‘Sip of Excellence Competition’ to recognize Saudi’s best brews

Updated 08 January 2025

Arab News

January 08, 2025 21:28

The Saudi Coffee Company, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, has launched its second annual Saudi Sip of Excellence Competition, where Saudi coffee farmers will compete for a grand total prize pool of SR240,000 ($63,910).

Held in partnership with the global nonprofit Alliance for Coffee Excellence, the competition is designed to educate, empower, and reward coffee farmers from ��’s southern region. This year, entrants from Jazan, Baha, Muhayil Asir and Rijal Almaa will get a platform to showcase their finest green coffee and brews, to a panel of international judges from Alliance for Coffee Excellence, whose experts hail from leading markets like Brazil, Nicaragua, the UK and US, Canada, Belgium, Australia, and Japan.

Through careful inspection and evaluation of a 25-kg sample from each contender over a one-month period, the jury will select 12 winners from the participating cities. The prizes for the top three positions in each city are: SR25,000 for first place, SR15,000 for second place and SR10,000 for third place. The competition will also award cash prizes to the fourth- and fifth-place winners from each city, encouraging meaningful widespread participation.

In addition to monetary rewards, the competition connects winners with larger markets through new networks to importers, exporters, auctions, showcases, and outlets.

“This year marks a significant expansion for the competition,” said Khalid N. Abu Theeb, CEO of Saudi Coffee Company. “With the involvement of more cities, more farmers, and a greater focus on every aspect of production, we hope events like this will help elevate quality Saudi coffee on the global stage while empowering our local farmers.”

By helping Saudi farmers reach global industry standards for high quality coffee, the competition supports Saudi Coffee Company’s efforts to empower the wider sector.

After careful examination of their crop, farmers can engage with industry experts to receive constructive feedback on factors such as soil and water quality, implementing the right fertilizer, picking and pruning practices, securing tools and infrastructure, obtaining commercial records and licenses, and building out their websites, marketing, packaging, and branding.

With its focus on improving the quality of Arabica green coffee in the southern region, the competition is keen to identify the next great specialty Saudi coffees. Farmers wishing to participate should submit entry forms and 1-kg coffee samples — the last date of submission being Jan. 9. Selected farmers will be asked to submit a 25-kg sample by Jan. 18.

The initial round of phase 2 inspection and evaluation of 40 selected contestants will be completed by Jan. 25. A second round of 20 samples will be further inspected on Jan. 29, and a final round of 12 samples on Jan. 30. Winners will be announced during the International Coffee Festival.

Cambridge Health Group reveals new brand identity, Reinforces commitment to patient-centric care across GCC

Updated 45 sec ago

October 30, 2025 17:34

Cambridge Health Group reveals new brand identity, Reinforces commitment to patient-centric care across GCC

Updated 45 sec ago

October 30, 2025 17:34

Cambridge Health Group has unveiled its new brand identity at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh, marking a major milestone in the transformation of healthcare delivery across the region.

The group is the GCC’s leading provider of post-acute care, specifically inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, and home healthcare services.

Its new brand builds upon a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence, compassion, and innovation, while reflecting a forward-looking vision to become the region’s largest and most-trusted post-acute care provider.

The brand reinforces the group’s mission to deliver exceptional care through empowered teams, patient-first values, and regional scale.

The unveiling of the new identity marks the foundation for the group’s next phase of growth, following a period of continued momentum, with capacity expansion, licensing and integration, as highlighted in its majority-owner, Amanat Holdings’ H1 2025 financial results.

The refreshed brand also underscores the group’s dedication to improving the quality of life for patients through innovation, partnership, and people-focused care, positioning the group for its next phase of regional growth and impact.

During the Global Health Exhibition, Cambridge Health Group chairman, Dr. Ali Aldhaheri, along with fellow board members, met several distinguished guests.

Among them were Fahad Abdulrahman Aljalajel, the minister of health for ��; Prof. Dr. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffor, deputy prime minister of health and population for Egypt; and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, chairman of Amanat Holdings PJSC.

Dr. Ali Aldhaheri said: “The unveiling of our new brand marks a defining moment for Cambridge Health Group as we continue to grow and strengthen our presence across the GCC. Our new identity reflects our position as a trusted regional leader in post-acute and rehabilitative care, and our focus on a future defined by innovation, excellence, and patient-centric healthcare.

