Charting a value-driven healthcare future: BD Saudi Arabia's GM on local impact, innovation, and Vision 2030
In a candid conversation with Saudi Gazette, Omar Malabarey, newly appointed Country General Manager for Becton Dickinson in Saudi Arabia, shares his vision for the company's role in the Kingdom's fast-evolving healthcare sector. With decades of experience across public and private healthcare, Malabarey discusses BD's commitment to local talent development, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships aligned with Vision 2030.
Q: Congratulations on your appointment as General Manager of BD in Saudi Arabia. Can you share your journey leading to this role and what it means to you?
A: My journey in healthcare has been both dynamic and fulfilling. I graduated in Radiological Sciences from the University of Wales (UK)and began my career as a radiology technologist at a Military hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Following a decade in public healthcare, I transitioned to the corporate sector, where I held several senior leadership roles in digital health services. My journey then took me to the Ministry of Investment (formerly SAGIA), where I was the managing director for healthcare investment and promotion efforts responsible of medical devices , medical services , digital health and pharmaceutical investments . Before joining BD, I held the role of Chief commercial officer (CCO)at the National Unified Procurement Company) NUPCO.
Stepping into this role at BD is a natural continuation of my mission to enhance the healthcare ecosystem system in KSA. BD has a legacy of innovation in medical technology, and I am honoured to lead its efforts in Saudi Arabia to drive impactful healthcare transformation.
Q: What are your immediate priorities as you take on this role?
A: My priorities span both internal and external objectives. Internally, I am focused on fostering a strong, collaborative workplace culture. A key priority is to establish BD as an employer of choice in Saudi Arabia, attracting and retaining top local talent while ensuring alignment with the Kingdom's Saudization initiatives.
Externally, my goal is to strengthen BD's presence and visibility in the Saudi market. While BD products are widely recognized, our corporate brand needs greater prominence among healthcare stakeholders. I want to position BD as not just a provider of high-quality medical technology but also as a key partner in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. Our focus is on value-driven healthcare—delivering not just products but comprehensive solutions, education, and best practices that enhance patient outcomes.
A strong part of my role will be pursue rolling out our Signature Programmes™ in Saudi Arabia, which focus on three critical areas: Patient Safety, Healthcare Worker Safety, and Healthcare Efficiency. These initiatives are designed to enhance infection control, improve hospital workflows, and to help ensure the safety of both patients and medical professionals. Through these programmes, BD is helping hospitals and healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia implement best practices that drive meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.
Q: Why is Saudi Arabia a strategic market for BD, and how does the company align with Vision 2030?
A: Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid and ambitious healthcare transformation under the leadership of the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman and HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vision 2030's Health Sector Transformation Program aims to create a world-class healthcare system that is efficient, patient-centric, and digitally advanced.
BD is fully aligned with this vision. We are not just a medical technology provider but a healthcare solutions partner, committed to driving innovation, education, and collaboration. Our focus is on automation, digital health solutions, and value-based procurement, all of which contribute to making healthcare more efficient and accessible.
Saudi Arabia's commitment to digitalization is unmatched. It is the leading nation in digitization, and we see this reflected in healthcare. BD is supporting this shift by introducing smart medication management systems and robotics to enhance pharmacy automation, reduce human error, and improve patient care.
Q: BD has several initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Can you highlight some of the key programs and investments?
A: Certainly. BD has evolved from a scientific office to a full commercial entity in Saudi Arabia, employing approximately 170 professionals and working alongside seven strategic distributors. Our commitment to Saudization is strong, and we continue to develop local talent in line with national workforce initiatives.
One of our most exciting developments is the BD Training Center in Riyadh, which officially launched in April this year. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for healthcare professionals, providing hands-on training on BD's medical technologies, best practices, and clinical applications. It will also support technical training for engineers, ensuring seamless device maintenance and optimization.
