stc forges new partnerships to revolutionize healthcare sector

Updated 02 November 2024

Arab News

November 02, 2024 22:52

stc Group, ��’s leading digital enabler, showcased its cutting-edge digital health solutions at the recent Global Health Exhibition. The group forged several notable partnerships poised to significantly advance and strengthen the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

The exhibition, in its seventh year, took place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center under the theme “Invest in Health.” It offered an opportunity for government officials, industry experts, and healthcare professionals to come together to discuss transformative investments in ��’s healthcare sector.

stc signed several significant agreements to revolutionize healthcare across ��. These partnerships align with the Vision 2030 goals and highlight the group’s pivotal role in driving digital transformation in the healthcare sector.

Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs

Guided by ��’s ambitions to improve the quality of services, increase healthcare access for all, and adopt advanced digital health solutions, stc Group announced a partnership with the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. This new partnership will support medical diagnoses with the latest AI solutions. It will enhance clinical decision-making through AI-driven data analysis, and foster collaboration between clinical and technical teams in both medical and non-medical AI fields.

Medication Dispensing Machines

stc Group announced an agreement to automate medication dispensing machines across hospitals, government centers and public places in the Kingdom. The service will also be available in remote areas, actively supporting the ongoing digital health transformation and enhancing the patient experience.

Ministry of Health

stc Group announced two contracts to deliver the national PACs Tele ICU project to transform the Ministry of Health’s technological capabilities, infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity requirements. This digital health transformation, in line with Vision 2030, will revolutionize patient care across the ministry.

National Unified Procurement Company

A new partnership with the National Unified Procurement Company, which specializes in medical equipment supply and logistics for government entities, will integrate cutting-edge technologies into the healthcare supply chain, supporting the timely and effective delivery of medical supplies.

Dr. Mohammed Alfagih Hospital

Through a separate partnership with Dr. Mohamed Alfagih Hospital, stc Group will elevate the patient experience within hospital rooms, offering a more comfortable stay for patients. The in-room experience will be transformed through the integrated use of infotainment, stc tv and essential core services.

Almana Hospital

Almana Hospital has chosen stc Group as their cybersecurity operations partner in their recent managed SOC selection. Under this partnership, stc Group will provide advanced threat protection and mitigation while enabling comprehensive regulatory compliance, creating a secure ecosystem.

Hail Health Cluster

stc showcased a successful partnership with the Hail Health Cluster on population health management. This collaboration enabled the Hail Health Cluster to raise health awareness, and has provided the cluster with elevated digital health solutions in line with stc Group’s digital capabilities.

stc Group’s participation in the Global Health Exhibition 2024 underscores its unwavering commitment to transforming ��’s healthcare landscape through innovative digital solutions and strategic partnerships.

By signing agreements with key organizations and government entities, stc Group is poised to drive significant advancements in patient care, healthcare access, and operational efficiency.

Jetour and new wave of Chinese SUVs drive Gulf mobility forward

Updated 29 September 2025

September 29, 2025 13:01

Jetour and new wave of Chinese SUVs drive Gulf mobility forward

Updated 29 September 2025

September 29, 2025 13:01

Jetour, one of the fastest-rising Chinese SUV makers, has chosen the UAE for the overseas premiere of its G700 hybrid SUV in November, a move that highlights both the region’s policy-driven openness and its growing weight as a stage for overseas debuts.

By placing technology at the center of its identity, Jetour is positioning its lineup to address Gulf consumer habits as well as national ambitions.

The result is not just a sales milestone, but an indicator of how the Gulf’s mobility landscape is being redefined.

Gulf drivers are known for sophistication — balancing family needs, lifestyle choices and weekend adventures. Families prioritize space, comfort and safety for long distances. Younger professionals look for digital cockpits, seamless connectivity and distinctive design. Off-road enthusiasts want capable, reliable four-wheel-drive systems that transition cleanly from city roads to sand.

Chinese brands, including Jetour, have gained traction precisely because they align with these segmented expectations.

The appeal is less about headline pricing and more about whether a vehicle matches how people actually live and drive across the Gulf.

Over the past five years, Chinese automakers have steadily climbed GCC rankings.

In the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, Jetour has broken into the top SUV charts — a sign of growing consumer confidence.

Recognition from major awards, such as ��’s National Auto Award for “Best Midsize SUV,” has further strengthened credibility among buyers who may be testing these brands for the first time.

