Nonprofit organization in Riyadh funnels billions into extending healthy human lifespan

1 / 3
Dr. Mehmood Khan, Hevolution Foundation CEO
2 / 3
CEO Dr. Mehmood Khan said: “Geroscience and healthspan science are critically underfunded, which is why Hevolution is stepping up to bridge this gap. (Supplied)
3 / 3
CEO Dr. Mehmood Khan said: “Geroscience and healthspan science are critically underfunded, which is why Hevolution is stepping up to bridge this gap. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 25 June 2024
Follow

Nonprofit organization in Riyadh funnels billions into extending healthy human lifespan

  • Foundation works to address the underlying causes of aging

RIYADH: Hevolution Foundation is funding research and early-stage investments to catalyze advances in extending healthy human lifespan while understanding the processes of aging.

Boasting over SR1.5 billion ($400 million) in research grants and early-stage biotech investments, the Riyadh-based global nonprofit organization is a philanthropic funder of geroscience, an area of research dedicated to advancing global human healthspan.

Hevolution Foundation is working to address the underlying causes of aging to help prevent the onset of age-related diseases.

The organization says that while the average lifespan in Saudi Arabia is about 74 years, the average healthspan is 64 — indicating a decade-long gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy — and many are living the final years of their lives in poor health.

Geroscience and healthspan science are critically underfunded, which is why Hevolution is stepping up to bridge this gap.

Dr. Mehmood Khan, Hevolution Foundation CEO

CEO Dr. Mehmood Khan said: “Geroscience and healthspan science are critically underfunded, which is why Hevolution is stepping up to bridge this gap.

“Hevolution is proud to be the world’s largest philanthropic funder of geroscience and, following the success of our first Global Health Summit in 2023 and the next summit planned for February 2025, we look forward to continuing the shift from lifespan to healthspan.”

Grant recipients include King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, as well as global institutions including Buck Institute, Northwestern University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Haya bint Khaled, the vice president of research at Hevolution Foundation, said: “With the Kingdom’s National Biotechnology Strategy — which Hevolution made vital inputs into — Saudi Arabia is innovating in health.

“Saudi Arabia is at a perfect moment in time to outpace future demographic challenges by investing in healthy longevity now, and to lead the world in addressing age-related diseases for the benefit of all humanity.”

Hevolution aims to increase the number of safe and effective treatments entering the market; compress the timeline of drug development using the latest tools and technologies; and increase accessibility to healthspan therapeutics for all.

Leveraging its annual budget of up to SR4 billion, Hevolution is committed to increasing the number of geroscience researchers globally, expanding the number of companies working in the field and attracting funding to this vital area of science.

This includes commitment to a SR10.1 million two-year grant program to create the first cohort of researchers from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and other prestigious institutions, to explore areas such as the microbiome, aging biomarkers and senescence.

A SR18 million fund will support up to 15 postdoctoral fellowships to advance the careers of early-stage scientists in Saudi Arabia and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region.

A grant of SR75.7 million over five years will support Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, focused on senescence and aging, led by Dr. Ana Maria Cuervo, a leader in the aging field and member of the National Academy of Sciences.

The organization’s other commitments include SR121 million provided over five years to Northwestern University in Illinois, led by Dr. Richard Morimoto, with research focused on defining healthy proteostasis and maintaining proteostasis in a robust, resilient state.

Established in 2018 by royal order, Hevolution is headquartered in Riyadh with a North American hub in Boston, and plans to expand to other global locations.

 


Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia

Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts reception for outgoing ambassadors.
Updated 16 June 2025
Follow

Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia

  • Event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment

RIYADH: A farewell ceremony for the outgoing ambassadors of Australia, Cyprus, Hungry and Mexico took place at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter on Monday.

The event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment and contribution to diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral level.

“During their tenure they did a good job, serving to expand bilateral relations between their countries and Saudi Arabia to new horizons of success and prosperity. I would like to extend them all the best in their life and future endeavors," said Bamakhrama, who is also the Djibouti ambassador.

He mentioned his involvement with them at occasions such as meeting the Riyadh governor during the holy month of Ramadan, adding: “It was good sharing memories with you, we will miss you.”

Mexican ambassador Anibal Gomez Toledo thanked the dean and the Saudi government for their support during his time in the Kingdom.