Recently, we also hosted our inaugural BD Healthcare Summit in Riyadh under the theme 'Embracing a Value Driven Future,' bringing together healthcare leaders to explore how AI, automation, and workforce empowerment can drive better outcomes in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Additionally, BD has established a Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing our commitment to regional operations and market expansion.
On the collaboration front, we have signed an MoU with STC to explore digital health solutions and are in discussions with multiplekey players to drive healthcare innovation. We also have an ongoing partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, focusing on enhancing nursing education and clinical competency.
Q: What are some of the new technologies BD is bringing to Saudi Arabia?
A: Saudi Arabia is embracing cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and BD is at the forefront of this transformation. One of our key areas of focus is medication management systems and robotics, which optimize pharmacy automation, helping to ensure precise and efficient medication dispensing. These technologies not only enhance patient safety but also improve workflow efficiency in hospitals and pharmacies.
We are also expanding our digital health solutions, aligning with Saudi Arabia's drive for smart healthcare systems. Our goal is to integrate automation, data-driven healthcare, and AI-supported medical technologies that elevate patient care standards.
Q: Are there any partnerships or collaborations BD is working on in Saudi Arabia?
A: Yes, partnerships are a key pillar of BD's strategy in Saudi Arabia. We have collaborated with Al Mujtamaa Pharmacy, making it the first digitally enabled pharmacy in Saudi Arabia using BD's advanced technology solutions. Additionally, BD has signed an MoU with STC, with further partnerships in discussion with Mobily and others toadvance digital healthcare and supply chain efficiency.
A notable collaboration is our partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, which focuses on continuous education and professional development for nurses across the Kingdom. This initiative underscores BD's commitment to capacity-building in the healthcare workforce.
Q: What key trends do you see shaping the future of the Saudi healthcare sector, and how is BD contributing?
A: The Saudi healthcare sector is moving toward value-based healthcare and value-based procurement models, where hospitals and institutions prioritize quality outcomes over mere cost efficiency. BD is actively engaging in this transition, particularly in laboratory solutions and diagnostics.
Another major trend is digital transformation, where automation and data analytics are playing a pivotal role in improving healthcare services. BD is driving innovation in pharmacy automation, digital medication management, and clinical diagnostics to support this shift.
Additionally, we see a strong push toward local manufacturing and public-private partnerships, and BD is keen to explore opportunities that align with these national priorities.
Q: As a leader, what is your vision for BD's role in Saudi Arabia?
A: My vision is clear: BD is here to stay and to lead. We are not just another healthcare technology provider; we are a long-term partner in Saudi Arabia's healthcare journey.
Our role extends beyond revenue growth—we are committed to delivering value to patients, healthcare professionals, and the government. BD will continue to support innovation, drive medical education, and contribute to the national healthcare transformation through strategic partnerships and advanced solutions.
A major part of this commitment is our focus on our Signature Programmes™, which align with the Kingdom's healthcare objectives. Through our investments, workforce development, and collaborations, BD is reinforcing its position as a trusted healthcare enabler in the Kingdom.
Q: Any final thoughts or messages you'd like to share?
