Latest news with #Saudization
Leaders
5 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Najran Industrial City: Growing Center for Manufacturing, Investment
Najran Industrial City is rapidly establishing itself as a key investment and manufacturing hub in Saudi Arabia. Its rise is fueled by a strategic location, rich natural resources, and modern infrastructure developed by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON). Located about 45 kilometers northeast of Najran City, the industrial area spans 6.5 million square meters, with over 3.6 million square meters already fully developed. Numerous infrastructure and development projects have been completed to support the expanding industrial sector in the region. The Najran region is home to 90 factories, 29 of which operate within the industrial city. These facilities represent a wide range of industries, including food processing, chemicals, plastics, paper, and non-metallic minerals such as marble and granite. Collectively, these factories employ more than 1,200 workers, including around 400 Saudi nationals—a reflection of continued efforts to boost Saudization and create local employment. Najran Industrial City One of Najran Industrial City's most significant assets is its proximity to extensive mineral reserves. The region includes 27 mining complexes covering over 5,400 square kilometers, rich in resources such as gold, copper, iron, and ornamental stone. Additionally, designated zones for copper and zinc reserves span another 70 square kilometers. This mineral wealth offers tremendous potential for downstream industries that process granite, marble, and silica sand into high-value industrial products, contributing to Saudi Arabia's industrial GDP. Najran also plays a strategic role in the Kingdom's export economy. Products manufactured in its industrial city are exported to more than 25 countries, including the United States, Germany, France, South Korea, and neighboring Gulf states. Leading companies such as Bin Harkil Group and Polystar have helped expand the international reach of Saudi-made goods, especially in the plastics, metals, and stone sectors. Related Topics : Najran Celebrates Eid Al-Fitr with Cultural Festivities at Al-Ukhdood Archaeological Site Eid Al-Fitr 2025: Unparalleled Fireworks, Concerts, Food Festivities in Riyadh How to Take Zamzam Water Home Through Saudi Airports ? Eid Al-Fitr Vacation: Discover Saudi Arabia for SAR 99 with flynas Short link : Post Views: 8
Arab News
21-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
SEVEN invests in future of Saudi entertainment sector
Saudi Entertainment Ventures, known as SEVEN, is investing heavily in the future of the Kingdom's entertainment sector by creating a broad spectrum of job opportunities, said Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN. AlFawzan told Arab News that SEVEN is developing a diverse range of technical, creative, operational, and managerial roles to unlock 'new horizons of joy' while building a thriving and sustainable workforce that mirrors the energy and ambition of Saudi Arabia. He said the company has already achieved 55 percent Saudization across its workforce, including 45 percent in leadership positions. 'Through initiatives such as our Future Leadership Program in partnership with IMD, we are equipping Saudi talent with global best practices in entertainment management, ensuring they are prepared to lead this sector forward,' AlFawzan explained. He said that delivering the best guest experiences depends on passionate, diverse teams who deeply understand and share the culture of the communities they serve. 'We are committed to creating opportunities that empower Saudi youth to build meaningful careers in the entertainment industry,' he added. The chief projects officer revealed that SEVEN is reshaping international entertainment experiences to resonate strongly with Saudi cultural values. AlFawzan stressed that guests remain at the core of every decision SEVEN makes. When collaborating with global brands like Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, and Hasbro, the company ensures a robust commitment to meaningful localization. 'It is never a matter of simply importing a concept,' he said. 'We carefully reinterpret every experience to reflect Saudi traditions, family values, and community preferences.' AlFawzan disclosed that more than 60 percent of SEVEN's offerings are locally inspired, which guarantees that each destination feels authentic, familiar, and welcoming to Saudi audiences. 'Our aim is for every visitor to feel a deep sense of cultural pride and connection upon entering a SEVEN venue because, for us, entertainment reflects identity — not just leisure,' he said. Addressing concerns about whether large-scale projects like SEVEN overshadow local businesses in favor of international brands, AlFawzan reaffirmed the company's dedication to nurturing both. 'We firmly believe that global and local players, alongside diverse creative talent, are all essential to the success of our destinations,' he said. While SEVEN partners with renowned names such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, Flow House, Play-Doh, Clip 'n Climb, and Hasbro, it equally prioritizes celebrating Saudi creativity. He said that the company is actively developing original attractions and homegrown concepts across its venues by working closely with Saudi artists and entrepreneurs to bring local content and ideas to life. 'Whether through Saudi-owned offerings or regionally inspired entertainment, we are establishing platforms where local innovation can thrive alongside international intellectual properties,' AlFawzan said. 'Our guests deserve an entertainment landscape that honors global excellence while remaining deeply rooted in Saudi identity, originality, and values.' AlFawzan also said that SEVEN places sustainability and cultural connection at the core of its nationwide entertainment developments, fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. 'Sustainability is not an afterthought at SEVEN; it is a guiding principle embedded in every stage of our development,' he said. He detailed how the company integrates environmental responsibility from design through construction and into long-term operations, with a clear focus on minimizing environmental impact. He said that SEVEN is targeting LEED certification across its portfolio spanning 14 cities. 'To date, we have recycled more than 75 percent of construction waste and sourced over 50 percent of materials from certified green suppliers,' AlFawzan noted. He highlighted that the incorporation of high-performance solutions has led to energy savings of up to 20 percent and water savings of up to 80 percent in key project locations. Beyond environmental stewardship, SEVEN prioritizes broader social impact through community engagement and cultural preservation. 'Entertainment is a powerful catalyst for community connection and cultural pride,' AlFawzan explained. 'With over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) invested across 14 cities, our projects are accessible within minutes or a short drive for most Saudi communities,' he pointed out. 'Accessibility is at the heart of our vision: making extraordinary experiences part of everyday life.' He also revealed that SEVEN is introducing region-first and world-first concepts to the Kingdom, including the world's first Hot Wheels electric go-karting experience and next-generation Family Entertainment Centers that seamlessly combine physical play with digital interaction. 'But more than the rides and attractions, what truly sets SEVEN apart is our focus on culture and community,' he added.
