The Global Health Exhibition (GHE) 2025 opened in Riyadh, setting a strong tone for the region’s healthcare investment landscape.
Over $33 billion in new healthcare agreements and partnerships were announced during the opening, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing healthcare markets in the world.
Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and aligned with Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program, the 8th edition of GHE is organised by Tahaluf and continues this week as a central platform for healthcare investment, innovation, and international collaboration.
$8.4 billion for hospital expansion and infrastructure
The opening day featured several major announcements across hospital development and infrastructure, totalling $8.4 billion USD.
Among them:
- Hayat National Hospitals will expand to 15 facilities with over 4,000 beds through a $1.86 billion investment.
- Akdital Group, Morocco’s largest private healthcare provider, will enter the Saudi market with $1.41 billion in planned projects.
- Mouwasat is investing $1.33 billion to grow its presence across Jeddah, Yanbu, Abha, and Khobar.
- Alrajhi Medicine will allocate more than $1 billion for new specialised medical centres, while Burjeel Holdings announced nearly $1 billion in new projects by 2030.
- IMC and SMC Healthcare each committed $800 million for hospital expansions and integrated care facilities.
Investment momentum in Life Sciences
Life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing continue to be a priority under Vision 2030. More than $625 million USD was committed to localisation and R&D projects.
Highlights include:
- BD is investing $266 million to expand local medical technology manufacturing and training.
- Lifera is signing multiple partnerships with Sanofi, MSD, Pfizer, and Jamjoom Pharma to advance vaccine and biopharmaceutical production within the Kingdom.
Venture capital and strategic funds
The healthcare investment ecosystem also drew attention from major global investors.
Over $3.24 billion USD has been pledged to new venture capital funds and financial instruments to accelerate innovation and localisation:
- Hillhouse is investing $1.49 billion in pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D.
- Al Fozan Holding committed $675 million for next-generation clinical infrastructure.
- TMV Capital Healthcare and Baraya will channel $405 million into rehabilitation and long-term care facilities.
- Esnad Financial Company and SEHA Capital launched a $266 million sukuk programme for healthcare and biotech funding.
- Goldtrack Ventures announced the first Saudi industrial biotechnology growth fund with $250 million.
Minister of Health: “From investing in pain to investing in hope”
In his opening remarks, H.E. Fahad bin Abdulrahman Aljalajel, Minister of Health, emphasised that Vision 2030 has reshaped the country’s approach to healthcare — shifting focus from treatment to prevention.
He noted that Saudi Arabia is nearing its Vision 2030 goal of a 79.7-year life expectancy, up from 74 years in 2016, driven by early screening programmes and reduced rates of chronic disease.
“We have moved from treatment after illness to prevention before illness, and from investing in pain to investing in hope,” he said.
The exhibition was also addressed virtually by HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the United States, who underlined the importance of international partnerships in achieving sustainable health outcomes.
Global industry presence
This year’s event features the strongest global participation to date, with major international exhibitors including GE, Siemens Healthineers, Fujifilm, Johnson & Johnson, GSK, Samsung, Danaher, Karl Storz, and Stryker, alongside leading Saudi institutions such as Health Holding, NUPCO, and Dallah Health.
Rachel Sturgess, Senior Vice President at Tahaluf, said:
“The investment announcements at Global Health Exhibition demonstrate how Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global hub for healthcare innovation and infrastructure growth.”
As the exhibition continues, discussions will turn toward innovation and digital transformation, with panels on smart hospitals, generative AI in healthcare, and the digital patient experience.
29.10.2025.
