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From Lab to Market: Saudi Health Research Charts New Investment Path

Innovation and modern technologies are expanding investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector. (SPA)
Innovation and modern technologies are expanding investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector. (SPA)
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From Lab to Market: Saudi Health Research Charts New Investment Path

Innovation and modern technologies are expanding investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector. (SPA)
Innovation and modern technologies are expanding investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector. (SPA)

Saudi health research is moving beyond laboratories and research centers into investment forums and international partnerships, emerging as a new driver of economic diversification.

Research shaped by the needs of patients in the Kingdom and fueled by expanding healthcare infrastructure and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and medical technology is linking better care to global investment and the localization of knowledge.

With investment opportunities across the healthcare sector estimated at 330 billion riyals ($88 billion) through 2030, medical research is gaining ground as a pillar of an innovation-driven health economy built on partnerships and technology transfer.

The shift comes as Saudi Arabia reshapes its healthcare system under Vision 2030, moving beyond a treatment-focused model toward a broader system that combines prevention, better quality of life, improved healthcare services and modern technology.

The Health Sector Transformation Program is driving the effort by developing hospitals, healthcare centers and emergency services, accelerating digital transformation, and improving access to and the quality of care.

The changes are opening the door for private companies and global businesses to help build healthcare capacity and develop solutions tailored to the local market.

Dr. Salem Assiri, chairman of the scientific committee of the Saudi Interventional Cardiology Society’s annual scientific conference, told Asharq Al-Awsat that medical specialties, including interventional cardiology, had advanced rapidly in recent years.

Many conditions that once required surgery — or had no available treatment — can now be treated through interventional cardiology procedures, he said.

Investment in health research is also an economic catalyst that can draw global companies to the Kingdom, Assiri added.

Modern technology

Speaking at the Saudi International Conference on Interventional Cardiology, Assiri said the latest technologies for treating coronary artery disease and implanting heart valves were now available in the Kingdom.

Saudi specialized centers seek to introduce new technologies as soon as they secure the required regulatory approvals, including from the US Food and Drug Administration, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and other relevant international bodies, he said.

That ensures patients in the Kingdom can access the technologies in accordance with the highest medical standards.

Assiri said specialized conferences bring Saudi and international experts under one roof to exchange expertise and discuss the latest advances in interventional cardiology and heart valve implantation.

Artificial intelligence

Saudi medical professionals are on par with their international counterparts, Assiri said.

Such gatherings offer a valuable opportunity to draw on advanced expertise in artificial intelligence and modern medical technology, while discussing research focused on patients and the Kingdom’s healthcare system, he added.

The next phase will bring more studies rooted in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare environment and addressing the needs of patients in the Kingdom, stated Assiri. Several studies are already underway, with others expected to be launched from the region in the coming period.

The conference extends beyond scientific and medical issues, bringing together specialists and decision-makers from health and regulatory authorities, as well as representatives of public and private healthcare centers and insurance companies, he said.

Vision 2030

Such partnerships have become essential as the Kingdom pursues its Vision 2030 goals, he added, stressing that healthcare must be part of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation.

The conference aims to promote the exchange of expertise and knowledge, support continuing medical education, and encourage scientific research and innovation.

The effort is intended to improve the quality of care and medical services while strengthening the Kingdom’s standing in the medical and research fields.

The Saudi Interventional Cardiology Society organizes the conference.

The society works to advance the specialty in the Kingdom by supporting training and medical education, encouraging scientific research, and strengthening cooperation among physicians and medical organizations in Saudi Arabia and abroad.

Its work seeks to improve treatment outcomes for heart patients and raise the standard of healthcare services nationwide.

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Business

Abdulaziz bin Salman: Riyadh is the Capital of Energy Security

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh (Turki Al-Agili)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh (Turki Al-Agili)
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Abdulaziz bin Salman: Riyadh is the Capital of Energy Security

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh (Turki Al-Agili)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh (Turki Al-Agili)

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed on Sunday that Riyadh represents the capital of energy security, noting that this status reflects the Kingdom's efforts, as well as those of the men and women working in the energy sector, to ensure reliable energy supplies and fulfill Saudi Arabia’s commitments to the world.

Achieving energy security requires cooperation among all countries, he said.