“You have been very supportive, and a good friend. It has been an honor for me to be here with you all,” he said, praising the warm Saudi hospitality he had enjoyed.

“I think the Middle East has been a very humanitarian experience for me,” he said, adding the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 was an inspiration to many other countries.

Australian ambassador Mark Donovan said he had enjoyed his time in Riyadh and the good relationships he had experienced.

“It was always very professional and very polite. I consider myself lucky to be here,” he said.

“So my whole experience was pleasant. I will miss the Saudi hospitality, the warmth of working here with you all. Technology today allows us to keep in touch much easier than it did 30 years ago — I’m on Facebook, anybody can find me. I wish you all the best.”

Cypriot ambassador Alexis Phedonos-Vadet said: “I am very grateful to be with you all (in) such a wonderful place with wonderful people. Me and my wife thank you all for the support, friendship and cooperation. It has been an incredible journey.”

Hungary’s ambassador, Balazs Selmeci, said he appreciated the opportunity to get together with everyone before saying goodbye to the Kingdom.

“It really has been a privilege to be a part of what has happened here, the ongoing transformation. There are going to be some good times.”

He also thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting and helping countries evacuating citizens from Sudan. Both Saudi citizens and the nationals of other friendly countries were evacuated in mid-2023, with Royal Saudi Navy vessels and Royal Saudi Air Force planes playing a key part.

Also attending the farewell ceremony were the heads of various missions, ambassadors and other Saudi officials.


Structural restoration of Abha’s Al-Dagal Fortress completed

A project to restore the structural integrity of Al-Dagal Fortress in Abha has been completed. (SPA)
Updated 16 June 2025
Follow

Structural restoration of Abha’s Al-Dagal Fortress completed

  • Century-old landmark in northwest Abha gets major face-lift

JEDDAH: A project to restore the structural integrity of Al-Dagal Fortress in Abha, one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, has been completed.

The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Culture’s Heritage Commission, involved rebuilding collapsed sections of the walls and renovating internal areas.

The team used erosion-resistant granite and juniper wood for the roof and applied a layer of gypsum to the external walls to protect against water infiltration and improve its aesthetic appeal.

Located in the northwest of Abha, Asir Province, Al-Dagal Fortress dates back to the early 20th century. Built on a rugged peak more than 2,300 meters above sea level it measures 43.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a semi-circular northern facade.

The natural slopes and rock formations on the northern and western sides were incorporated into its design to enhance its strength.

The fortress has three main areas: a command and control unit, the soldiers’ quarters and a service unit. A long central corridor runs through the structure, dividing it into eastern and western wings.

It also has a large stone oven for baking bread, a granary and a designated area for preparing haneeth — a traditional Asir dish of rice and lamb — which highlights the site’s cultural and social significance.

Renovation works are ongoing at the site but once completed the fortress is expected to be opened to the public.


Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts

Updated 16 June 2025
Follow

Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts

  • Calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone calls on Monday with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani and EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas, amid growing regional concern over the escalation between Israel and Iran.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.

Both sides reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at containing the fallout from Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran's retaliation, which have prompted fears of a wider confrontation in the Middle East.


Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh

Updated 16 June 2025
Follow

Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh

  • Discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts

RIYADH: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance them. Both officials also discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts.

In a separate meeting, Elkhereiji held talks with Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua in Riyadh. They reviewed bilateral relations as well as recent regional and international developments.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Omani Ambassador Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi. They discussed fraternal relations between the two countries and topics of mutual interest.


Greening initiative sees 31m trees planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

More than 31 million trees have been planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project.
Updated 16 June 2025
Follow

Greening initiative sees 31m trees planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

  • The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land

RIYADH: More than 31 million trees have been planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The trees were planted by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, working with 51 other entities, under a program launched in November.

The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land.

The scheme is part of the nationwide Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees — 600 million by 2030 — and rehabilitate more than 40 million hectares of land.

As well as planting trees, the center has been engaged in a program of environmental monitoring, combating illegal logging and raising public awareness across the Eastern Province.

It also works to prevent sand encroachment in farming areas that are at risk of soil degradation and uses native plant species to populate its afforestation areas in order to maintain the ecological balance of local habitats.

The center also organizes the National Afforestation Season in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.