عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

Saudi Arabia Offers Attractive Digital Infrastructure for Health Companies

Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel during the opening of one of the new branches of Magrabi Hospitals in Makkah. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel during the opening of one of the new branches of Magrabi Hospitals in Makkah. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Offers Attractive Digital Infrastructure for Health Companies

Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel during the opening of one of the new branches of Magrabi Hospitals in Makkah. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel during the opening of one of the new branches of Magrabi Hospitals in Makkah. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s health system has become an attractive investment environment for the private sector at the local and international levels, thanks to the government’s rapid restructuring moves, a solid digital infrastructure and the adoption of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel recently stated that by 2024, the Health Holding Company will take over all health clusters, as part of the privatization plan that seeks to bring a significant change in health services according to a modern care model.
These efforts aim to establish a system capable of facing current and future health care challenges and reducing operational costs for beneficiaries in the Kingdom.
The health sector privatization plan also contributes to improving the quality of health services and ensuring their financial sustainability, and stimulates companies to adopt the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The CEO of Magrabi Hospitals and Centers, Mutasim Ali Reda, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Kingdom is witnessing a radical transformation in the health care sector, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, with the aim of promoting a dynamic society and a strong economy.
He stressed that this transformation focuses on improving access to health care, modernizing facilities and equipment, and enhancing the role of private investment in the sector.
Reda noted that strengthening the primary care system is an important step towards achieving more equitable health services and ensuring that every individual enjoys rapid access to medical treatments.
This objective not only contributes to reducing overall health costs, but also improves patient safety and the quality of healthcare, he underlined.
The CEO of Magrabi Hospitals added that the private sector plays a pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom’s efforts towards achieving its national health goals and ensuring comprehensive access for all to high-quality health care services.

 

 

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
TT
TT

Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)

Telecommunications companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) achieved a 12.46 percent growth in their net profits, which reached SAR 4.07 billion ($1.09 billion) during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.62 billion ($965 million) during the same period last year.

They also recorded a 4.76 percent growth in revenues during the same quarter, after achieving sales worth more than SAR 26.18 billion ($7 billion), compared to SAR 24.99 billion ($6.66 billion) in the same quarter of 2023.

The growth in the revenues and net profitability is the result of several factors, including the increase in sales volume and revenues, especially in the business sector and fifth generation services, as well as the decrease in operating expenses and the focus on improving operational efficiency, controlling costs, and moving towards investment in infrastructure.

The sector comprises four companies, three of which conclude their fiscal year in December: Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Mobily, and Zain Saudi Arabia. The fiscal year of Etihad Atheeb Telecommunications Company (GO) ends on March 31.

According to its financial results announced on Tadawul, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) achieved a 33 percent growth rate of profits, bringing its profits to SAR 661 million by the end of the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 497 million during the same period in 2023. The company also achieved a 4.59 percent growth in revenues to reach SAR 4.47 billion, compared to SAR 4.27 billion in the same quarter of last year.

The Saudi Telecom Company achieved the highest net profits among the sector’s companies, at about SAR 3.304 billion in the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.008 billion in the same quarter of 2023. The company registered a growth of 4.52 percent in revenues.

On the other hand, the revenues of the Saudi Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain Saudi Arabia) increased by about 6.69 percent, as it recorded SAR 2.55 billion during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 2.39 billion in the same period last year.

Commenting on the quarterly results of the sector’s companies, and the varying net profits, the head of asset management at Rassanah Capital, Thamer Al-Saeed, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi Telecom Company remains the sector leader in terms of customer base expansion.

He also noted the continued efforts of Mobily and Zain to offer many diverse products and other services.

Financial advisor at the Arab Trader Mohammed Al-Maymouni said the financial results of telecom sector companies have maintained a steady growth, up to 12 percent, adding that Mobily witnessed strong progress compared to the rest of the companies, despite the great competition which affected its revenues.

He added that Zain was moving at a good pace and its revenues have improved during the second quarter of 2024. However, its profits were affected by an increase in the financing cost by SAR 26.5 million riyals and a rise in interest, while net income declined significantly compared to the previous year, during which the company made exceptional returns.