RIYADH: Local and international businessmen have been urged to invest in the Kingdom’s health care projects, which have an allocation of SR41 billion for the next five years.
This was stressed during a panel discussion on "Health care: What technologies will transform health care for developing countries"
Dr. Basma Saleh Al-Buhairan, managing director of health care and life sciences sector at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), said the Kingdom's interest to look after the health of its citizens has made the authorities to chalk out a national health plan.
The others who participated in the discussion included Suresh Kumar, executive vice president for external affairs at Sanofi; Steven J. Thomson, senior vice president and chief business development officer at Brigham and Women's Health care; and Jonathan A. Fleming, president and treasurer of NEHI Health Policy Research Organization.
Al-Buhairan said the country has a local population of 6.9 million people. It has over 800,000 people over the age of 55 years and diabetes is a disease, which has affected a section of the people, she said, adding that these are challenges that have to be overcome with proper health planning.
“The high rate of diabetes, obesity and heart diseases coupled with the increasing population growth will turn these challenges into attractive opportunities for investment in the health care sector,” she said. “The reduction of government spending for the coming years will open more opportunities for the private sector to invest in health care.”
Kumar explained that by 2020 the number of diabetics in the world will go up. Around 1.6 million die around the globe due to diabetes and the Kingdom is also concerned with the rising number of diabetics, which has prompted new areas of health care projects in Saudi Arabia.
Thompson said modern technology can be harnessed during this generation when people are making the best use of smart phones.
The forum, which was inaugurated by Abdullatif Al-Othman, governor and chairman of the board of (SAGIA, was attended by more than 2,500 delegates from the Kingdom and other parts of the world.
The forum, which brought together global business leaders, international political leaders, intellectuals and journalists, featured over 80 international speakers to network and discuss the positive impact of organizational and national competitiveness that can have on local, regional, global economic and social development.
Speakers included Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico (2000-2006), Al-Othman, Health Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih, Commerce and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Education Minister Ahmed Al-Issa and Housing Minister Majed Al-Hugail.
The forum shed light on the ingredients that are essential in driving the competitiveness of sectors, the strategies that governments should follow to accelerate competitiveness and, most importantly, the role of competitive sectors in maintaining a sustainable economic growth.
The priority sectors that have been identified to have a direct impact on economic and human development include health care and life sciences, transport, education, ICT, and the services sector such as tourism, financial services, real estate, professional consulting.
Global and local perspectives on issues such as the importance of innovation and ensuring high levels of productivity toward achieving competitiveness in sectors will take a significant part in panel discussions. In addition, discussion highlighted the achievements of economic diversification and the creation of jobs for a growing youthful population.
“We at SAGIA, alongside our partners in the public sector, are committed to leveraging the Kingdom’s unique position as the largest economy in the Middle East toward sustainable economic growth. We will be working together to ensure Saudi Arabia’s business climate fosters and attracts quality investments that attribute to diversified economy, knowledge transfer and job creation, utilizing our talented human capital across all sectors,” a SAGIA official said.
Competitiveness is linked to improving the standard of living of citizens and achieving prosperity and stability, while providing job opportunities is linked to achieving sustainable economic development at high rates. It also helps achieve this goal through improving the performance of various government and private sectors and diversifying the economy's productive base leading to the creation of new job opportunities, increasing the rates of establishing new businesses and consequently increasing the GDP. It is natural that improving the investment environment is the shortest way toward increasing investment rates, which is the main drive for economic growth.
In the context of the comprehensive economic reforms program advocated by the government, improving the investment environment and solving the difficulties faced by Saudi and foreign investors has been a high priority task that is given considerable attention in this program.
SAGIA initiated its tasks to achieve this goal through harmonizing investment regimes with the real requirements of investors and creating an attractive investment environment for domestic and foreign investment in coordination with various ministries and government agencies.
In an effort to improve the investment environment, SAGIA has reviewed and analyzed many reports and studies, and found that the countries with higher standards of living and productivity levels were the most competitive countries.
Thus, SAGIA worked on raising the competitiveness of the Kingdom believing that this would allow for finding radical solutions, including expanding and diversifying the economic base, and would contribute to stimulating the growth of business sector and improve private sector employment rates, as well as improving productivity levels in non-oil sectors.
Saudi health care sector eyes foreign investments
Saudi health care sector eyes foreign investments
PIF’s Alat unveils electrification, AI infrastructure business units
RIYADH: Alat, a flagship company of the Public Investment Fund, unveiled two business units in electrification and AI infrastructure, to establish Saudi Arabia as a premier manufacturing hub globally.
The company unveiled its plans during the Milken Institute Conference held in Los Angeles.
