Advancing healthcare in Saudi Arabia with a focus on smarter, preventive care

11/11/2025 00:44 AST

Saudi Arabia's ongoing healthcare transformation, guided by Vision 2030, continues to attract global collaboration aimed at strengthening the Kingdom's capabilities in research, innovation and preventive care. Among the international companies working alongside national institutions is AstraZeneca, whose recent partnerships support the government's broader goals for a sustainable, patient-centered health system.

"Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformative shift toward a sustainable, patient-centered healthcare system built on innovation, localization and equitable access," said Hatem Werdany, Country President at Astrazeneca Saudi Arabia. He noted that the Kingdom's investment in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and digital health solutions is helping to enhance diagnostics, improve outcomes and strengthen preventive care.

Aligning with Vision 2030
Werdany highlighted that Saudi Vision 2030 positions biotechnology as a key driver of economic diversification and scientific advancement. "Vision 2030 integrates biotechnology as a key enabler to modernize healthcare delivery and establish a thriving life sciences and biotech industry-one that fuels scientific discovery, drives economic diversification, and strengthens national health resilience," he said.

He added that AstraZeneca's work in the Kingdom complements this national direction, with programs across oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, immunology and rare diseases designed to improve patient outcomes and support the country's health transformation agenda.

With more than 300 employees, including 72% Saudi nationals and 40% women, and offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar, the company's growing presence reflects the Kingdom's success in fostering a dynamic environment for global and local collaboration in life sciences.

Supporting national partnerships
During the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh, AstraZeneca signed three cooperation agreements with leading Saudi health institutions. These partnerships-part of the Kingdom's broader push to expand public-private collaboration-aim to advance research, diagnostics and prevention.

The agreement with the Public Health Authority (Weqaya) focuses on disease prevention, awareness and early detection, including AI-enabled screening and healthcare provider training. A second partnership with the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) enhances cooperation in clinical research, value-based healthcare models and diagnostics. The third, with the Ministry of Health Central Lab, seeks to improve rare-disease diagnostics and apply AI and machine learning to strengthen precision medicine and training.

"These partnerships will help to turn the promise of Vision 2030 into a reality that benefits patients, families and communities across the country," said Werdany. "Each is designed to transfer knowledge, build local capability and expand access."

Research and local capacity
Saudi Arabia has seen significant progress in building a robust clinical research ecosystem, with AstraZeneca contributing to this effort. The company reports more than 600 Saudi patients participating across 22 clinical studies, representing 51.4% growth in registered trials. It has also supported AI-based X-ray screening for pulmonary nodules, recently recognized by the Saudi National Institutes of Health.

"Our localization strategy extends well beyond manufacturing-it's about building a sustainable, innovation-driven ecosystem that supports Saudi Arabia's healthcare transformation," Werdany said. He added that AstraZeneca is working with universities and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties to develop training and certification programs that prepare a biotechnology-ready workforce.

Looking ahead
As Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its healthcare system, AstraZeneca's initiatives align with national priorities in artificial intelligence, digital health and clinical research.

"In the years ahead, we will focus on accelerating early detection and precision care through the application of artificial intelligence, advanced diagnostics, and digital health innovation," said Werdany. "Our goal is to support Saudi Arabia's strive towards becoming a hub of excellence in life sciences, driving equitable access to innovative medicines and localizing advanced capabilities in research, digital innovation, and healthcare delivery."

Through sustained collaboration with Saudi partners and alignment with Vision 2030, AstraZeneca's efforts form part of a wider national movement to deliver a resilient, technology-driven healthcare system that benefits patients and strengthens local expertise.