SFD funds specialized hospital in Zambia with $135m

The agreement was signed by SFD CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and Minister of Finance and National Planning of the Republic of Zambia Situmbeko Musokotwane in a ceremony attended by Saudi Ambassador to Zambia Ali Al-Qahtani. (SPA)
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Updated 27 December 2024
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SFD funds specialized hospital in Zambia with $135m

  • The project seeks to establish a specialized gynecological and pediatric hospital with 800 medical beds

RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development has signed an additional development loan agreement worth $35 million for the construction of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital in Zambia, raising the total SDF funding for the hospital to $135 million.

The agreement was signed by SFD CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and Minister of Finance and National Planning of the Republic of Zambia Situmbeko Musokotwane in a ceremony attended by Saudi Ambassador to Zambia Ali Al-Qahtani, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

The project seeks to establish a specialized gynecological and pediatric hospital with 800 medical beds in an area of over 200,000 square meters.

The facility will contribute to enhancing specialized healthcare, providing healthcare training, and improving the standards of health services in Zambia, ultimately alleviating financial pressures on beneficiaries.

Al-Marshad, accompanied by Musokotwane and Al-Qahtani, visited the hospital project site to observe the ongoing construction.

Since 1978, the SFD has supported Zambia with over $170 million in financing for various development projects and programs across essential sectors, aimed at fostering social growth and economic prosperity.

The SFD was established to advance sustainable economic development in the world’s least developed countries by leveraging the Kingdom’s resources to provide financial, technical and human support to meet the needs of its partners.


Agreement to boost Saudi music sector

Updated 5 sec ago
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Agreement to boost Saudi music sector

  • Music Commission’s deal with Steinway & Sons to empower, accelerate development
  • Guido Zimmermann: Saudi Arabia is entering an extraordinary chapter in its cultural journey, and we are honored to support this transformation

RIYADH: The Saudi Music Commission, one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, has signed an agreement with Steinway & Sons, the piano manufacturer. The deal aims to empower and accelerate the development and professionalization of the Saudi music sector.

The agreement was formalized in Riyadh by Paul Pacifico, the CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, and Guido Zimmermann, president of Steinway & Sons EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Both entities are to collaborate to empower talent, enhance professional training, and expand access to world-class musical instruments.

The collaboration will advance artistic and educational plans and will serve as a foundation for enabling significant commercial partnerships and business investment in the Kingdom’s music sector. These efforts reflect the Music Commission’s continued participation in supporting and fostering sustainable growth.

The Saudi Music Commission and Steinway & Sons will explore joint initiatives to develop apprenticeship programs for piano technicians; enable joint participation in Music Commission initiatives and events; and facilitate connections with cultural, educational, and retail partners across Saudi Arabia.

Pacifico said: “This partnership with Steinway & Sons is a milestone in our mission to further empower musical talent across Saudi Arabia. By combining global expertise with local creativity, we are building a lasting framework for education, performance, and craftsmanship.

“Our work at the Saudi Music Commission is not only nurturing talent and creativity but is also actively shaping a music market that welcomes industry leaders, generates investment, and supports sustainable growth for businesses and practitioners alike. Together, we remain committed to nurturing music’s enduring role at the heart of Saudi life and culture, inspiring generations to come.”

Zimmermann said: “Saudi Arabia is entering an extraordinary chapter in its cultural journey, and we are honored to support this transformation. This partnership with the Saudi Music Commission reflects our long-term commitment to education, talent development, and the craft of music making.”