“Our vision, ‘To be the region’s largest and most-trusted post-acute care provider, delivering exceptional care’, encapsulates our belief that our greatest strength lies in our people, our patients, our teams and our partners, who inspire us every day to deliver exceptional care and better outcomes.”

Wael Abdallah, Group CEO of Cambridge Health Group, said: “The evolution of the Cambridge Health Group brand represents a milestone in our journey to define post-acute care in the region. It embodies our commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality, and accessible care, while ensuring our teams have the resources and environment to deliver the best outcomes for our patients. With our strong presence across the UAE and ��, Cambridge Health Group is well-positioned to expand and elevate post-acute and long-term care throughout the GCC.”

Cambridge Health Group operates six facilities across the GCC, including two in Abu Dhabi, and others in Al Ain, Jeddah, Khobar, and Dhahran, with 715 operational beds and a workforce of more than 1,100 healthcare professionals.

Founded in 2012, the group has grown to become the region’s largest and most established provider of post-acute care.

It delivers long-term care, rehabilitation, home healthcare, and outpatient services through a compassionate, evidence-based and patient-centric model designed to deliver world-class outcomes, support recovery, and improve long-term well-being.

It is majority-owned by Amanat Holdings PJSC, the region’s leading listed healthcare and education investor.

Hyundai’s Chung, crown prince review group’s growth strategy

Updated 30 October 2025

October 30, 2025 13:38

Hyundai’s Chung, crown prince review group’s growth strategy

Updated 30 October 2025

October 30, 2025 13:38

On his recent visit to ��, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. The group’s local growth strategy and future business opportunities were reviewed during the meeting.

Chung’s discussions with the crown prince covered a wide range of topics including the automotive industry and smart cities. This marked the first one-on-one meeting between the two leaders, though they had previously met twice, including during the crown prince’s 2022 visit to Korea.

“Hyundai Motor Group deeply understands the meaning and importance of Saudi Vision 2030,” said Chung. “Based on our competitive business capabilities, we are participating in ��’s giga-projects and look forward to expanding collaboration in future energy sectors including renewable energy, hydrogen, small modular reactor, and nuclear energy.”

Strategic partnership for Vision 2030

�� is pursuing Vision 2030, a national development project aimed at diversifying its economy from energy-focused industries toward manufacturing and hydrogen energy. The Kingdom is hosting international events including the World Expo and FIFA World Cup, positioning itself as one of the world’s most prominent emerging economies.

As the Middle East’s largest automotive market, �� is actively attracting global automakers, including Hyundai Motor, with the long-term goal of becoming an automotive hub serving not only the Middle East but also North Africa.

Executive Chair Chung expressed gratitude for the Saudi government’s continued interest and support, outlining Hyundai’s ongoing collaborative projects and future plans as a partner in realizing ��’s vision for mobility and other sectors.

Regarding the new manufacturing facility in the Kingdom, Chung said: “Hyundai Motor is building a locally tailored factory with specialized equipment to meet ��’s industrial demands and customer needs. We will also consider expanding production capacity based on future market conditions.”

New production hub

Prior to meeting the crown prince, Chung visited Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East on Oct. 26 at the King Salman Automotive Cluster to review construction progress. Together with José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, Chung engaged in a business update session with Hyundai Motor and Kia local leaders and held in-depth discussions with employees about growth strategies.

“Establishing a production base in �� represents Hyundai Motor’s new opportunity in the Middle East,” Chung told employees working in extreme heat. “We must thoroughly prepare in every aspect to deliver mobility that exceeds customer expectations on time, in an environment different from our previous bases — characterized by high temperatures and desert conditions.”

Muñoz said: “Our new �� production facility demonstrates Hyundai’s long-term commitment to the Middle East’s largest automotive market. This plant plays a strategic role in our global mid-term plan while supporting Vision 2030. We’re combining Hyundai’s manufacturing excellence with ��’s talented workforce to deliver mobility solutions across automotive, smart cities, hydrogen energy, and future mobility.”

HMMME, the first Hyundai Motor production facility in the Middle East, is a cornerstone for establishing Hyundai as a leading brand in ��. The joint venture is 30 percent owned by Hyundai Motor and 70 percent by ��’s Public Investment Fund. Construction began in May 2025, with operations targeted to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, manufacturing both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.

