Makkah Health Cluster showcases AI innovations at Riyadh expo
Updated 26 October 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Makkah Health Cluster is participating in the Global Health Exhibition, which is being held from Oct. 27 to 30 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center under the theme “Invest in Health.”
The event features health innovations and experts from more than 130 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The cluster is showcasing its iSelfie project, which uses artificial intelligence and photoplethysmography. The initiative speeds up patient assessments by 70 percent, cutting the time per patient from seven to two minutes in emergency departments.
The smart vital signs project will be implemented across 14 hospitals and 15 primary healthcare centers, saving SR120,000 ($32,000) a year by eliminating Dynamap devices.
It is also expected to reduce nursing costs by SR15.3 million and optimize the workforce by 50 percent through AI automation while maintaining quality care, the SPA added.
These solutions advance healthcare digitalization in line with Vision 2030, improving access, efficiency, and self-care through smart technology.
The exhibition serves as a platform for health practitioners, featuring more than 100 dialogue sessions and workshops on the future of healthcare, AI’s role, and the health investment landscape in the Kingdom.
Jeddah Book Fair set to showcase rising Saudi literary scene
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops
Updated 09 December 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is preparing to host the Jeddah Book Fair from Dec. 11 to 20 at Jeddah Superdome, bringing together more than 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries across 400 booths.
Held under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair is part of the commission’s “Saudi Reads” campaign, which seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
Jeddah Book Fair’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage. (Supplied/@saudibookfairs)
Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, CEO of the commission, said the Jeddah Book Fair reflects the leadership’s continued commitment to cultural development and the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s literature, publishing and translation sector.
He highlighted the fair’s interactive programs for publishers, authors, translators and the public, which are designed to enhance content quality, support creative development and foster knowledge partnerships.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Jeddah Book Fair seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
• It will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
• The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers.
The event also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural hub attracting major publishers, content creators and investors.
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops. A dedicated children’s zone will feature literary and entertainment activities tailored to young visitors, along with competitions to inspire reading and creativity.
The fair will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
Book-signing stations will give readers the chance to meet their favorite authors, while cultural organizations, community groups and universities will present their latest publications and initiatives.
A manga and anime zone will highlight collectibles from the genre, alongside specialized books. A discounted books section will also be available to promote wider access to reading.
The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers, where hundreds of titles across literary and cultural fields will be showcased, underscoring the fair’s role in nurturing local talent and enriching the Kingdom’s evolving literary scene.