A: I want to emphasize that BD's mission in Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in improving patient care and healthcare efficiency. We are here not just to provide medical devices but to transform the healthcare experience, ensuring better outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Innovation is at the heart of BD, and we will continue to introduce cutting-edge technologies and best practices that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Our training center, our partnerships, and our digital health initiatives all reflect BD's dedication to making a meaningful impact in Saudi Arabia's healthcare landscape.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TECHx
2 hours ago
- TECHx
Free ERP Is Like Building Your Own Car, Too Costly to Risk
Home » Expert opinion » Free ERP Is Like Building Your Own Car, Too Costly to Risk Free ERP may seem cost-effective, but it can undermine manufacturing, compliance & operational resilience in the Gulf. Choose a smarter solution. The manufacturing sector in the Gulf is in the midst of a major transformation. Driven by ambitious government initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Operation 300bn, both nations are making significant strides to localise production, reduce reliance on imports, and diversify their economies beyond oil. Industrial tariffs, global supply chain shocks, and rising geopolitical uncertainty are only adding urgency to this agenda. Against this backdrop, both established players, and a new generation of manufacturing firms, are racing to scale up and modernise fast. One thing is clear: whether it's a greenfield factory or a seasoned industrial group looking to expand capacity, success increasingly hinges on operational resilience. And at the heart of that is enterprise resource planning (ERP). A robust ERP system provides the foundation for streamlined operations, cost control, real-time visibility, and regulatory compliance. But once a manufacturer reaches the point of selecting an ERP, a critical fork in the road appears, and the allure of a 'free' open-source ERP can be hard to resist. At first glance, it sounds like a win: no licence fees, complete flexibility, and the promise of building something tailored to your exact needs. But in reality, choosing a free ERP can be like deciding to build your own car from a pile of parts and a workshop manual. What begins as a cost-saving project often turns into a drawn-out, complex journey, one that diverts energy from growth and innovation, and instead sinks valuable time into building what already exists. 1. Customisation Comes at a Cost Imagine starting your journey by choosing every individual car part, engine, transmission, steering, electronics, with the idea of creating a bespoke vehicle. For a manufacturer choosing a free ERP, this is what customisation often looks like. The core system might be sound, but it won't include the specific features that manufacturers in the region depend on, from production routing and BOM management to work orders and cost tracking. That means building everything from the ground up. Just as fitting an engine into a chassis designed for a different model takes time and expertise, shaping a generic ERP into a manufacturing-ready platform requires developers, consultants, and plenty of trial and error. The longer it takes, the more momentum is lost and the further behind competitors you may fall. 2. Shallow Manufacturing Capabilities Even if you manage to assemble a working vehicle, you may find that key components are missing. You've got a frame and wheels, but no suspension system or air conditioning. That's the experience many manufacturers have with open-source ERP when they reach the shop floor. Core modules like scheduling, quality control, production monitoring, and maintenance are either overly simplistic or absent entirely. As a result, manufacturers are forced to bolt on additional tools or write bespoke code, much like trying to retrofit a car with critical systems it was never designed to support. And even then, performance may remain patchy and inconsistent. 3. Integration Becomes a Maze Now imagine trying to hook up your DIY car to a smart traffic system, fuel sensors, or a self-parking garage. It might be possible, but you'll need to engineer those connections yourself. The same is true for integrating open-source ERP with the array of industrial systems found on a modern shop floor, be it machine sensors, PLCs, MES platforms, or IoT-enabled equipment. Out-of-the-box integration is rarely available in open-source ERPs. Manufacturers must invest in middleware, write custom APIs, and test repeatedly to ensure systems communicate reliably. This complexity adds not only cost, but risk, particularly for manufacturers under pressure to move fast and scale operations smoothly. 4. Compliance Isn't Plug-and-Play Finally, consider roadworthiness. A car that technically runs is not the same as one that passes inspection, meets emissions standards, and complies with safety regulations. Likewise, many open-source ERPs fall short when it comes to supporting regulatory requirements out of the box. Whether it's ISO certifications, FDA traceability, or aerospace standards, compliance in manufacturing is rigorous and unforgiving. Adding these capabilities after the fact, building audit trails, validation rules, secure data logs, is expensive and risky. There's no guarantee your custom-built system will meet all criteria, and retrofitting those controls can be more complex than if they'd been embedded from day one. A Smarter Road for Manufacturers That's not to say free ERP has no merit. For tech-savvy start-ups with in-house developers and niche needs, it can be a springboard for innovation. But for most manufacturers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, especially those scaling to meet national growth targets, a generic platform simply won't deliver the control, speed, and reliability required. The smarter route is to choose an ERP system that's been purpose-built for manufacturing, one that, like a car designed by engineers and built in a factory, includes all the core capabilities needed to operate safely, efficiently, and at scale. These systems offer integrated production control, quality management, and regulatory support as standard, not afterthoughts. They also come with pre-built integrations for industrial systems, reducing complexity and ensuring