Saudi Arabia Approves Establishment of Holding Company to Raise Effectiveness of Saudi Health System

Saudi Arabia approves the establishment of a major national holding company to raise the performance of the health sector. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia approves the establishment of a major national holding company to raise the performance of the health sector. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Approves Establishment of Holding Company to Raise Effectiveness of Saudi Health System

Saudi Arabia approves the establishment of a major national holding company to raise the performance of the health sector. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia approves the establishment of a major national holding company to raise the performance of the health sector. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has agreed to a government decision to establish the Health Holding Company to raise the effectiveness of the performance of the system, and approve the organization of the National Health Insurance Center.

According to official sources, the Ministry of Health will focus on regulating and supervising all public and private health institutions, while the Health Holding Company, via its local health subsidiaries, will provide integrated healthcare services to beneficiaries all around the Kingdom.

The supervisory committee for privatization in the health sector is set to be the constituent assembly of the Health Holding Company, and the main and additional members will represent the state’s share and exercise its powers.

Minister of Health, Eng. Fahd Al-Jalajel said the decision reflected the leadership’s interest in improving health care services provided to citizens and residents, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

He added that the decision would lay the legal foundations for implementing the transformation strategy within the Ministry, which will take place in successive stages over the coming years.

The sources noted that the Health Holding Company and its subsidiaries would be committed to applying the modern health care model, in accordance with the requirements set by the Ministry of Health.

The new company will provide specialized services such as caring for patients with cancer and kidney failure, developing critical care services, ensuring the speedy handling of heart attacks, strokes, and injuries, and expanding digital health programs and virtual medical care services.



Saudi Foreign Minister, Belgian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Belgian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call with Maxime Prévost, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Development Cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday.

During the call, they discussed recent regional developments and the efforts being made to address them.


Britain Stresses Importance of Gulf Participation in Consolidating the Ceasefire

This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)
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Britain Stresses Importance of Gulf Participation in Consolidating the Ceasefire

This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer concluded a “productive” visit to the Gulf as part of a three-day tour aimed at consolidating the ceasefire to reach a permanent solution to the conflict.

He also underlined the need for Gulf countries to be part of the ceasefire, saying it was vital for its success.

Starmer was received in Doha by Emir of Qatar Shiekh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. They exchanged views on current issues, stressing the importance of continued coordination and consultations.

Sheikh Tamim expressed his gratitude for the United Kingdom's stance and praising the strong and close relations between the two countries, said Qatar’s state news agency QNA.

Starmer reiterated his condemnation of the Iranian attacks against Qatar, affirming his country's full solidarity and support for Qatar's measures aimed at preserving its sovereignty, security, and stability.

They welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, emphasizing its importance in de-escalating tensions and enhancing regional stability.

They also stressed the need for joint efforts with international parties to solidify and build upon the agreement, leading to a lasting peace accord that guarantees regional security, the stability of supply chains, and the continued flow of global energy through the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting was attended Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, along with and a number of senior officials.

Several members of the accompanying British delegation were also present.

Starmer’s tour of the Gulf also took him to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.


Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Meets UN Special Envoy

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber met with United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg. (SPA)
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber met with United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg. (SPA)
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Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Meets UN Special Envoy

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber met with United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg. (SPA)
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber met with United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg. (SPA)

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen and General Supervisor of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), Mohammed Al-Jaber, met on Thursday with United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments in the region and in Yemen, as well as joint efforts to address the issue of detainees, abductees, and prisoners.

They also highlighted the positive progress achieved in this humanitarian file.