With both peer validation and institutional recognition increasing, Gulf buyers are showing greater willingness to embrace new players.

Technology is increasingly seen as the decisive frontier. Hybrid systems, advanced driver-assistance and features adapted to both desert extremes and dense urban roads, have become differentiators.

Jetour’s forthcoming G700 hybrid SUV, set for a UAE debut, illustrates how newer players are placing technology, safety and sustainability at the center of their strategy.

The direction of travel is clear: efficiency must come without sacrificing usable power, software must be intuitive, and capability must be proven in heat, sand and traffic — not just on paper.

For policymakers, these innovations are more than incremental upgrades. They are tools to meet climate commitments and support economic diversification, from energy transition targets to knowledge-economy goals.

For consumers, they translate into vehicles that feel modern without feeling experimental — cars that deliver the right mix of range, comfort and capability for day-to-day Gulf realities.

The Gulf’s auto market is no longer defined solely by traditional players.

The rise of Chinese SUVs illustrates a wider transformation — one that blends evolving consumer lifestyles, government sustainability targets and new global supply dynamics.

Jetour’s growth is just one case, but it tells a larger story: how a new generation of automakers is moving from being seen as outsiders to becoming integral to the region’s mobility future.

That future is unlikely to be shaped by a single technology or brand. Instead, it will be built around ecosystems in which vehicles serve as connected, intelligent nodes within smarter cities and cleaner energy systems.

In such a setting, the winners will be those who align products with policy, pair software with sturdiness, and treat the Gulf not as a peripheral market but as a proving ground.

On all three counts, the momentum behind Jetour and the broader wave of Chinese SUVs suggests that the competitive order is still being written — and that Gulf consumers will have more credible choices than ever as they chart the road ahead.

SUDO Consultants recognized as AWS Premier Tier Services Partner in the Amazon Web Services partner network

Updated 29 September 2025

September 29, 2025 11:25

SUDO Consultants recognized as AWS Premier Tier Services Partner in the Amazon Web Services partner network

Updated 29 September 2025

September 29, 2025 11:25

, a leading cloud consulting and digital transformation partner in the Middle East, has been recognized as an AWS Premier Tier Services partner in the AWS partner network.

Being recognized as an AWS Premier Tier Services Partner differentiates SUDO as an AWS partner that has demonstrated expertise and notable success in helping customers design, architect, build, migrate, and manage workloads on AWS.

“SUDO Consultants is proud to be recognized as a Premier Tier Services Partner in the AWS Partner Network,” said Hameedullah Khan, CEO of SUDO Consultants.

“This recognition validates the results we deliver and the trust our clients place in us. Completing the rigorous process of demonstrating AWS expertise shows that our team is dedicated to helping companies achieve their goals by leveraging the agility, breadth of services, and pace of innovation that AWS provides.”

To qualify for Premier Tier, companies must complete a rigorous approval process through accreditations and certifications, demonstrate a long-term investment in their relationship with AWS, and showcase extensive expertise in deploying customer solutions on AWS. AWS Premier Tier Services Partners also have a strong team of AWS-trained and certified consultants and proven capabilities in project management and professional services.

As part of its expanding AWS practice, SUDO has also achieved multiple AWS competencies — including DevOps, Resilience, and Machine Learning — and has launched AWS Bedrock-powered generative AI frameworks for industries such as finance, retail, and healthcare.

These solutions are designed to deliver:

Improved customer experiences through AI-driven personalization and real-time decisioning.
Faster innovation by automating content creation and product design to cut time-to-market.
Greater efficiency with predictive analytics and process automation that unlock up to 40% in productivity gains.
Stronger compliance by embedding security and governance into every AI workflow.

“We’re excited to bring our Premier Tier capabilities to GITEX Global 2025, where we’ll showcase how generative AI can move beyond hype to deliver real business impact,” said Khan.

Customers across the Middle East have already benefited from SUDO’s expertise, including enterprises in financial services, logistics, and consumer goods who have scaled operations and reduced costs using AWS-native solutions implemented by SUDO.

About SUDO

SUDO Consultants is a leading cloud consulting and digital transformation company, helping organizations across the Middle East embrace the future with AWS-powered innovation. From DevOps to GenAI, from resilience frameworks to cloud optimization, SUDO empowers enterprises to move faster, smarter, and with confidence.