smoother implementation. Most importantly, they offer relevance from day one. Manufacturers don't need to spend months under the bonnet just to get the basics running. Instead, they can focus on delivering products, growing their business, and adapting to changing customer demands. Don't Let 'Free' Cost You the Future The manufacturing sector in the Gulf is on the cusp of something extraordinary. Governments are investing, demand is rising, and the region is fast becoming a serious industrial player on the global stage. But to seize this opportunity, manufacturers need to move with speed and confidence, not get bogged down with tools that slow them down. Choosing an ERP solution is a pivotal decision. And while 'free' can sound like a shortcut, it often turns out to be the long way around. In a market where timing and execution are everything, manufacturers simply can't afford systems that don't match their ambition. Like building a car from scratch, it's technically possible. But wouldn't you rather drive something built to go the distance? By Vibhu Kapoor, Regional Vice President – Middle East, Africa & India, Epicor
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
GCC flights cancelled: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman announce suspensions amid rising tensions
Airlines and airports across the GCC announced suspended flights to and from multiple destinations amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman revealed updated schedules with flights to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran suspended in many circumstances. UAE carriers also announced significant disruption to travel in the region. Saudi flights Airports across Saudi Arabia, and airlines operating in the Kingdom, announced expected travel disruption. Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah all advised passengers to check with airlines before heading to the airport. تنويه لمسافري #مطار_الملك_خالد الدولي Attention #Kkia Passengers — مطار الملك خالد الدولي (@KKIASA) June 13, 2025 A message on social media said: 'In the interest of your safety and comfort and due to the current developments in some countries in the region, travellers heading to destinations affected by airspace closures are kindly advised to contact their respective airlines directly before proceeding to the airport. 'This is to confirm the latest updates on their flights and to avoid any unexpected delays or changes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we are always pleased to serve you.' Bahrain flights Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air announced the cancellation of all scheduled flights to and from Baghdad and Najaf in the Republic of Iraq, and Amman in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, from June 14 to 16, 2025. The decision was made in light of current regional developments. Gulf Air emphasised that it continues to monitor the situation closely, with the safety of its passengers and crew remaining its top priority. The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and confirmed that it is working closely with partners and relevant stakeholders to assist, accommodate, and reroute affected passengers to their final destinations. Passengers were advised to check the latest updates on flight schedules online. Qatar flights Qatar Airways temporarily cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria due to the current situation in the region. The affected airports in Iran include: Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) Mashhad Airport (MHD) Shiraz Airport (SYZ) In Iraq, the affected airports are: Baghdad Airport (BGW) Erbil Airport (EBL) Basra Airport (BSR) Sulaymaniyah Airport (ISU) Najaf Airport (NJF) It added that, in Syria, flights to Damascus Aiport (DAM) will be cancelled until end of Saturday June 14. In a travel advisory, the airline said: 'Passengers are advised to check the status of their flight on Qatar Airways fully complies with international aviation regulations for safe aircraft routes. Passengers safety remains our highest priority.' Oman flights Oman Air cancelled flights between Muscat and Amman on June 13, 2025 while also rerouting flights to and from Europe. In a statement on social media, it said: 'Due to the current situation, flights WY413 Muscat-Amman and WY414 Amman-Muscat scheduled for June 13, 2025, have been cancelled. We are assisting affected passengers and apologise for any inconvenience caused. 'The rest of our network is operating as scheduled and European flights are being rerouted to avoid affected airspace. We encourage guests to check their flight status at Meanwhile, we continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. Due to the current situation, flights WY413 Muscat-Amman and WY414 Amman-Muscat scheduled for today, 13th June 2025, have been cancelled. We are assisting affected passengers and apologise for any inconvenience caused. The rest of… — Oman Air (@omanair) June 13, 2025 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused. The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain our highest priority.' Kuwait flights Some flights to and from Kuwait International Airport were diverted, cancelled and rescheduled, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. In a statement on social media, the authority said: 'The Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced the diversion, cancellation, and rescheduling of some flights at Kuwait International Airport due to the current situation in the region. 'The administration confirmed in a statement issued on Friday that it is currently coordinating with airlines operating inbound and outbound flights to and from Kuwait International Airport'. أعلنت الادارة العامة للطيران المدني عن تحويل والغاء واعادة جدولة بعض الرحلات في مطار الكويت الدولي نتيجة الأوضاع الحالية في المنطقة . واكدت الادارة في بيان صادر اليوم الجمعة بانه يتم حاليا التنسيق مع شركات الطيران العاملة للرحلات القادمة والمغادرة من والى مطار الكويت الدولي .… — الطيران المدني (@Kuwait_DGCA) June 13, 2025 Jazeera Airways said: 'Due to the evolving situation in the region, all Jazeera Airways flights to and from Iran have been temporarily suspended until further notice. 'We are closely monitoring developments and will share updates once every 24 hours as the situation progresses'. Kuwait Airways said that all flights were currently operating as scheduled, adding that it wasclosely monitoring the situation.
