The Indomie factory recently welcomed participants of the Saudi Stars Program (SSP) accompanied by three Brazilian coaches and two Saudi coordinators.
They were offered an explanatory tour of hygiene, food and work safety, including employees’ benefits.
SSP is a program dedicated to the development of youth and is led and supported by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, as well as the Ministry of Education and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
SSP had requested for a visit to the Indomie factory as part of its extra-curricular activities, in order to demonstrate the children with a fruitful example of a successful Saudi brand, which has grown over the years with hard work, and commitment to its quality and loyalty to its customers,
Production and quality control managers both took the visitors on a tour through the factory inside the visitor galleries where the five main production stages, quality control, warehousing, factory environment and employee benefits were presented.
The children were briefed that the Indomie factory relies on five of the world’s most modern production lines to produce its instant noodles in conformity with all national and international safety standards and ensure the food quality of the product.
The program’s Director Haitham Haji emphasized that he was “very glad to have been part of this field trip and every effort has been made to make the day’s visit memorable.”
Moreover, he added: “Indomie has proved to us the meaning of true quality and the reasons behind this brand’s success.”
They were shown how Indomie is very thorough when it comes to testing and verifying all contents used in its products before exporting them and even before producing them.
And the production process was explained to them whereby samples of these materials are taken to the labs for testing and analysis to ensure purification.
Once approved, the materials are deemed as top quality as per the standards set and the full quantity is taken into the factory. Each product of Indomie must be “100 percent healthy.”
There is a quality control check at every stage of production where cleanliness and highest degree of care is executed, until the final product reaches packaging whereby it follows the highest of GSO, SASO, and Codex regulations and policies to ensure best quality and sterilization of the product.
Indomie cartons are stored in the main warehouse of the factory that follows the conditions of the highest standards to ensure nutrients and product are well preserved for distribution.
Youngsters impressed with Indomie’s growing strength
Youngsters impressed with Indomie’s growing strength
MBSC urges use of modern tech in business education
Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Kingdom’s world-class business school, participated in the Accounting Technologies Conference in Riyadh from Oct. 16 to 19. Organized by the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants, the event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Commerce and Chair of the Board of Directors of SOCPA Dr. Majid A. Alkassabi.
Dr. Larissa Von Alberti, vice dean of programs and faculty and professor of accounting at MBSC, shared her expertise in a panel discussion titled “Uses of modern technologies and AI in analyzing accounting and financial data.” Furthermore, Dr. Khaldoon Al-Htaybat, professor of accounting at MBSC, hosted a workshop dedicated to the topic of “Analyzing financial data using artificial intelligence tools.”
As a pioneering business and entrepreneurship college in the Kingdom and the wider region, MBSC emphasized the value of integrating modern technologies such as AI into the educational experience, along with the crucial need for the sustainable development of universities to keep up with change.
Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: “The SOCPA Accounting Technologies Conference 2024 established a space for experts, scientists, and academics in accounting, finance, and technology to network, exchange insights, and advance the understanding of their respective disciplines. MBSC provides students and alumni with a holistic learning experience that equips them with cutting-edge tools and hones their skills to become leaders and agents of change. Such an approach is imperative not only for addressing the challenges of accounting in the context of the modern experience economy, but also for achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to secure the Kingdom’s prosperous future.”
Situated in King Abdullah Economic City, a contemporary urban center that provides an unparalleled modern environment for both students and faculty, MBSC offers world-class education “from Saudi Arabia for Saudi Arabia” in both KAEC and Riyadh, delivering practical, pragmatic, hands-on experiential learning to develop a new generation of transformative leaders.
Chinese EV brand Zeekr opens first showroom in Kingdom
Wallan Trading Company has officially opened the doors to the first Zeekr showroom on the Northern Ring Road in Riyadh. The opening ceremony was attended by Fahad Al-Wallan, chairman of Wallan Holding Company, alongside Cannon Wang, managing director of Zeekr MEA region, as well as senior officials, guests, customers, and media representatives.