According to a press release, the move comes as part of the PIF company’s strategic vision to spearhead a paradigm shift in industry sustainability while propelling Saudi Arabia on the global stage.
Alat Global CEO Amit Midha said: “I am pleased to announce these two exciting new divisions as they will make a significant contribution to Alat’s overall strategic goal of developing an advanced, sustainable future for the industry.”
The electrification arm will fortify grid technology, catering to the burgeoning demand for electricity driven by exponential growth in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydrogen.
By harnessing Saudi Arabia’s solar energy and other clean resources, the firm seeks to manufacture innovative solutions that will catalyze the global energy transition and drive decarbonization in industry.
The electrification unit will specifically focus on enhancing transmission and distribution technologies, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into existing grids, and pioneering advancements in gas and hydrogen generation and compression technologies.
On the other front, the AI Infrastructure business unit will address the escalating global demand for AI capabilities across industries.
This entails the development of cutting-edge technologies encompassing network and communications equipment, servers, data center networking, storage, industrial edge servers, and Industry 4.0 computing.
“The global electrification market size reached $73.64 billion in 2022 and it is expected to hit around $172.9 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.91 percent between 2023 and 2032,” the press release added.
The global AI Infrastructure market is set to hit $460.5 billion by 2033, with a robust 28.3 percent compound annual growth rate, driven by widespread adoption across industries for innovation, decision-making enhancement, and task automation.
As a gold sponsor at the Milken Institute Conference, the firm now has nine business units focused on sustainable technology manufacturing.
“Alat will invest $100 billion by 2030 across these business units to develop key partnerships and build advanced manufacturing capabilities in Saudi Arabia to bring jobs and economic diversification to the Kingdom,” the press release said.
Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya to build region’s largest water theme park
- Aquarabia will also feature the first underwater adventure trip with diving vehicles
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Qiddiya Investment Co. will construct the region’s largest water theme park as a cornerstone of its Six Flags Qiddiya City venture it was announced on Monday.
To be named Aquarabia, Qiddiya hopes to draw visitors from around the globe with 22 attractions and water experiences suitable for all family members, as well as some “world-first” attractions, Saudi Press Agency reported.
These attractions include the world’s first double water loop, the tallest water coaster with the highest jump, the longest and highest water racing track, and the tallest water slide.
Aquarabia will also feature the first underwater adventure trip with diving vehicles, catering to adventure enthusiasts with water sports areas designated for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, free solo climbing, and cliff jumping.
Additionally, the park will introduce the first surfing pool in the Kingdom, incorporating immersive design elements themed around ancient desert water springs and Qiddiya’s wildlife.
With sustainability in mind, Aquarabia will implement advanced systems capable of reducing water waste by up to 90 percent and decreasing energy consumption. As part of the Six Flags Qiddiya project, the venture, the first Six Flags of its kind outside North America, aims to recycle operational waste, diverting over 80 percent from landfill.
Scheduled to open in 2025, both Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City are situated within Qiddiya City, forming a fully walkable neighborhood offering a diverse array of activities, accommodations, dining options, and relaxation spots.
Abdullah Al-Dawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Co., hailed the announcement as a significant milestone for Qiddiya and the entertainment, tourism, and sports sectors in the Kingdom.
He emphasized that the projects will cater to diverse entertainment needs while contributing to economic diversification and job creation in the tourism sector.
The project also aims to meet the growing local demand for immersive entertainment experiences, particularly in water activities, aligning with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance local tourism and employment opportunities.
The unveiling of Aquarabia follows the announcement of several other entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions in Qiddiya, including the world’s first multi-use gaming and electronic sports area, the multi-sport Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and the Dragon Ball amusement park.
Saudi Arabia ascends as key destination for global talent: BCG report
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player in attracting global talent amid ongoing geopolitical shifts and financial uncertainty, moving up two spots on the list of preferred countries for workforce mobility.
The “Decoding Global Talent 2024” report by Boston Consulting Group highlights Saudi Arabia’s rise to the 26th most preferred country, underscoring the success of the Kingdom’s strategic initiatives to position itself as a global hub for professionals.
This fourth edition of the study draws insights from over 150,000 professionals across 188 nations, tracking global talent trends since 2014.
Riyadh’s rise to the 54th rank globally underscores its emergence as a hub of opportunity and progress in the eyes of global talent.
Christopher Daniel, managing director and senior partner at BCG, said: “As the global talent shortage becomes an increasingly pressing challenge for the world's foremost economies, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a pivotal player in narrowing this gap.”
He added: “With a significant proportion of respondents citing the quality of job opportunities, the attractive income, tax, and cost of living, as well as the assurance of safety, stability, and security as key reasons for choosing the Kingdom, it’s evident that Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in its labor market are bearing fruit.”
