The Company for Cooperative Insurance (Tawuniya) and Aetna, a leading global diversified health care solutions company, have entered into a strategic alliance to provide health care benefits and services to Saudi citizens in the Kingdom or abroad and to foreign nationals living in the Kingdom.
The multi-faceted relationship will leverage the strengths of both companies and offer customers living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia quality health care cover, programs and services to better manage their health, and access to extensive networks of health care providers around the world, among other benefits.
Aetna Chairman and CEO Mark Bertolini said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Tawuniya to provide high-quality global health care solutions to meet the needs of our customers and theirs. Tawuniya is a firm that shares our mission to provide easy access to cost-effective, high-quality health care.”
He was speaking at a contract-signing ceremony in Riyadh.
Tawuniya CEO Ali Subaihin said: “We are pleased to work with Aetna to offer a seamless approach to health care benefits for the many expatriates living in our country and for our Saudi citizens whether they are home or abroad. Our arrangement with Aetna fulfills Tawuniya’s ambitious plans to provide an international medical insurance program for our Saudi customers. We look forward to more opportunities to cooperate.”
As part of the alliance, Tawuniya is providing in-Kingdom more than for 80,000 Saudi students when they are back home.
Aetna provides cover for them in the US while they are attending college or graduate school on scholarships provided by the Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission.
The relationship also offers a joint approach to Tawuniya’s global coverage for the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Members will have access to Aetna’s global medical network of more than 100,000 hospitals and doctors outside of the US and Aetna`s customer service platform.
Members of both groups will be served through Aetna’s Arabic-speaking call center in Dubai.
Additionally, Tawuniya is providing exclusive services to Aetna’s customers living in Saudi Arabia, including Council of Cooperative Health Insurance-accredited cover for Aetna expatriate members residing in the Kingdom.
Aetna members will have access to Tawuniya’s network of more than 1,100 direct-settlement hospitals and medical centers.
Sandip Patel, head of Aetna International, said: “Working together, we can offer customers comprehensive health care solutions to meet their needs. We believe our expertise in disease management, wellness and prevention programs can help people in Saudi Arabia live healthier lives.”
Customers of the Tawuniya-Aetna alliance will have access to Aetna`s broad range of online tools and services, including a secure website portal to access and manage their global benefits; mobile and tablet apps to find health care providers in their area and around the world; health and wellness information; health and security alerts; and drug and medical information translation services.
In addition, as part of the relationship with Tawuniya, Aetna is providing Tawuniya with reinsurance as well as product development consulting.
Tawuniya deal boon for 80,000 Saudi students
Tawuniya deal boon for 80,000 Saudi students
Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran
- Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
- Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai
RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.
Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace. The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities. Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings. The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.
بيان رسمي من #الخطوط_السعودية pic.twitter.com/CHfjKj9yLX
— Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية (@SaudiaGroup) February 28, 2026
Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures. The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center. Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.” The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required. Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026
In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to…
Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended it's operations from it's hub Dubai. The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. Emirates said it adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities. The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) February 28, 2026
Emirates urges customers to check https://t.co/Ucm3UswfVh and https://t.co/yehFUeWZQq for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.
We are actively monitoring… pic.twitter.com/SLDC7iNaUN
Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens. It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.
Temporary Suspension of Qatar Airways Flights due to Qatari Airspace Closure
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) February 28, 2026
Qatar Airways Group confirms the temporary suspension of its flights to, and from, Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the…
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.
Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.