Catch SUDO Live:

AWS Cloud Day, Riyadh – September 29, 2025
Join us in Riyadh to connect with our AWS experts, explore our GenAI use cases, and discover how our Premier Tier recognition can accelerate your business.

inDrive brings transparent ride-hailing to Riyadh

Updated 28 September 2025

September 28, 2025 10:06

inDrive brings transparent ride-hailing to Riyadh

Updated 28 September 2025

September 28, 2025 10:06

Riyadh has a new way of getting around — inDrive, the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app, has officially launched in the Saudi capital. The rollout follows its successful Jeddah debut earlier this year, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion across the Kingdom.

What sets inDrive apart from other ride-hail apps is that it puts passengers and drivers in control, allowing them to agree on a fair price before every trip. No hidden fees, no fixed rates, just a transparent exchange that gives both sides the power to decide.

This peer-to-peer model is where inDrive breaks the mold. Riders propose their price, and drivers can accept, decline, or suggest a different fare. The result is ride pricing shaped by real people who understand the route, not an algorithm that surges pricing.

For drivers, the benefits go further. inDrive’s commission fee is two to three times lower than the industry average, and during the launch phase in the Kingdom, inDrive is waiving commission fees entirely. Drivers get to take home more of what they make from the very start.

Fairness with inDrive goes beyond pricing. Safety remains at the core of its service, with driver verification, live ride tracking, and a 24/7 support system for every journey. Riders and drivers both benefit from these features, securing each trip from A to B.

The Riyadh launch is one of inDrive’s defining milestones for 2025. People in Jeddah are already regularly using the app to get around, driving platform growth by 250 percent month-over-month in Q3 of 2025.

Globally, inDrive has been downloaded more than 360 million times and now operates in 982 cities across 48 countries. This expanding presence perfectly positions the company to play an active role in advancing ��’s Vision 2030 goals for mobility and innovation.

inDrive is shaking up ride-hailing in ��, and that’s just the start. By rethinking how drivers and riders set fares, the company is introducing fairness and transparency into a market that has long operated the same way around the world.

Mobility is just the first step. At Riyadh’s Money 20/20, inDrive’s leadership shared how its vision for digital ecosystems is expanding into fintech, delivery, advertising, and more, while also advancing initiatives in education, sustainability, culture, and gender equality. The ambition is bold: to positively impact the lives of 1 billion people by 2030, starting with every ride on the streets of Riyadh.

What’s rolling out on the streets of Riyadh is a signal that inDrive is ready to bring more clarity, choice, and control to every service it can provide.

National Day: LuLu gifts new cultural landmark to Eastern Province

Updated 23 September 2025

September 23, 2025 09:05

National Day: LuLu gifts new cultural landmark to Eastern Province

Updated 23 September 2025

September 23, 2025 09:05

LuLu Hypermarket has once again secured a prestigious place in the Guinness World Records, adding to its legacy of record-breaking achievements with the creation of the world’s largest shattered glass artwork. The breathtaking masterpiece was unveiled during the 95th Saudi National Day celebrations at Alkhobar New Corniche on Sept. 20.

Featuring the official Saudi National Day symbol, the artwork was crafted with the support of Khobar Municipality and Unilever (Comfort). This striking artwork, embodying the Kingdom’s values of unity, pride, and collective spirit, has been presented as a gift to Khobar Municipality, where it will stand as a permanent cultural landmark in the Eastern Province.

Designed and executed by acclaimed Saudi visual artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth, the record-breaking installation transforms broken glass into an intricate celebration of tradition and modern artistry. Al-Maghlouth, widely recognized for his pioneering shattered glass painting style, captivated attendees with this vibrant tribute to national heritage.

The grand unveiling drew an audience comprising senior officials and dignitaries, including Naif Al-Suwaie, business development manager, Khobar Municipality; Sultan Al-Otaibi, manager of media and corporate communications, Khobar Municipality; Mohamed Haris, Director of LuLu Saudi Hypermarkets; Shamnas Pallikandy, regional director for the Eastern Province; and Muhammad Ahmad Abdul Jalil Bubushait, executive manager.

Al-Suwaie said: “We congratulate LuLu Hypermarket for this remarkable accomplishment, which stands as a proud symbol of Saudi heritage and creativity and a fitting gift to the nation on this special day.”