Saudi Gazette
12-06-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Charting a value-driven healthcare future: BD Saudi Arabia's GM on local impact, innovation, and Vision 2030
In a candid conversation with Saudi Gazette, Omar Malabarey, newly appointed Country General Manager for Becton Dickinson in Saudi Arabia, shares his vision for the company's role in the Kingdom's fast-evolving healthcare sector. With decades of experience across public and private healthcare, Malabarey discusses BD's commitment to local talent development, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships aligned with Vision 2030. Q: Congratulations on your appointment as General Manager of BD in Saudi Arabia. Can you share your journey leading to this role and what it means to you? A: My journey in healthcare has been both dynamic and fulfilling. I graduated in Radiological Sciences from the University of Wales (UK)and began my career as a radiology technologist at a Military hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following a decade in public healthcare, I transitioned to the corporate sector, where I held several senior leadership roles in digital health services. My journey then took me to the Ministry of Investment (formerly SAGIA), where I was the managing director for healthcare investment and promotion efforts responsible of medical devices , medical services , digital health and pharmaceutical investments . Before joining BD, I held the role of Chief commercial officer (CCO)at the National Unified Procurement Company) NUPCO. Stepping into this role at BD is a natural continuation of my mission to enhance the healthcare ecosystem system in KSA. BD has a legacy of innovation in medical technology, and I am honoured to lead its efforts in Saudi Arabia to drive impactful healthcare transformation. A: My priorities span both internal and external objectives. Internally, I am focused on fostering a strong, collaborative workplace culture. A key priority is to establish BD as an employer of choice in Saudi Arabia, attracting and retaining top local talent while ensuring alignment with the Kingdom's Saudization my goal is to strengthen BD's presence and visibility in the Saudi market. While BD products are widely recognized, our corporate brand needs greater prominence among healthcare stakeholders. I want to position BD as not just a provider of high-quality medical technology but also as a key partner in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. Our focus is on value-driven healthcare—delivering not just products but comprehensive solutions, education, and best practices that enhance patient outcomes.A strong part of my role will be pursue rolling out our Signature Programmes™ in Saudi Arabia, which focus on three critical areas: Patient Safety, Healthcare Worker Safety, and Healthcare Efficiency. These initiatives are designed to enhance infection control, improve hospital workflows, and to help ensure the safety of both patients and medical professionals. Through these programmes, BD is helping hospitals and healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia implement best practices that drive meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.A: Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid and ambitious healthcare transformation under the leadership of the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman and HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vision 2030's Health Sector Transformation Program aims to create a world-class healthcare system that is efficient, patient-centric, and digitally is fully aligned with this vision. We are not just a medical technology provider but a healthcare solutions partner, committed to driving innovation, education, and collaboration. Our focus is on automation, digital health solutions, and value-based procurement, all of which contribute to making healthcare more efficient and Arabia's commitment to digitalization is unmatched. It is the leading nation in digitization, and we see this reflected in healthcare. BD is supporting this shift by introducing smart medication management systems and robotics to enhance pharmacy automation, reduce human error, and improve patient care.A: Certainly. BD has evolved from a scientific office to a full commercial entity in Saudi Arabia, employing approximately 170 professionals and working alongside seven strategic distributors. Our commitment to Saudization is strong, and we continue to develop local talent in line with national workforce of our most exciting developments is the BD Training Center in Riyadh, which officially launched in April this year. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for healthcare professionals, providing hands-on training on BD's medical technologies, best practices, and clinical applications. It will also support technical training for engineers, ensuring seamless device maintenance and we also hosted our inaugural BD Healthcare Summit in Riyadh under the theme 'Embracing a Value Driven Future,' bringing together healthcare leaders to explore how AI, automation, and workforce empowerment can drive better outcomes in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision BD has established a Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing our commitment to regional operations and market the collaboration front, we have signed an MoU with STC to explore digital health solutions and are in discussions with multiplekey players to drive healthcare innovation. We also have an ongoing partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, focusing on enhancing nursing education and clinical competency.A: Saudi Arabia is embracing cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and BD is at the forefront of this transformation. One of our key areas of focus is medication management systems and robotics, which optimize pharmacy automation, helping to ensure precise and efficient medication dispensing. These technologies not only enhance patient safety but also improve workflow efficiency in hospitals and are also expanding our digital health solutions, aligning with Saudi Arabia's drive for smart healthcare systems. Our goal is to integrate automation, data-driven healthcare, and AI-supported medical technologies that elevate patient care standards.A: Yes, partnerships are a key pillar of BD's strategy in Saudi Arabia. We have collaborated with Al Mujtamaa Pharmacy, making it