Speaking at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh, at the start of Riyadh Energy Week, the minister expressed hope that the gathering would help direct attention toward the most important issues that energy stakeholders should focus on.

He noted that the current period makes dialogue on energy security more important than ever and that in-person meetings enable participants to exchange assessments directly, discuss concerns, and build the understanding necessary for practical cooperation among nations.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia will continue implementing its plans, meeting its domestic needs, and honoring its commitments to the world regardless of circumstances, stressing the Kingdom’s resilience and ability to continue advancing toward its objectives.

Prince Abdulaziz said that Saudi Arabia’s commitment to energy security is one of its defining characteristics and expressed hope that the event would help more participants understand the depth of that commitment.

“I am proud to say that this country, and the city of Riyadh, is the capital of energy security,” he said, attributing this standing to the efforts of the women and men working in the energy sector and to the work they undertake to ensure the continuity of supplies and the fulfillment of the Kingdom’s obligations.

He pointed to the significant amount of work Saudi Arabia has accomplished over the past eight months, stressing that the Kingdom continues to reassure its partners that it will meet its commitments to the world and will not fail to do so.

Abdulaziz bin Salman also noted that Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its ability to support the reliability of energy supplies under challenging circumstances through investment, preparedness, and decisive action.

He cited the East-West Pipeline as a clear example, explaining that it connects production centers in the Eastern Province with export facilities in Yanbu on the Red Sea, providing an alternative route for oil to reach international markets.

He further spoke about ongoing work on additional pipeline routes, expressing hope that the Kingdom’s commitments in this area would become clearer soon, ensuring the continuation of its efforts and strengthening its role in global energy markets.

Business

International Energy Forum: Security of Supply Requires Ensuring Energy Access for Consumers

International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
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International Energy Forum: Security of Supply Requires Ensuring Energy Access for Consumers

International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat

International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi stressed on Sunday that supply security remains a top priority amid growing global energy demand, driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and the increasing needs of data centers and artificial intelligence applications.

He emphasized that the challenge goes beyond producing energy and includes ensuring that it is delivered reliably to consumers.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum in Riyadh, Alshirawi praised Saudi Arabia for hosting Riyadh Energy Week, which opened with the forum's ministerial meeting.

He noted that these gatherings provide an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between energy-producing and energy-consuming nations and to explore ways of safeguarding energy security amid the ongoing transformations in the energy sector.

He explained that the forum comprises around 70 countries representing the majority of the world's energy producers and consumers. It also includes an industry advisory board that enables companies to participate in the dialogue between governments, helping to bridge perspectives among stakeholders and address challenges related to energy availability.

Alshirawi added that population growth, industrial needs, and the new demand generated by the expanding use of artificial intelligence are increasing the importance of ensuring adequate energy supplies and the infrastructure needed to transport them to consumers.

He stressed that energy security is not only about a country's ability to produce energy, but also about ensuring that supplies reach their destinations in order to meet the needs of economies and industries.

Business

Aramco Namaat: 5 Years of Industrial Localization and Economic Diversification in Saudi Arabia

Two workers carry out tasks at one of Saudi Aramco's facilities. (Aramco)
Two workers carry out tasks at one of Saudi Aramco's facilities. (Aramco)
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Aramco Namaat: 5 Years of Industrial Localization and Economic Diversification in Saudi Arabia

Two workers carry out tasks at one of Saudi Aramco's facilities. (Aramco)
Two workers carry out tasks at one of Saudi Aramco's facilities. (Aramco)

Saudi Aramco is expanding its investments in industries and services linked to its core business through the Aramco Namaat program, which has attracted nearly SAR 216 billion ($58 billion) in investments and helped establish 58 new companies since its launch in 2021, according to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat.

The program reflects the company's strategy of building local and international industrial partnerships aimed at localizing manufacturing and advanced technologies, strengthening supply chains, and contributing approximately SAR 103 billion ($27.4 billion) to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.

Aramco Namaat is an industrial investment and strategic partnership program launched by the Saudi energy giant to attract local and international companies to invest in the Kingdom, develop domestic industries, create jobs for Saudis, and support economic diversification in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Over the past five years, the program has reinforced Aramco’s role in excellence, innovation, and strategic planning, moving from one success to another by leveraging the company’s unique technical, commercial, and execution capabilities.

