Business

Johns Hopkins Aramco boosts US investments and Saudi healthcare

In the heart of Dhahran, in eastern Saudi Arabia, where foreign investments, especially advanced American expertise, intersect with “Vision 2030,” the Johns Hopkins Aramco Medical Center stands out as an advanced model of integrated healthcare.

The center combines Saudi Aramco’s long medical legacy with global expertise in clinical innovation and medical education to redefine healthcare standards and put the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on the map of regional and global destinations for advanced medical care.

The center is one of the leading healthcare providers in the country, and was established in 2014 as a partnership between Saudi Aramco and Johns Hopkins Medicine.

The center relies on combining local capabilities with the expertise of Johns Hopkins Medicine, through innovative care models that include telemedicine, home care, and AI-assisted diagnosis, to provide comprehensive health services that meet the needs of each individual patient.

It also focuses on developing precision medicine, promoting innovation in digital healthcare, and training capable national cadres to ensure the sustainability of the health transformation in the Kingdom.

Transfer of medical technologies

At the heart of this strategy, Dr. Nafisa Al-Fares, Director of the Oncology Center at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, emphasized that the center contributes to raising the level of competition within the health sector, and makes the Eastern Province a destination for medical care not only for local patients, but also for visitors from nearby Gulf countries, which benefits the local labor market.

The director of oncology told Asharq Al-Awsat that the center currently includes a Saudi elite of doctors, nurses, and administrators at various levels, with a focus on attracting more national talents and training them, which enhances localization and allows the transfer of the best global medical knowledge, experiences, and technologies to Saudi Arabia, thus raising the level of the labor market in the medical sector.

The Occupational Medicine Department at the center works closely with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health of the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and Dr. Nafisa Al-Fares attributed the reason to “the implementation of the decision to obligate companies to conduct occupational safety inspections.”

With over 50 years of experience in occupational medicine, the center contributes to developing the foundations of occupational health and safety locally, reducing losses resulting from injuries and occupational diseases, increasing the return on investment in corporate healthcare, and supporting the development of a healthier and more sustainable workforce that serves the Kingdom’s long-term development goals. This also includes advancements in medical innovation and scientific research.

Supporting medical tourism

The center’s role is not limited to providing healthcare, but it also seeks to promote practical research, transfer knowledge and medical experiences to Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the governmental and private sectors, inspired by the Johns Hopkins Hospital model in the United States, which originated from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Nafisa Al-Fares affirms that Saudi Arabia possesses a fertile environment for excellence in scientific research and medical innovation, making it a significant destination for researchers, healthcare investors, and those seeking information on the center’s role in supporting medical tourism.

The official at the center points out that the opening of a series of “Centers of Excellence” within various medical specialties, starting with the Oncology Center, gives the Eastern Province a competitive advantage in providing world-class healthcare that attracts patients from within Saudi Arabia, the Gulf countries, and the world, without the need to travel abroad.

She added that it is still too early to assess the direct economic return from this step, but it is the beginning of larger phases aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position as an ideal destination for high-level medical tourism.

Dr. Nafisa Al-Fares believes that the opening of the center contributes to achieving the goals of “Vision 2030” by localizing healthcare, empowering patients, and building a sustainable system for future generations.

The director of the Oncology Center highlighted the support for the health sector transformation program through increasing capacity, developing local competencies, and providing an advanced education and training platform to qualify the next generation of Saudi specialists, ensuring the protection of the workforce, raising its productivity, and promoting sustainable economic growth

AL SHARQ AL AWSAT

Business

Two major parks planned in Riyadh

Authorities in the Saudi capital have unveiled plans to develop two expansive public parks covering more than 310,000 square metres as part of a broader push to increase green spaces across the city.

The Riyadh Region Municipality confirmed on Wednesday that the new developments will be situated in the eastern and southern districts of the capital. The project is designed to transform the city’s urban landscape, shifting away from traditional park layouts toward integrated “urban destinations” that cater to both recreation and environmental sustainability.

Central to the design is a scenic valley that will serve as a functional and visual anchor for both sites. According to municipal officials, the parks are intended to bolster the city’s “urban fabric” by providing high-quality public areas that align with the quality-of-life goals set out in the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.

The facilities planned for the 317,200-square-metre footprint are extensive. Beyond standard greenery, the sites will feature a golf course, multi-purpose sports fields, and dedicated jogging tracks. Families will have access to children’s play areas and water features, while the inclusion of a theatre and designated event spaces suggests the parks will double as cultural hubs for the local community.

“These parks represent high-quality developments aimed at expanding public spaces across the capital,” the municipality said in a statement. The announcement noted that the projects would also include a range of commercial amenities, including restaurants and cafés, to ensure the parks remain active throughout the day.

This latest initiative follows a series of large-scale environmental projects in the Kingdom, where officials are increasingly prioritising “livability” as Riyadh undergoes population and infrastructure expansion. The municipality highlighted that the design focuses on “environmental sensitivity,” incorporating innovative greening techniques to manage the arid climate while maintaining sustainable water use.

Business

Prince William to Official Visit Saudi Arabia in February

Britain’s Prince William is set to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time in an official capacity, Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday. The trip is scheduled from February 9 to 11, 2026.

Strengthening Ties Between the UK and Saudi Arabia

According to Kensington Palace, the visit comes as the UK and Saudi Arabia mark growing trade, energy, and investment partnerships. It also coincides with celebrations of nearly a century of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

A First for the Duke

This will be Prince William’s first official trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of the country in the UK’s international relations and economic strategy.

What to Expect

While details of the itinerary haven’t been fully released, the visit is expected to include meetings with Saudi officials and discussions on trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

The visit signals a continued focus on strengthening ties between London and Riyadh, while marking a historic moment in Prince William’s international engagements.

Business

Japan tourist arrivals hit record 42.7 million in 2025

Tourists to Japan hit a record 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time, Japan’s Tourism Minister, Yasushi Kaneko, told a press conference.

Total spending by inbound tourists reached 9.5 trillion yen ($60 billion) over the year, also ‌a record high.

WAM