Arabic Becomes Part of Global Medical Device Nomenclature System

GMDN is a globally recognized standard used by over 7,000 medical device manufacturers worldwide
GMDN is a globally recognized standard used by over 7,000 medical device manufacturers worldwide
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Arabic Becomes Part of Global Medical Device Nomenclature System

GMDN is a globally recognized standard used by over 7,000 medical device manufacturers worldwide
GMDN is a globally recognized standard used by over 7,000 medical device manufacturers worldwide

Arabic has been officially incorporated into the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) system in a historic announcement made during the International Healthcare Technology Management Conference held in Riyadh last month, solidifying Saudi Arabia's role as a bridge between the Arab world and the global medical community.

According to a statement by the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, this achievement is the result of a pioneering three-year project launched in 2022 by the Medical Electrical Equipment Maintenance Professionals Association (MEEMPA), in collaboration with the GMDN Agency, and with support from the commission's Tarjim Initiative.

"The project adhered to top-tier international standards, and the translations were carried out according to ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 requirements to guarantee accuracy and quality in medical terminology," said the statement.
A local translation office accredited by the commission successfully translated 30,000 medical terms; it covered approximately 1.8 million words, of which 900,000 have already been published on the GMDN Agency’s online platform. Translation of the remaining terms is projected to be completed in the coming months.
GMDN is a globally recognized standard used by over 7,000 medical device manufacturers worldwide. It is decisive in standardizing device terminology while it facilitates regulatory compliance, international marketing, and export operations. The system enhances patient safety by providing strict definitions for diagnostic and therapeutic devices.
Speakers at the conference underscored that integrating Arabic into GMDN symbolizes a historic milestone in linking Arab healthcare providers with the global medical community. Healthcare institutions across Saudi Arabia and the Arab world can now create free accounts on the GMDN Agency’s platform to benefit from this service. "This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Program and contributes to greater health integration among Arab nations," said the statement.



Royal Commission for AlUla, UNESCO Inaugurate Exhibition at Venice Biennale Architecture 2025

The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23. SPA
The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23. SPA
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Royal Commission for AlUla, UNESCO Inaugurate Exhibition at Venice Biennale Architecture 2025

The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23. SPA
The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23. SPA

The Royal Commission for AlUla has inaugurated the "Deep Surfaces: Architecture to Enhance the Visitor Experience of UNESCO Sites" exhibition, organized in partnership with UNESCO as part of the Venice Biennale Architecture 2025.

The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23.
The exhibition presents over 50 projects located in UNESCO-designated sites, including World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. These projects range from new architectural developments and rehabilitated historic structures to small-scale interventions and facilities still under construction.
Visitors will explore how architecture contributes to heritage preservation, controls access, supports local economies, and fosters social inclusion. The exhibition also promotes the role of these sites as learning spaces for sustainable development and global citizenship, in response to complex contemporary challenges.
Among the highlights is Hegra, the ancient city in AlUla and the first Saudi site inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The exhibition showcases several initiatives focused on public engagement and safeguarding the site. It also emphasizes the collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla and UNESCO to establish a reference model for best practices as part of a broader partnership for heritage preservation and sustainable development.