The plant combines Hyundai Motor’s innovative manufacturing technology with ��’s talented workforce and infrastructure, positioning it to play a crucial role in the growth and development of the Kingdom’s mobility ecosystem.

Hyundai Motor plans to operate HMMME as a high-quality vehicle production hub by implementing multi-model production facilities to address diverse customer needs, applying simple and robust design structures for easy maintenance, and incorporating cooling and dust-proof measures to handle high temperatures and sand.

Market growth and expansion

Hyundai Motor and Kia continue to grow in ��, selling 149,604 units through September this year, an 8.5 percent increase year over year, with plans to reach approximately 210,000 units by year-end, up 5.9 percent from 2024.

Leveraging enhanced brand appeal and stable supply through the Saudi production base, Hyundai Motor aims to become the leading automotive company in �� through strategies including Saudi-exclusive special editions, an expanded SUV lineup based on customer preferences, and the launch of diverse eco-friendly vehicles including EVs, extended-range electric vehicles, and HEVs.

Kia plans to develop the recently launched Tasman pick-up truck as its flagship model while expanding EV and HEV supply. The brand is also focusing on capturing the PBV market in connection with ��’s smart city projects.

Expanding collaboration

Hyundai Motor is expanding partnerships with key Saudi institutions and companies across mobility, smart cities, and other sectors.

In September 2024, Hyundai Motor signed an agreement with NEOM for “introducing eco-friendly future mobility,” successfully demonstrating the Universe FCEV bus last May on routes connecting NEOM’s central business district with the high-altitude Trojena region at 2,080 meters above sea level. The group plans to continue collaboration as NEOM’s key partner in future mobility.

Last month, Kia launched a PV5 pilot project with Red Sea Global, one of ��’s giga-project developers, following up on Hyundai Motor’s March 2024 MoU with RSG. Kia will provide PV5 passenger models and technical training support, contributing to eco-friendly mobility adoption and ecosystem development while delivering customized mobility solutions optimized for RSG’s tourism industry.

Hyundai is also partnering with the MISK Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by the crown prince in 2011, to foster local youth talent and explore smart city collaboration opportunities.

AI shoppers are coming:Are Saudi merchants ready?

Updated 30 October 2025

October 30, 2025 10:32

AI shoppers are coming:Are Saudi merchants ready?

Updated 30 October 2025

October 30, 2025 10:32

E-commerce in �� is booming. According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank, online spending via mada cards surged to SR29.86 billion ($7.96 billion) in July — a 79.45 percent% increase year -on -year. This growth is driven by a young, tech- savvy population and near ubiquitous Internet access. In recent years, the retail experience has been transformed by the move from cash to digital payments. Now, the way Saudi residents shop is set to change again.

Progress in generative AI is bringing an era of hyper-personalized, automated shopping —agentic commerce. Soon, AI agents will anticipate needs, show the best choices, restock essentials and manage purchases in real time. They will also handle back office chores for merchants, from invoicing to settling disputes.

Agentic commerce could be highly rewarding for retailers ready to seize its opportunities and efficiencies. Merchants that act now will put themselves in a strong position to prosper.

How merchants can prepare
Shops should start by putting their digital shelves in order. AI buyers work best when product information is complete and consistent. Every item should have details that a machine can read, such as size, material, price, tax, shipping, and stock. Promises should be exact. “Ships within one business day” is better than “ships fast.” Verified reviews, certifications, and sustainability claims should be stored in formats that AI can check instantly.

A smooth checkout matters just as much. Shoppers, whether human or AI, are more likely to buy when the total cost is clear from the start, prices and stock match what was promised, and the process takes as few steps as possible.

Reward programs will also need to adapt. AI agents will compare offers with the same care as a skilled shopper. Rewards that work across supermarkets, airlines, and fashion brands could all influence agents’ buying decisions.

Payment infrastructure is part of this readiness. The Visa Acceptance Platform, now hosted on a local Saudi cloud, offers merchants a single integration for faster, more secure transactions. It is designed to meet the latest specifications for agent‑driven payments, so businesses can connect once and remain ready as standards evolve.

Building trust in AI- driven payments
Commerce depends on the systems that let buyers pay and merchants take and manage transactions. Those systems must also be trusted. Shoppers, sellers and banks all need confidence that AI- driven payments are safe and reliable. Agents will have to capture the buyer’s intent, process payments securely and deal with problems such as fraud or disputes.

