Johnson Controls Arabia, a leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable building solutions, recently hosted its inaugural Community Sports Day, with the support of the Ministry of Sports. The event brought together many families to showcase the unifying power of sports and physical activity, and to celebrate the Kingdom’s successful 2034 FIFA World Cup bid.

Held in alignment with the Ministry of Sports’ vision to promote active lifestyles and inclusive communities, the event embodied the values of teamwork, fitness, and togetherness. The day featured an exciting football tournament, interactive challenges, and family-friendly games that fostered engagement and fun for participants of all ages. The event’s theme, “Live Active,” inspired attendees from government, private sector and nongovernmental organizations to embrace a healthier and more connected way of life.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with one of Vision 2030’s tenets of improving quality of life and cultivating a culture of physical activity. Statistics from the General Authority for Statistics reveal that 48.2 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population participates in sports activities weekly, a momentum JCA is committed to supporting through innovative and impactful programs like Community Sports Day.

Dr. Mohanad Alshaikh, CEO of JCA, said: “JCA’s Community Sports Day is a testament to our dedication to fostering vibrant communities and promoting healthier lifestyles.”

“I also take great pride in congratulating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on its remarkable achievement of securing the World Cup 2034 bid. This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s leadership and its unwavering vision to advance global sports.”

Corporate social responsibility remains a fundamental pillar of JCA’s strategy, driving initiatives that extend beyond the workplace to create a positive societal impact. Community Sports Day exemplifies this commitment by integrating innovation, teamwork, and sustainability into actions that benefit society and the environment.

“Through events like this, Johnson Controls Arabia reaffirms its mission to contribute to a healthier, more connected, and sustainable future for Saudi Arabia and the global community,” a statement said. “This inaugural Community Sports Day serves as a milestone in JCA’s ongoing journey to inspire positive change and support the Kingdom’s ambitious goals for an active and unified society.”

In a significant move that highlights its expanding presence across Saudi Arabia, Burjeel Holdings PLC, a leading super-specialty healthcare provider in the MENA region, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, has announced the acquisition of a 100 percent stake in the Specialist Physiotherapy Center, a premier healthcare facility in Makkah, through its subsidiary Burjeel KSA. With a total investment value of SR6.5 million ($1.7 million), this acquisition aligns with Burjeel’s strategy to broaden its footprint in Saudi Arabia and enhance its capabilities to deliver world-class physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. Strategically located in Makkah, the center is positioned to cater to the needs of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, with hotel physiotherapy offerings designed to support the needs of both tourists and pilgrims.

The Specialist Physiotherapy Center, founded in 2017, is known for its advanced treatments, expert team, and exceptional patient care. Over the past two years, it has demonstrated strong growth, achieving a 2.1x increase in revenue to SR3.8 million from 2021 to 2023, reflecting strong patient demand and operational efficiency.

With an experienced team of 17 highly qualified physiotherapists, the center specializes in sports injuries, pediatric care, and post-surgical rehabilitation. The center features state-of-the-art facilities, including high-intensity electromagnetic therapy, cryotherapy, laser treatments, and a standalone gym, yoga studio, and educational center.

The center presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen Burjeel’s brand presence in this key market, as Makkah attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The center has formed strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Makkah Islamic Authority, the Saudi Federation for Soccer, and the National Guard. It is actively involved in partnerships with sports academies, medical organizations, and local charities to promote health and wellness.

John Sunil, group CEO of Burjeel Holdings, said: “This strategic acquisition reflects our commitment to enhancing access to world-class healthcare services across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Recognizing Makkah’s status as a primary destination for pilgrims, integrating the Specialist Physiotherapy Center into our network not only enhances our offerings in physiotherapy and rehabilitation but also supports our broader vision to serve both local and international patients and support the Kingdom’s medical tourism ambitions. We look forward to enhancing the center’s capabilities and introducing new services as part of our ongoing efforts to provide innovative and comprehensive care to our patients.”

This Specialist Physiotherapy Center will be integrated into Burjeel’s PhysioTherabia network, the fastest-growing and largest physiotherapy and wellness network in the Kingdom. In the coming months, the focus will be on expanding the center’s services and building on existing partnerships. The group plans to activate new programs, including pediatric and neuro rehabilitation services, and introduce advanced technologies such as a cryo chamber and the David system for physiotherapy. The integration of these services will further establish the center as a premier destination for rehabilitation in the Kingdom. 

The acquisition also aligns with the group’s broader objective to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by supporting the healthcare sector’s growth and enhancing its global competitiveness.