the first digitally enabled pharmacy in Saudi Arabia using BD's advanced technology solutions. Additionally, BD has signed an MoU with STC, with further partnerships in discussion with Mobily and others toadvance digital healthcare and supply chain efficiency.A notable collaboration is our partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, which focuses on continuous education and professional development for nurses across the Kingdom. This initiative underscores BD's commitment to capacity-building in the healthcare workforce.A: The Saudi healthcare sector is moving toward value-based healthcare and value-based procurement models, where hospitals and institutions prioritize quality outcomes over mere cost efficiency. BD is actively engaging in this transition, particularly in laboratory solutions and major trend is digital transformation, where automation and data analytics are playing a pivotal role in improving healthcare services. BD is driving innovation in pharmacy automation, digital medication management, and clinical diagnostics to support this we see a strong push toward local manufacturing and public-private partnerships, and BD is keen to explore opportunities that align with these national priorities.A: My vision is clear: BD is here to stay and to lead. We are not just another healthcare technology provider; we are a long-term partner in Saudi Arabia's healthcare role extends beyond revenue growth—we are committed to delivering value to patients, healthcare professionals, and the government. BD will continue to support innovation, drive medical education, and contribute to the national healthcare transformation through strategic partnerships and advanced solutions.A major part of this commitment is our focus on our Signature Programmes™, which align with the Kingdom's healthcare objectives. Through our investments, workforce development, and collaborations, BD is reinforcing its position as a trusted healthcare enabler in the Kingdom.A: I want to emphasize that BD's mission in Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in improving patient care and healthcare efficiency. We are here not just to provide medical devices but to transform the healthcare experience, ensuring better outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals is at the heart of BD, and we will continue to introduce cutting-edge technologies and best practices that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Our training center, our partnerships, and our digital health initiatives all reflect BD's dedication to making a meaningful impact in Saudi Arabia's healthcare landscape.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia raises wage support for 43 tourism jobs
RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism has announced an increase in wage support for Saudi workers in the tourism sector, raising the financial contribution provided through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) from 30% to 50%. The updated support applies to 43 job roles and licensed tourism activities, as part of the ministry's broader effort to localize the sector and empower national talent. The initiative is part of the "Ahlaha" program, which aims to equip and employ Saudi nationals in tourism-related professions by enhancing job stability, workforce sustainability, and overall attractiveness of tourism careers for citizens. The ministry emphasized that the move aligns with its ongoing collaboration with relevant government entities to increase Saudization levels across the tourism industry. The goal is to make tourism a key sector for employment and sustainable economic growth. The enhanced wage subsidy program, administered by the HRDF, is designed to support private-sector employers by covering a portion of Saudi employees' wages, thereby improving job security and incentivizing hiring. The ministry is also advancing national workforce readiness through diverse and modern training programs under "Ahlaha," offered both locally and internationally to upskill Saudi talent and align with global tourism standards. The HADAF wage support program plays a critical role in promoting long-term employment for Saudi citizens by sharing salary costs with employers, ultimately strengthening the domestic labor market. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Leaders
25-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Boosts Tourism Wage Support to Empower National Workforce
The Ministry of Tourism has announced a significant increase in wage support for Saudi workers in the tourism sector. This increase raises the financial contribution provided through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) from 30% to 50%. This updated support applies to 43 job roles and licensed tourism activities, enhancing the ministry's efforts to localize the sector. Empowering National Talent Through 'Ahlaha' This initiative is part of the 'Ahlaha' program, which aims to equip and employ Saudi nationals in tourism-related professions. By enhancing job stability and workforce sustainability, the program makes tourism careers more attractive for citizens. The ministry emphasized that this move aligns with its ongoing collaboration with relevant government entities to increase Saudization levels across the tourism industry. The goal is to position tourism as a key sector for employment and sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arabia. The enhanced wage subsidy program, administered by HADAF, supports private-sector employers by covering a portion of Saudi employees' wages. This initiative improves job security and incentivizes hiring, ultimately benefiting the entire tourism sector. Advancing Workforce Readiness with Training Programs Additionally, the ministry is advancing national workforce readiness through diverse and modern training programs under 'Ahlaha.' These programs are offered both locally and internationally to upskill Saudi talent and align with global tourism standards. The HRDF wage support program plays a critical role in promoting long-term employment for Saudi citizens by sharing salary costs with employers. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the domestic labor market and supports the growth of the tourism sector. By investing in Saudi talent, the Ministry of Tourism aims to create a vibrant and sustainable workforce that drives economic development. Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