Visa is building frameworks that consumers and merchants can trust. Visa Intelligent Commerce, for example, links AI agents to its network with credentials and controls to keep transactions secure. And the Visa Acceptance Agent Toolkit, now in pilot, can turn back- office jobs such as invoicing or sending payment links into tasks an AI agent can handle with a simple prompt.

Embracing AI shoppers
�� has embraced new ways to shop before. In 2023, the Kingdom already reached Vision 2030’s target of 70 percent% non- cash retail transactions —ahead of its 2025 schedule. This momentum continued, with the amount of non-cash transactions climbing to 79 percent% in 2024. Saudi residents are likely to adopt agentic commerce with the same enthusiasm. For merchants, the challenge is not just to deliver the goods, but to do so in ways that keep both human and silicon shoppers coming back.

The writer, Rob Cameron, is the Global Head of Visa Acceptance Solutions.

Leading European group GKSD invests SAR 1 billion in Riyadh’s SURGCA center with controlling stake acquisition

Updated 30 October 2025

October 29, 2025 19:59

Leading European group GKSD invests SAR 1 billion in Riyadh’s SURGCA center with controlling stake acquisition

Updated 30 October 2025

October 29, 2025 19:59

Hospital Healthcare Holdings Italy, a company owned by GKSD Srl, a leading Italian group, has signed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in SURGCA, a state-of-the-art day surgery and ambulatory care center in Riyadh. This strategic acquisition marks HHH and GKSD’s entry into the Saudi healthcare sector. The agreement will initiate a long-term investment program exceeding SR1 billion ($266.6 million), fully aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services.

SURGCA is renowned for its advanced surgical and outpatient care, offering high-quality, patient-centric services. Through this acquisition, GKSD will expand its footprint in the Kingdom by developing a network of specialized healthcare facilities focused on clinical excellence, innovative treatment protocols, and cutting-edge technology supporting longevity and health. The initiative underscores GKSD’s commitment to elevating healthcare standards, promoting longevity, and improving quality of life through advanced medical care.

GKSD manages a diverse portfolio of operating companies in Italy, which generates added value for its stakeholders by leveraging on its unique know-how. GKSD also holds stakes in American Heart of Poland and Scanmed, making it one of the largest private healthcare groups in Poland. The group focuses on a number of sectors including healthcare, real estate, engineering, energy, environmental technologies and healthcare advisory services.

GKSD’s shareholders include Gruppo San Donato, Italy’s largest private healthcare group and the leading European healthcare group specializing in acute care, medical education and research. With 150+ medical sites and facilities, world-leading teaching and research hospitals having over 900 patents, a university (Vita Salute San Raffaele University with 22 masters’ programs and PhD level education) as well as medical research ranking top 10 globally, GSD is the pioneer of gene and cell therapy globally. It has led many firsts in bio innovation. The group treats over 6.4 million patients in a year and employs over 27,000 medical professionals.

“This acquisition represents a pivotal step in our mission to support ��’s healthcare transformation. I am a strong believer of Saudi Vision 2030 and am delighted that we have taken our first step into the Kingdom. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the aim is to increase life expectancy and boost a healthy and thriving society in the Kingdom of �� and beyond,” said Kamel Ghribi, chairman of Gruppo GKSD, chairman of the board of American Heart of Poland and vice president of Gruppo San Donato. “By integrating international expertise with local talent, we aim to set new benchmarks in patient care, contributing to a healthier future for the Kingdom and healthier life through our longevity and regenerative medicine protocols supported with cutting-edge research, advanced diagnostics and AI-enabled technology. We remain committed to developing the skillset of Saudi professionals in the field of healthcare and introducing protocols that promote longevity and well-being.”

“We are proud to welcome GKSD Srl as a strategic partner in our journey to advance healthcare in the Kingdom of ��,” said Chairman of the Board of SURGCA Dr. Hisham Abdullah Albabtain. “This milestone marks a significant chapter for SURGCA as we join forces with one of Europe’s leading healthcare groups to bring world-class expertise, cutting-edge innovation, and global standards of excellence to the Saudi healthcare ecosystem. With this partnership, we aim to scale our impact, accelerate access to advanced diagnostics, treatments, and contribute meaningfully to the goals of Vision 2030. We are especially excited about the opportunity to empower local talent and help shape the future of healthcare delivery in the region.”