Daniel noted that the Kingdom is leveraging labor migration to enhance its workforce, offering a secure and hospitable environment that caters to the diverse needs of international professionals.
“By fostering a job market that is attuned to the evolving aspirations of global talent while prioritizing their well-being, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a compelling destination for those seeking growth and fulfillment in their careers,” he said.
Furthermore, the report highlights that younger generations and individuals from rapidly expanding populations are particularly attracted to global mobility, pursuing diverse experiences and opportunities for professional growth.
With 23 percent of global professionals actively pursuing international positions and 63 percent remaining receptive, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
The Kingdom offers an enriching environment for a globally oriented workforce to excel and progress in their careers, presenting an enticing option for individuals seeking both personal and professional advancement in an ever more interconnected global landscape.
Riyadh Air to expand fleet with additional aircraft orders, CEO reveals
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air plans to bolster its aircraft lineup through additional orders, as it requires “a very large fleet” to establish itself alongside regional giants, stated the CEO.
This move comes as the Kingdom’s second flag carrier, backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund, ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 jets last year, with options for 33 more.
It also aligns well with Saudi Arabia’s goal to expand its aviation industry and attract more tourists, broadening its airline capacity beyond pilgrimage travel, which currently forms the backbone of the country’s inbound tourism.
“We need a very large fleet, we’re going to make a number of additional orders,” CEO of Riyadh Air, Tony Douglas, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.
He added: “We will be making a narrowbody order, we’ll probably be doing another large order after that to build us up to scale.”
During the interview, Douglas, who previously led the Abu Dhabi flag carrier Etihad Airways, expressed being “very conscious” of potential delays to aircraft deliveries. This concern arises as both Boeing and Airbus SE grapple with production challenges amidst record demand and supply issues at the two plane makers.
The establishment of a second Saudi national airline alongside the existing flag carrier Saudia is part of the Kingdom’s economic diversification plan.
In November 2023, Douglas expressed confidence in the demand for travel. “We’re not well enough connected. It’s as simple as that,” he said at the time.
The new airline stands to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing economy and the increasing influx of tourists to the Kingdom. Riyadh Air does not intend to pursue mergers and acquisitions to fuel its growth. “No, it’s organic,” Douglas emphasized at the time.
The initial destinations will include major cities in Europe, the US East Coast, and Canada, with the inaugural flight scheduled to depart by June 2025.
By that time, Riyadh Air will have secured slots at major airports, Douglas mentioned, although hubs like London Heathrow are already operating close to capacity.
“It won’t be easy ... but we have no reason to be anything other than confident that we’ll resolve all of that,” he said at the time.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt retain top spots in MENA travel preferences: Wego study
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Egypt remain dominant destinations among Middle East and North Africa travelers in 2024, retaining top spots in international preferences, according to a study.
Singapore-based travel booking app Wego ranked Egypt as the top destination for tourists from the region between January and April, followed by the Kingdom, with India consistently holding the third spot since 2016.
Saudi Arabia’s second spot on the wish list is a clear indication of the Kingdom’s progress as a global tourist destination, aligning with its National Tourism Strategy aiming to attract 150 million visitors by 2030.
“We are excited to see Egypt emerge as the leading destination for travelers in the MENA region during Q1 2024. According to Wego's data, Egypt stands out as a favored choice among travelers seeking unique cultural experiences and diverse attractions,” said Mamoun Hmedan, chief business officer at Wego.
He added: “Meanwhile, the United Kingdom retains its position as the preferred European destination for Middle Eastern travelers.”
Among Middle East destinations, the top three — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and UAE —maintained their positions from 2023. Egypt and the Kingdom, in particular, have consistently held the top two spots since Wego began tracking customer trends over a decade ago.
The study utilized traveler searches and hotel booking data from its website as the foundation for its findings.
The report further revealed that the UAE ranked as the fourth favorite destination, followed by Pakistan, Kuwait, and Turkiye.
Meanwhile, China dropped one spot, reaching the 27th top destination among MENA travelers.
The UK remains the top European destination from the Middle East, holding the first spot for 10 of the last 11 years, briefly overtaken during the pandemic. Italy has notably surged from fourth to second.
Italy, a top global tourist spot, consistently ranks in the top ten European destinations for Middle East travelers.
This year marks Italy’s debut in the top three. Joint investments between Saudi Arabia and Italy in late 2023, along with direct flights by ITA Airways to Riyadh and Jeddah, signify growing ties.
Countries farther from the Gulf region, such as Morocco, Indonesia, and the US experienced the most decline among top destinations.
This trend continued in 2024, with Malaysia, the Philippines, and the US dropping out of the global top 10, while Kuwait, Pakistan, and Jordan, which entered the top ten last year, remain preferred destinations for MENA travelers.