These five years have marked a turning point by transforming promising business ideas into tangible investment opportunities, turning what was once a vision into successful industrial projects that support a prosperous and sustainable future.

By the Numbers

According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, Aramco Namaat has become the meeting point between ambition and execution. The program has contributed to the launch of 58 active companies and attracted nearly SAR 216 billion ($58 billion) in investments.

Its impact extends beyond investment figures, contributing around SAR 103 billion ($27.4 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP. This highlights the program’s central role in strengthening the domestic economy, localizing key industrial capabilities, and creating employment opportunities for Saudi men and women.

An Integrated Ecosystem

Aramco Namaat serves as a key tool for Saudi Aramco in building industrial investment partnerships. The program’s strategy focuses on creating value through three main pillars:

• Operational resilience for Saudi Aramco
• Technological resilience
• Development of new diversified industries

At the same time, it actively contributes to achieving the ambitions of Vision 2030.
The program seeks to empower national companies and generate value throughout Aramco’s ecosystem across four main areas: manufacturing, industrial services, digitalization and sustainability.

The program has strengthened public-private partnerships and fostered close collaboration with global and local partners, creating large-scale investment opportunities, establishing leading companies, and attracting foreign direct investment, all of which have enhanced the resilience and sustainability of supply chains.

Many of these investments are also supported by Saudi incentive programs that encourage companies to increase local investment. These initiatives have opened new opportunities for industrial-investment partners to participate in and benefit from the company’s long-term growth prospects.

President and CEO of Saudi Aramco Amin Nasser speaks with partners in the Namaat program. (SPA)

Industrial Services

Since its launch, Aramco Namaat has achieved major milestones across its four focus areas and has helped shape the future of industrial localization and economic diversification in the Kingdom.

In manufacturing, the program has supported local production of high-voltage subsea power cables, thick-wall pressure vessels and corrosion-resistant steel pipes.

These initiatives have enabled the localization of strategic and critical manufacturing capabilities.

The program is also working to establish an advanced global hub in Saudi Arabia specializing in modern metal reclamation technologies and production of advanced refining catalysts.

This strategic initiative positions the Kingdom as a leading regional center for sustainable resource recovery, high-value industrial production, and clean-energy solutions, driving economic growth and supporting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible economy.

Within industrial services, Aramco Namaat has supported the localization of a metal casting and forming facility, helping strengthen domestic manufacturing of critical products and enhancing the resilience of industrial supply chains.

The program has also contributed to the development of Saudi engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, increasing their ability to deliver reliable and competitive projects both within and outside the Kingdom.

Digitalization and Sustainability

Aramco Namaat has continued its contribution to national development through key digitalization initiatives.

Among the most notable are the localization of advanced digital technologies, including the establishment of a national information technology services company that provides integrated solutions in software development, consulting, and technical support to meet the technological needs of various sectors.

The program has also supported Unified Telecom, and more than seven companies located in the Digital Hub at King Salman Energy Park (SPARK).

The program has also made significant contributions to sustainability, including a project to localize the production of specialized glass.

Through the GulfGuard joint venture, it supported Guardian Glass in expanding specialized glass manufacturing within the Kingdom.

The project focuses on high-performance architectural glass, helping meet growing regional demand for energy-efficient buildings. The collaboration included the addition of new float-glass production lines and glass-processing facilities in Jubail Industrial City, strengthening the local supply chain with advanced products and delivering significant gains in technology localization.

The Road Ahead

Building on these achievements, Aramco Namaat is moving into its next phase with a focus on developing strategic industrial opportunities that strengthen Saudi Aramco’s ecosystem while accelerating the Kingdom’s industrial transformation.

Its priorities include driving innovation, supporting local industry, diversifying the economy, encouraging ambitious ideas and entrepreneurship, building resilient supply chains and localizing critical and advanced technologies.

The program continues to attract global partners to help establish new industrial capabilities while expanding advanced digital and manufacturing capacities and accelerating the adoption of industrial and digital solutions across emerging sectors.

In this way, Aramco Namaat is becoming part of a broader success story that reflects the Kingdom’s achievements in energy, industry, and innovation, both regionally and globally.