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.”

Under the inspiring theme “Invest in Health,” the event brings together experts, innovators, and thought leaders from more than 130 countries to share ideas and showcase cutting-edge advancements shaping the medical world.

The Makkah Health Cluster’s participation is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to healthcare transformation in alignment with Vision 2030.

This national vision emphasizes the modernization of healthcare systems, integration of advanced technologies, and creation of a sustainable health infrastructure that benefits citizens and residents alike.

The cluster’s innovative use of artificial intelligence stands as a powerful example of how smart technologies are making healthcare faster, more efficient, and more patient-centered.

One of the cluster’s most celebrated innovations at the exhibition is the iSelfie project, a revolutionary AI-based health assessment tool that utilizes photoplethysmography (PPG) technology.

This innovative approach allows for the rapid evaluation of a patient’s vital signs by simply analyzing facial features through a camera, making the process non-invasive, accurate, and highly efficient.

Traditionally, emergency departments required an average of seven minutes per patient assessment; however, with iSelfie, that time has been cut down to just two minutes.

This represents a 70 percent reduction in time, dramatically improving emergency department efficiency and patient flow.

The cluster’s efforts are not only focused on innovation but also on cost-efficiency and sustainability. Through the introduction of its smart vital signs project, Makkah Health Cluster plans to implement AI-powered solutions across 14 hospitals and 15 primary healthcare centers.

This initiative is expected to save SR120,000 ($32,000) annually by replacing traditional Dynamap devices with automated digital tools.

Beyond the financial savings, the initiative aims to enhance workflow management, allowing healthcare professionals to spend more time providing direct patient care instead of manual data collection and monitoring.

Moreover, this transformation has a significant impact on workforce optimization. By incorporating AI automation, the project is projected to reduce nursing costs by SR15.3 million annually and enhance operational efficiency by up to 50 percent, all while maintaining high-quality healthcare standards.

These advancements reflect how digital transformation is empowering healthcare institutions to deliver better outcomes with fewer resources, making healthcare more sustainable in the long run.

The integration of AI within healthcare is one of the core priorities of Vision 2030, which envisions a digitally advanced, patient-driven health system.

The innovations presented by Makkah Health Cluster directly support this mission by improving accessibility, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and promoting self-care through technology.

These projects are reshaping how healthcare is delivered in Saudi Arabia—making it more proactive, predictive, and personalized.

The Global Health Exhibition serves as an essential platform for global collaboration, featuring over 100 dialogue sessions and workshops dedicated to the future of healthcare.

Topics range from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to health investments and sustainable medical practices.

Experts and participants from around the world are engaging in meaningful discussions about how AI can redefine patient care, streamline hospital management, and address pressing healthcare challenges across different regions.

Makkah Health Cluster’s participation highlights the Kingdom’s growing influence in global health innovation.

By sharing its pioneering projects and success stories, the cluster demonstrates how Saudi healthcare institutions are becoming models of excellence, blending innovation with compassion.

These initiatives underscore a collective vision—one that looks beyond traditional healthcare systems toward a smarter, healthier, and more connected future.

Ultimately, the Makkah Health Cluster’s showcase at the Riyadh expo reflects not only technological progress but also a deep commitment to improving lives.

Through AI-driven innovation, efficiency gains, and dedication to patient-centered care, the cluster is helping Saudi Arabia position itself as a global leader in digital health transformation, paving the way for a new era of accessible, intelligent, and sustainable healthcare solutions for all.