Trascent and Gulaid Holding launch JV to offer facilities management services in Saudi Arabia

Rakesh Kishan, chief executive of Trascent Arabia and managing principal of Trascent
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Updated 09 October 2024
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Trascent and Gulaid Holding launch JV to offer facilities management services in Saudi Arabia

Trascent, a global leader in facilities management advisory services, and Gulaid Holding, a renowned investor within Saudi Arabia’s facilities management sector, have joined forces to launch Trascent Arabia, a joint venture designed to provide value added and differentiated services focused on the Kingdom’s facilities management industry. The new entity will provide innovative solutions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which will focus on transforming the way FM services are delivered across the country and Gulf region. 

Trascent is globally established for thought leadership and expertise in structuring and governing the delivery of best-in-class FM services, drawing from its experience in advising more than 20 percent of the Fortune 500 companies on outsourcing FM across diverse markets. Complemented by Gulaid Holding’s 15-year deep understanding of the Saudi market and local capabilities, Trascent Arabia aims to enhance FM service quality and efficiency through best practices in contracting and managing FM services. The joint venture aims to address unmet market demands by offering cutting-edge advisory, contract management, and program management services.

Rakesh Kishan, chief executive of Trascent Arabia and managing principal of Trascent, said: “Trascent Arabia will bring market-leading expertise in advanced contracting models for facilities management at a time where clients are seeking better and more innovative solutions in FM. By combining Gulaid’s deep local knowledge with Trascent’s market-leading capabilities, we are positioned to deliver world-class services that support the increasing demands of facilities management in Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom invests heavily in new cities, infrastructure, entertainment, and other investments, our services will enable clients to achieve FM excellence for residents, tourists, and businesses alike.”

According to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights, the FM sector in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach $56.33 billion by 2032, growing at a compounded annual rate of 10.3 percent from 2023. With the Kingdom undergoing a transformation for Vision 2030, the FM industry faces increasing pressure to move beyond traditional manpower-based services to more sophisticated, customer experience-led solutions. Trascent Arabia will help clients achieve advanced FM services tailored to support key national megaprojects, such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project.

Naser Gulaid, executive chairman of Gulaid Holding, added: “For the past 15 years, Gulaid Holding has been a leading investor in Saudi Arabia’s FM industry. With Vision 2030 raising the bar for excellence, Trascent Arabia will help to bridge the gap between current market capabilities and future demands. Our services will not only enhance operational efficiencies but also introduce technology-driven FM strategies that focus on customer experience, sustainability, and efficiency, perfectly aligning with the Kingdom’s vision for growth. Our clients want innovative, experience-led services, and that’s exactly what Trascent Arabia is bringing to the table.”

Trascent Arabia will focus on three core service areas: management consulting services — advising clients on how to structure FM contracts, develop service specifications and deploy best practices in commercial models; contract execution and management — providing a single point of contact for ensuring compliance performance across FM contracts; and program management — overseeing key client initiatives, including energy efficiency and sustainability projects, ensuring their effective and timely implementation. 

The joint venture will position Trascent Arabia as a key FM resource for clients in Saudi Arabia. The company will be led by an experienced executive team with a deep knowledge of local dynamics and global FM best practices. 


Preventive care: rethinking everyday health in Saudi Arabia

Updated 10 December 2025
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Preventive care: rethinking everyday health in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, a quiet revolution is reshaping the way people think about health. It is not happening in operating rooms or emergency wards — it is unfolding in homes, schools, and communities. It is imperative we ask ourselves: what if health began long before the doctor’s visit? What if the most powerful interventions were the ones we made every day — at home, at school and in our communities?

This philosophy is at the heart of Haleon’s work in Saudi Arabia, where the consumer healthcare company is helping redefine what it means to be healthy. It is not just about curing illness; it is about preventing it. It is not just about access; it is about empowerment. And it is not just about innovation; it is about inclusion.

Prevention as a national imperative

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its Health Sector Transformation Program have placed preventive care at the center of the national strategy. This is not just policy — it is a paradigm shift. From chronic disease management to oral hygiene education, the Kingdom is investing in initiatives that help people stay healthy, not just get treated.

This shift is especially critical in a region where lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are on the rise. By promoting healthier habits and early intervention, Saudi Arabia is not only improving individual outcomes, it is reducing long-term strain on hospitals and clinics.

From awareness to action

Health literacy remains one of the most overlooked barriers to better outcomes in the pursuit toward preventive health, with low health literacy associated with 2.8 times higher health costs per person. By focusing on everyday habits, Haleon is shifting the narrative from reactive care to proactive wellness.

Darśana Nair, general manager of Haleon Saudi Arabia, said: “When people understand their health, they’re empowered to protect it.”

This belief drives Haleon’s broader investment in wellness, including its Pain Management Institute, a resource hub for both professionals and patients navigating chronic pain. With 70 percent of its Saudi business dedicated to over-the-counter products, Haleon is championing accessible, preventive care that meets people where they are.

Inclusivity as a strategy

Haleon’s commitment to health equity is evident in its outreach; the company ensures that no community is left behind. Arabic-language materials and culturally tailored programs make health information more relevant and actionable, breaking down barriers and building trust.

Global roots, local impact

Headquartered in Jeddah, Haleon has built a workforce that is nearly 50 percent Saudi nationals and invested in local manufacturing, including the production of Panadol in the Kingdom. This localization strategy strengthens supply chains, supports job creation, and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals for industrial growth and economic resilience.

“Our collaboration with the Ministry of Investment to localize Panadol manufacturing is just one example of how we support job creation, industrial growth, and supply chain resilience,” said Nair. “By promoting prevention and self-care, we also help reduce the long-term burden on hospitals and make the healthcare system more sustainable for everyone.”

A new era of everyday health

Haleon’s work in Saudi Arabia is more than corporate strategy — it is a vision for the future. “We believe that better everyday health is possible for everyone,” Nair said. “Working alongside our partners and communities, we are proud to support Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future.”

  • The writer, Darsana Nair, is general manager at Haleon.