Saudi health minister launches medical software licensing scheme

Saudi Minister of Health Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel launched a licensing initiative for medical software developers on Tuesday. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 October 2024
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Saudi health minister launches medical software licensing scheme

  • Initiative, unveiled during Global Health Exhibition, aims to streamline the use of software in medical diagnosis, treatment and decision-making processes

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Health Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel launched a licensing initiative for medical software developers on Tuesday.

It is a major step in advancing digital health in the Kingdom.

The initiative, unveiled during the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh which began this week, aims to streamline the use of software in medical diagnosis, treatment and decision-making processes.

A launch event was attended by key figures in the Saudi health sector, including Saudi Food and Drug Authority CEO Hisham S. Al-Jadhey.

The initiative will allow innovators, research centers and investors to develop and implement advanced medical software in the Kingdom without establishing physical manufacturing facilities.

By focusing on the licensing of software for medical devices and supplies, the SFDA is looking to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the global digital health landscape.

The scheme will also enhance the Kingdom’s digital diagnosis and treatment capabilities, while supporting the broader adoption of modern technologies in healthcare, an SFDA statement said.

Medical software has become an essential tool for healthcare professionals worldwide, enabling more accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes.

With the new licensing framework, the Kingdom is ensuring that its health sector keeps pace with the latest technological advancements, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety, the statement added.


Malaysian minister commends Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs

Updated 27 February 2026
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Malaysian minister commends Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs

  • Ministry of Islamic Affairs implements Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program for distributing dates in 120 countries, iftar meals in 70 countries

RIYADH: Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has commended Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs, saying that the implementation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ iftar and date distribution programs in Kuala Lumpur embodies the deep ties and humanitarian solidarity between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, the minister praised the Kingdom’s historical commitment to caring for the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah and attending to the affairs of Muslim nations, Saudi Press Agency reported.

He described the initiative as a generous gesture that reflected the values of cooperation, concluding with prayers for the continued security and stability of the Kingdom and its leadership.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ dates distribution program during a ceremony at the Saudi Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, SPA reported.

The total quantity allocated for distribution is five tonnes of premium Saudi dates, benefiting about 15,000 people in various Romanian cities and regions, as part of the ministry’s Ramadan programs implemented outside the Kingdom during the holy month.

A number of attendees and beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to the Kingdom, its leadership and people for the donation.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs also launched the iftar program for fasting Muslims in Korea at the Seoul Central Mosque, in the presence of the charge d’affaires at the Kingdom’s embassy in Korea, Fahd Al-Barakah.

Three tonnes of dates will be distributed, benefiting 12,000 people, while about 10,000 will benefit from the iftar program.

This initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to promote the values of solidarity and compassion among Muslims worldwide during Ramadan.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs implements the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program for distributing dates in 120 countries and the program for providing iftar meals in 70 countries.