Haris added: “We are deeply honored to present this shattered-glass masterpiece to the Kingdom as part of the 95th Saudi National Day celebrations. This Guinness World Record is a heartfelt tribute to the people of ��, and we extend our sincere thanks to the Khobar Municipality, Unilever, the General Entertainment Authority, and artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth for their invaluable support.”

This landmark achievement not only adds a prestigious Guinness World Record to LuLu’s legacy but also underscores the retailer’s commitment to celebrating ��’s heritage and creating unforgettable experiences for the community and visitors alike.

Riyadh to host first edition of ‘BIO Middle East’ conference spotlighting biotech innovation

Updated 23 September 2025

September 23, 2025 02:00

Riyadh to host first edition of ‘BIO Middle East’ conference spotlighting biotech innovation

Updated 23 September 2025

September 23, 2025 02:00

The Saudi Ministry of Health has announced the launch of the first edition of BIO Middle East, a regional event dedicated entirely to biotechnology.

The event will take place from May 11 to 13, 2026, colocated with CPHI Middle East at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center.

A first-of-its-kind for the region, the event reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership in this fast-growing sector and underscores its commitment to becoming a regional and global hub for pharmaceuticals and life sciences.

As part of a global series of landmark BIO gatherings that bring together leaders, innovators, and investors from across the world, BIO Middle East will extend this world-class platform for partnership and innovation to the region for the very first time.

The BIO Middle East exhibition and conference will feature high-level panel discussions with global industry leaders, company showcases of the latest biotech innovations, specialized workshops, and networking opportunities connecting investors and researchers to strengthen global partnerships and exchange knowledge in this vital field.

The event is expected to stimulate job creation within the Kingdom’s health sector, attract foreign investment that supports the national economy, and promote the development of innovative medical solutions that serve both local and regional communities — ultimately enhancing quality of life and advancing the transformative goals of Vision 2030.

Minister of Health Fahad bin Abdulrahman Aljalajel said: “The launch of BIO Middle East marks a significant milestone as the Kingdom establishes itself as a global hub for biotechnology and life sciences innovation.”

He added: “This event embodies Vision 2030’s commitment to building an advanced health ecosystem grounded in scientific research and international partnerships, with the aim of developing innovative solutions that serve our citizens, the region and contribute to humanity worldwide.

“In ��, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that brings together human talent, advanced digital infrastructure, and strategic investments to drive growth in this critical sector, enhance quality of life, and tackle global health and environmental challenges.”

Mike Champion, CEO, Tahaluf, said: “BIO Middle East is an exceptional platform that brings together global biotech leaders and decision-makers to accelerate innovation and expand international collaboration in the vital healthcare sector.”

He added: “We at Tahaluf are proud to partner with the Saudi Ministry of Health to organize this landmark event. We are confident that it will catalyze the growth of the biopharmaceutical industry across the Middle East and empower entrepreneurs and scientists to make a meaningful impact.

Hosting this event in the Kingdom is a highly strategic step, given its ambitious vision, advanced infrastructure, and genuine commitment to innovation and scientific research in healthcare.”

Anna Chrisman, president of life sciences at Informa, said that the event aligns with global transformations in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. She said: “BIO Middle East will bring together innovators, deal makers, regulators, manufacturers, researchers, and investors under one roof to collaboratively design a roadmap for advancement and breakthrough innovation in this critical sector.

For more than three decades, EBD has successfully facilitated strategic partnerships between biotech innovators, investors, and pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America, and Asia. We are thrilled to join forces with Tahaluf on this landmark event that will catalyze biotech innovation throughout the Middle East region.”

The Kingdom’s hosting of this global event aligns with its Vision 2030 program and the National Biotech Strategy, under the wise leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global hub for biotechnology and life sciences innovation.

It places strong emphasis on advancing the health sector and its related industries, fostering choice, quality and building an integrated national ecosystem that brings together human talent, cutting-edge technology, and regulatory excellence. This event is the result of a strategic partnership between Tahaluf and EBD Group (a subsidiary of Informa), to create a transformative platform that drives pharmaceutical and biotech growth across the region.

The launch of BIO Middle East reflects the Kingdom’s substantial progress in building a globally competitive biotech ecosystem. �� has emerged as a key player in shaping the future of the sector, supported by flexible regulatory frameworks, advanced digital infrastructure, and growing investments in research, education, and biomanufacturing. The event provides an ideal platform to showcase these achievements and foster international partnerships that fuel innovation for the benefit of humanity.

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