The event, held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, was officially opened by Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel.

Now in its eighth edition, the exhibition runs under the inspiring theme “Invest in Health,” bringing together visionaries, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and investors from across the world to explore the future of healthcare transformation.

Organized by the events company Tahaluf with the support of the Ministry of Health, the exhibition reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing medical innovation, improving patient care, and fostering international collaboration in the health sector.

Over the years, the event has grown into one of the region’s most influential gatherings for the global health community, aligning perfectly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objective of building a world-class healthcare system.

Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel expressed his pride in the event’s success and growing impact. “It is truly inspiring to witness how the Global Health Exhibition continues to expand each year,” he said.

“We are seeing remarkable growth not only in participation but also in partnerships and investments that are shaping the future of healthcare both locally and globally.”

He highlighted that in the previous edition, the exhibition generated SR55 billion ($14.66 billion) in investments. This year, partnerships and projects have already reached SR124 billion, with more expected as the exhibition continues.

In his opening remarks, the minister acknowledged the shared global challenges facing healthcare systems, including the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising medical costs, and shortages in qualified healthcare professionals.

However, he emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s ongoing Health Transformation Program is effectively addressing these challenges through digital innovation, workforce development, and a strong focus on preventive care.

Al-Jalajel elaborated on how the Ministry of Health measures and maintains the quality of services in the Kingdom. “We assess healthcare quality through a wide range of indicators, including patient outcomes, satisfaction levels, and compliance with operational and health quality standards,” he explained.

“This data is continuously monitored through several specialized organizations such as the Facility Safety Program, the Saudi Patient Safety Center, the Council of Health Insurance, and the Saudi Health Council.”

These organizations ensure that healthcare practitioners, facilities, and medical equipment meet the highest safety and performance standards, often in coordination with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

The integrated approach highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

Among the most notable achievements announced during the event was Saudi Arabia’s success in reducing deaths from chronic diseases by 40 percent since 2017.

The country has also achieved a nearly 60 percent reduction in fatalities caused by traffic accidents since 2016, thanks to improved emergency response systems and awareness programs.

Furthermore, life expectancy in the Kingdom has risen significantly — from 74 years in 2016 to 79 years in 2025 — a clear reflection of better healthcare access and lifestyle changes encouraged by public health campaigns.

The exhibition also unveiled several groundbreaking initiatives designed to shape the next generation of healthcare services.

One of the most exciting developments is the AI Physician Experience, a digital innovation aimed at improving disease diagnosis and patient care through artificial intelligence.

The Ministry also announced plans for localizing vaccine manufacturing, in collaboration with leading global biopharmaceutical companies — a move that strengthens national health security and promotes self-sufficiency in medical production.

Another major highlight was the introduction of the Smart Health Coach, developed in partnership with Google through the Sehhaty application.

This digital platform combines AI-powered recommendations with personal health tracking, empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward better health.

The initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation strategy, which aims to make healthcare more personalized, accessible, and efficient.

The Global Health Exhibition 2025 stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to building a healthier, more resilient society.

Through collaboration, innovation, and investment, the Kingdom continues to set new benchmarks in global healthcare excellence. As Minister Al-Jalajel emphasized, “Investing in health is not just about improving services — it is about investing in the future of humanity.”

The campaigns, spearheaded by the Ebsar Foundation, aim to promote public awareness about eye health, encourage early detection of vision problems, and empower individuals with visual impairments to live independently and confidently.

Amal Al-Hunaiti, CEO of the Ebsar Foundation, emphasized that the organization is working tirelessly to educate the public on the importance of regular eye check-ups, preventive care, and early treatment.

“Our goal is not just to treat vision loss, but to foster understanding, compassion, and inclusion for those who are visually impaired,” she said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Empowering Families and Building Awareness

As part of its October initiatives, Ebsar launched a special training program for mothers of visually impaired children, recognizing their vital role in nurturing confidence, education, and independence among their children.

The program equips parents with the knowledge and tools needed to better understand visual disabilities and support their children’s personal development from an early age.

Al-Hunaiti highlighted that empowering families is a cornerstone of sustainable inclusion. “When parents are informed and supported, children grow up feeling capable and valued. This is the foundation of an inclusive society,” she said.

Inclusion Through Community Engagement

Beyond education, the foundation has organized recreational outings and public engagement events for young blind people across the Kingdom.

These activities aim to build community bonds while teaching the wider public how to interact respectfully and confidently with visually impaired individuals.

Such initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of creating a society that welcomes all abilities, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for social inclusion and accessibility.

Participants have described these experiences as both enjoyable and transformative.

Through sports, cultural visits, and community activities, blind youth gain a sense of belonging and empowerment, while the public learns to see beyond disability — focusing instead on talent, capability, and shared humanity.

Health Awareness and Global Engagement

In addition to community programs, Ebsar Foundation will represent Saudi Arabia at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh later this month.

This participation reaffirms the Kingdom’s growing role as a regional leader in eye health advocacy, promoting innovation, education, and access to quality care for all.

Experts at the foundation emphasize that most causes of blindness are preventable if detected early.

Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts can often be managed effectively with timely diagnosis and treatment. Ebsar’s campaigns encourage routine eye screenings, especially for older adults and individuals with chronic conditions.

Saudi Vision 2030 and Humanitarian Commitment

These awareness efforts align closely with the Vision 2030 National Transformation Program, which prioritizes the health, well-being, and inclusion of all citizens.

Through partnerships with government health authorities, schools, and non-profit organizations, Saudi Arabia is creating a more inclusive and health-conscious society where everyone — regardless of ability — can participate equally.

By highlighting the importance of both medical care and social integration, Ebsar Foundation’s initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to humanitarian progress and community solidarity.

The campaigns send a powerful message: sight is a gift worth protecting, and inclusion is a responsibility worth embracing.

As World Sight Day and White Cane Safety Day unfold, Saudi Arabia continues to shine as a beacon of awareness and compassion — ensuring that every citizen, regardless of visual ability, is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.