in multiple divisions, particularly its oil business unit, where revenue rose by SR1.26 billion due to increased operational activity and higher global shipping rates. 

The growth in revenue was partially offset by lower performance in other segments. 

Revenue from the chemicals business unit declined by SR396 million, while the dry bulk unit recorded a decrease of SR87 million compared with the previous year. 

Bahri also reported a SR138 million decline in other income, mainly due to lower capital gains from vessel sales.  

The company recorded SR216 million in gains from vessel sales in the previous year compared with SR6 million in the current year. Higher general and administrative expenses and increased finance costs also weighed on profitability. 

Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders reached SR2.38 billion, up 8.65 percent from SR2.19 billion in the previous year. 

 Total shareholders’ equity rose 12.07 percent to SR15.27 billion, compared with SR13.63 billion a year earlier, while earnings per share increased to SR2.63 from SR2.35. 

Separately, Bahri’s board of directors recommended the distribution of cash dividends totaling SR922.85 million for the 2025 fiscal year, equivalent to SR1 per share.  

The proposed dividend represents 10 percent of the share’s par value and will be distributed to shareholders owning 922.85 million eligible shares, subject to approval at the company’s upcoming general assembly meeting. The eligibility and distribution dates will be announced at a later stage.