This state-of-the-art 1,420-square-meter showroom marks a significant milestone for both Wallan Trading and Zeekr, symbolizing the growing presence of the premium EV brand in the Kingdom. The launch follows the strategic alliance forged between Wallan Trading and Zeekr earlier this year, positioning Wallan as the exclusive distributor for Zeekr in Saudi Arabia.
Chairman Al-Wallan said the new showroom cements a shared commitment between Wallan and Zeekr to shape the future of electric mobility in Saudi Arabia. “This showroom is more than a commercial space — it’s a statement of our forward-thinking vision. Zeekr brings premium electric vehicle technology to the Kingdom, while Wallan Trading ensures that our customers receive world-class service and access to the most innovative and sustainable transportation solutions. This aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s ambitions for a greener future,” he said.
He further highlighted Wallan Trading’s readiness for expansion, highlighting their commitment to geographical growth to meet customer needs across Saudi Arabia.
Wang, meanwhile, expressed his enthusiasm for the opening of the new showroom, saying: “We are absolutely thrilled to open our first dedicated Zeekr showroom in Riyadh, in partnership with Wallan Trading. This marks an exciting chapter for Zeekr as we bring our premium electric vehicles to Saudi Arabia, a market with immense potential and an increasingly eco-conscious consumer base.”
With Wallan Trading, we are confident in delivering an exceptional experience, not just with our innovative vehicles but also through unparalleled customer service. This showroom is a significant milestone in our journey toward leading the future of sustainable mobility in the region.”
Wang said that the Saudi market represents a key focus for Zeekr’s growth, adding, “We are proud to see the Saudi consumer’s growing awareness of premium electric mobility, and we’re eager to meet their expectations with our cutting-edge models.”
The new showroom will feature Zeekr’s most celebrated models, the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X, both of which have garnered acclaim in international markets. These models were first unveiled to Saudi consumers at the SEVEN Concours auto show in Riyadh, where they attracted considerable interest due to their sophisticated design, luxurious interiors, and advanced technologies.
KPMG unveils Saudi healthcare financing study
KPMG released its latest research paper “The value of one riyal: Understanding healthcare financing in Saudi Arabia,” at this year’s Global Health Exhibition. The report, published on the sidelines of the conference with KPMG’s participation as exhibitor, delves deep into the Kingdom’s healthcare financing structure, providing a detailed analysis of current expenditure patterns, future sustainability challenges, and innovative financial models that could transform the sector.
The report reveals that Saudi Arabia’s healthcare spending has grown significantly, from SR22.8 billion ($6.07 billion) in 2007 to SR79.8 billion in 2021, driven by an aging population, the rise of chronic diseases, and rapid technological advancements.
The report highlights the importance of adopting value-based healthcare as a critical strategy for reducing unnecessary costs and improving patient outcomes. VBHC focuses on tying reimbursements to health outcomes, rather than the volume of services provided. By prioritizing value over quantity, this model encourages efficiency, better care coordination, and a focus on preventive measures that can reduce the long-term burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
Burhaan Khan, partner and head of healthcare at KPMG Professional Services, said: “Our research underscores the urgency of adopting innovative financial models to ensure the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system. With rising healthcare costs, it is critical to shift toward models that prioritize value over volume and emphasize prevention and efficiency. By integrating advanced technologies and fostering public-private partnerships, we can build a resilient healthcare system that meets the evolving needs of the population.”
Another key finding from the report is the significant burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, which account for 14 percent of total healthcare spending in the Kingdom. Of these expenses, 53 percent are directed toward medications, with another 14 percent spent on physician visits. This data points to the need for expanding insurance coverage and managing pharmaceutical costs more effectively to reduce the financial strain on households. KPMG’s findings call for greater efforts to broaden access to affordable healthcare, particularly for lower-income groups and those managing chronic conditions.
In terms of preventive care, the report highlights its enormous potential for cost savings. Every riyal invested in preventive healthcare — such as vaccination programs and health screenings — can yield a fivefold return by preventing the onset of costly chronic diseases.
The report also identifies technological integration, such as telemedicine and digital health solutions, as key tools for improving both efficiency and patient outcomes. These technologies not only improve access to healthcare but also enable more streamlined, data-driven decision-making, allowing healthcare providers to focus resources on the most critical areas.