The investment reinforces GKSD’s dedication to sustainable healthcare growth, leveraging research, early stage disease detection protocols, and technology to meet the evolving needs of patients in �� and beyond.

The stake in SURGCA was acquired from Swellness 46, the company representing the existing shareholders. Swellness 46 was advised by BMG Financial Group, ��, while Al-Tamimi and Company acted as legal advises for GKSD.

Global Health Exhibition 2025: Burjeel Holdings unveils future of intelligent and compassionate healthcare

Updated 29 October 2025

October 29, 2025 15:30

Global Health Exhibition 2025: Burjeel Holdings unveils future of intelligent and compassionate healthcare

Updated 29 October 2025

October 29, 2025 15:30

Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in the Middle East and North Africa region, unveiled a suite of advanced artificial intelligence solutions at the Global Health Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, underscoring its commitment to transforming patient care and advancing ��’s healthcare ecosystem.

During the opening ceremony, Minister of Health Fahad Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel felicitated Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, for the group’s initiatives that advance healthcare transformation in line with ��’s Vision 2030.

Integrating care and intelligence

Under the theme “Care and Intelligence — World-Class Healthcare for the Kingdom,” Burjeel Holdings is showcasing how technology, data, and empathy converge to redefine healthcare experiences. The group is demonstrating a new generation of AI-driven innovations designed to elevate patient outcomes, streamline clinical workflows, and support wellness through personalized, data-informed care models.

“The Global Health Exhibition provides an important platform to demonstrate how care and intelligence can come together to reshape the healthcare experience. With these integrated AI-driven healthcare innovations, we are building a smarter, more compassionate healthcare future that meets the evolving needs of our patients and communities. Our goal is to seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with human-centered care to elevate health outcomes and quality of life across the region,” said Safeer Ahamed, co-CEO of Burjeel Holdings.

The newly introduced AI solutions span a wide spectrum of applications, from digital rehabilitation platforms that enable patients to undergo guided physiotherapy from home to intelligent surgical systems that connect specialists virtually to perform and supervise procedures in real time. These innovations combine clinical expertise with automation and analytics to ensure accuracy, safety, and accessibility in every phase of care.

Another key innovation focuses on predictive and personalized health management. Through data modeling and biomarker analysis, the group’s new digital health platforms can identify early risks, optimize preventive care, and generate tailored lifestyle and nutrition insights. This approach allows clinicians to transition from reactive to proactive care models, improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Advancing personalized, preventive, and mental health solutions

In musculoskeletal and rehabilitation care, Burjeel Holdings continues to deploy personalized and digital therapeutics that deliver home-based physiotherapy and pain management programs. These solutions use real-time monitoring to ensure continuous recovery support and data-driven therapy optimization.

In specialty and complex care, the group continues to advance precision medicine through diagnostic and therapeutic programs that leverage molecular and clinical data. Collaborations with international partners and ongoing clinical trials are helping bring personalized treatments and innovative therapies to patients across the region.

To promote holistic health and longevity, Burjeel Holdings is introducing digital platforms that combine genetic, biomarker, and lifestyle data to provide actionable insights and personalized recommendations for nutrition, fitness, and preventive care. Complementing these initiatives, the group is integrating empathetic AI-powered companions that support mental and emotional well-being through guided assistance and culturally attuned digital engagement.

Across its facilities, the group is also integrating generative AI tools that improve clinical workflows and communication between patients and care teams. These intelligent systems enhance efficiency, safety, and patient experience, reflecting the group’s vision to make healthcare more connected, compassionate, and data-driven.

Since entering the Kingdom three years ago, Burjeel Holdings has evolved from a regional healthcare leader to a trusted local partner. Its brands, including PhysioTherabia and Al-Kalma, have established a strong presence across wellness and mental health services. Al-Kalma’s recent acquisition of a leading mental health facility in Riyadh further underscores the group’s dedication to expanding access to emotional and psychological support. Burjeel Holdings is also preparing to open two new day surgery centers in Riyadh and Alkhobar under its Burjeel One brand, offering world-class outpatient and same-day surgical care.

These innovations reflect Burjeel Holdings’ vision of building a more connected, efficient, and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem across the Kingdom. The solutions are being integrated within the group’s expanding network across the region to improve access, enhance clinical training, and reduce the burden of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases. These developments reinforce the group’s role as a key contributor to ��’s efforts to localize advanced healthcare capabilities and expand digital health infrastructure.

��