Arabian Post
6 hours ago
- Arabian Post
GCC Foreign Investment Poised for 2025 Slowdown
FDI inflows into the Gulf Cooperation Council economies are set to decelerate in 2025, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, ending a decade-long surge. Investor apprehension, shaped by evolving US trade policy, subdued oil prices, and delayed economic diversification, is expected to weigh on international capital flows. Investor uncertainty stems partly from the US administration's tariff stance. Though current levies exclude energy products, supply‑chain disruptions and broader uncertainty remain. S&P highlights that a weak oil outlook, underpinned by anticipated oversupply from OPEC+, will erode hydrocarbon earnings, which have underwritten much of the region's investment capacity. GCC governments have pursued ambitious non‑oil strategies, channeling FDI into infrastructure, renewables, tourism, logistics and construction. Yet progress has been mixed. Major diversification initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's investment in advanced sectors, are advancing but their timelines have slipped, diminishing investor momentum. ADVERTISEMENT S&P forecasts that global FDI will experience a net negative effect, driven largely by the indirect consequences of US trade policy and weaker oil earnings. Given the GCC currencies' peg to the US dollar, fluctuations in the greenback could offset some pressures; a softer dollar would reduce costs for non‑US investors and enhance regional competitiveness. However, that advantage may be insufficient to counteract broader headwinds. Regionally, differing exposures emerge. Qatar is building on its robust liquefied natural gas sector, with plans to nearly double output over the next five years. That strategy helps offset oil's downturn, but broader diversification beyond energy remains crucial. In North Africa, Morocco and Egypt continue to attract FDI in renewables and tourism—a distinct dynamic from the GCC's energy transition. Economists warn that protracted low oil prices could impair sovereign investment capacity. S&P's ratings division lowered its Brent and WTI price assumptions by around US$5 per barrel for the remainder of 2025 to US$65–70. Such projections signal slower government-led capital expenditure, potentially straining non‑oil sectors that depend on public spending. Banking experts echo these concerns. While GCC banks exhibit strong capital positions and manageable exposure to external deposits, sustained low oil revenue could increase non‑performing loans and reduce credit growth, undermining economic resilience. Security remains a latent but significant risk. Ongoing geopolitical tensions involving non‑state actors and civil conflicts continue to threaten investor sentiment. S&P emphasises that even perceived instability could deter capital inflows and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, structural strengths provide a buffer. GCC economies benefit from strong government finances, policy reforms, and growing non‑oil sectors. Institutions like sovereign wealth funds and well‑capitalised banks add resilience, although their capacity to offset prolonged pressure remains untested. Moving ahead, policy responses will be pivotal. A weaker US dollar could partially stabilise FDI, while GCC nations may need to accelerate reforms—streamlining foreign business regulations, enhancing project transparency, and boosting incentives for private and foreign investment. Greater alignment with global trade frameworks and diversification of export revenues are also likely to attract long‑term capital.