Dr. Mohamed Fayek, associate director, healthcare at KPMG Professional Services, emphasized the growing importance of public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector, saying: “We forecast that increasing private sector participation could reach 65 percent by 2030. These partnerships are critical to sustaining the infrastructure and resources necessary to meet the Kingdom’s healthcare needs, while also driving economic growth. By collaborating with the private sector, the Saudi government can bring in new innovations, improve service delivery, and create new jobs in the healthcare field by 2030.”
MedGulf partners with iO Health to enhance AI-driven health technology
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing health insurance services, MedGulf, a leading provider of insurance solutions through technology and innovation, announced a strategic partnership with iO Health, a company specializing in the development, and operation of technological and digital solutions for the healthcare sector.
The signing ceremony was attended by MedGulf’s Chief Health and Life Insurance Officer Mazen Hejab, and iO Health’s CEO and Board Member Dr. Haider Saeed Alyousuf.
This partnership is considered highly significant, as it is expected to improve patient outcomes through accurate data analysis and tailored treatment recommendations. This will enable healthcare providers to deliver appropriate care at the right time, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided.
The partnership will also highlight the need for investment in technology within the healthcare sector, opening new job opportunities. Institutions will require specialists with skills in artificial intelligence and health data analysis, reflecting the growing importance of training and education in the healthcare field.
Burjeel Holdings unveils mental health and ambulatory care solutions at Global Health Exhibition
As part of its expansion in Saudi Arabia, Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty health care provider in the MENA region, introduced two health care solutions at the Global Health Exhibition 2024. The group unveiled Alkalma, a mental health and well-being platform, and Burjeel One, a specialized network of day surgery centers. Both initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and are set to revolutionize health care delivery in the region. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, briefed Saudi Minister of Health Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel on the new initiatives at the Riyadh event.
Alkalma, born from a strategic joint venture between Burjeel Holdings and Colombia-based health care leader Keralty, marks a new chapter in mental health services. Integrating value-based care with specialized primary centers and health risk management, Alkalma is debuting in Saudi Arabia with an ambitious goal of reaching nearly 30 million patients across MENA over the next decade. Alkalma will enhance preventive care, manage health risks, and reduce hospitalizations, all while delivering a comprehensive care ecosystem.
Burjeel One was also revealed at the exhibition, addressing the increasing demand for high-quality same-day medical services. These centers will offer minimally invasive procedures across key specialties such as oncology, advanced gynecology, orthopedics, and neurology. By incorporating advanced robotics and cutting-edge technologies, the first two Burjeel One centers, set to open in Riyadh by 2025, will ensure that patients receive world-class care without the need for prolonged hospital stays.
At the exhibition, visitors were given insight into how Alkalma and Burjeel One are supporting the Kingdom’s shift toward a comprehensive health care model.
“The launch of Alkalma and Burjeel One reflects our commitment to transforming health care in the region by integrating advanced technologies and value-based care models. These initiatives address the growing need for accessible mental health services and specialized ambulatory care while aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” said John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings.
The unveiling of Alkalma and Burjeel One builds on the success of PhysioTherabia, Saudi Arabia’s largest and fastest-growing physiotherapy network, which has expanded to 28 centers since its launch in 2023. These new services will enhance the network, offering integrated care from mental health to specialized surgery and rehabilitation.
Participating under the theme “Making Space for Innovation,” Burjeel Holdings showcased its commitment to advancing health care at the Global Health Exhibition. Attendees experienced live demos of advanced physiotherapy equipment, while Burjeel highlighted its expertise in complex care across specialties like fetal medicine, orthopedics, oncology, pediatrics, and cardiovascular care.
During their visit to Burjeel’s booth, Dr. Majid Al-Fayyadh, CEO of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center; Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, assistant minister of health; Dr. Ibrahim Alomar, assistant deputy minister for health investment, private sector participation, Ministry of Health; Dr. Khaled Alabdulkareem, assistant deputy minister for primary health care, Ministry of Health; and Dr. Shabab Al-Ghamdi, general secretary of CCHI, were introduced to the new brands the group is launching in the Kingdom.
