Takeda and King Saud University Medical City forge strategic partnership to advance healthcare training in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Takeda, the global biopharmaceutical company, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) to advance healthcare training for medical professionals across Saudi Arabia.
With a focus on knowledge exchange, training and awareness initiatives, research and development, and collaboration across digital health and telemedicine solutions, the partnership is designed to support advancements across Saudi Arabia's healthcare system in line with Vision 2030 objectives. The Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) was signed on the sidelines of the Global Health Exhibition, which recently took place at Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, in the presence of Prof. Ahmed bin Salah Hirsi, CEO of King Saud University Medical City and Dr. Khaled Sary, General Manager of Takeda West Gulf Cluster.
KSUMC is a multi-facility and multi-disciplinary medical establishment based in Riyadh, renowned for its team of experts and use of advanced medical technologies. The world-class healthcare complex includes more than 1,300 full-time physicians, 853 residents and fellows, and approximately 2,072 allied health personnel. Through this partnership, KSUMC will leverage the competences of the healthcare professionals through Takeda's world-class research and development, and medical innovation in its core therapeutic areas of oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience, gastrointestinal & inflammation, plasma derived therapies, and vaccines.
' As we work toward elevating the quality of healthcare for the citizens of Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030, public-private partnerships will continue to play a vital role in achieving core objectives. Our collaboration with Takeda will be critical to advancing knowledge and skills training initiatives while providing access to the latest insights and innovations in the medical field. This will ensure that our healthcare practitioners are empowered to deliver the best patient care possible, ' said Prof. Ahmed bin Salah Hirsi, CEO, King Saud University Medical City.
' With a shared appreciation for the values of patient-centricity and innovation, we believe our recent collaboration with the King Saud University Medical City will fundamentally enhance patient care in terms of diagnosis and treatment. By leveraging our complementary strengths–including KSUMC's local expertise and Takeda's global research and development capabilities–our collaborative efforts will support a more resilient healthcare ecosystem, better adapted to the needs of today's patients. ' said Dr. Khaled Sary, General Manager, Takeda West Gulf Cluster.
With a mission to address unmet medical needs and advance sustainable healthcare systems, the partnership with KSUMC exemplifies Takeda's commitment to fostering innovation, empowering healthcare professionals, and enhancing patient outcomes through collaborative efforts across the
region. Looking to the near future, Takeda continues to prioritize strategic partnerships across the Middle East region to improve patient care.
About Takeda
Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.
For more information, please contact.
Ronak Thakkar
E: Ronak.thakkar@fleishman.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
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. (
Zawya
05-06-2025
- Zawya
Takeda Ukraine & Bulgaria Earn #8 Global Ranking in Best Places to Work 2024
LONDON, UK - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 June 2025 - Takeda, a global value-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company, has been proudly recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Work in the World for 2024, achieving the No. 8 global ranking by both Ukraine and Bulgaria countries. This prestigious recognition underscores Takeda's commitment to creating a workplace that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), fostering an empowering culture across all locations it operates. This accolade reflects Takeda's consistent focus on employee well-being, trust-based leadership, and a people-centered approach to business. At Takeda, we are committed to delivering an exceptional employee experience by cultivating an inclusive, purpose-driven workplace where our people can grow both personally and professionally. Being recognized as a Best Place to Work reflects our unwavering dedication to building a culture where every colleague feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Volodymyr Pedko, General Manager of Takeda Ukraine, shared: "It gives me great pride to receive this recognition during such challenging times! It stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of work and everyone's commitment to building and sustaining an innovative and inclusive workplace in our organization." Todor Kesimov, General Manager of Takeda Romania & Bulgaria, commented: "I am extremely proud that Takeda has been recognized as one of the top ten employers in the world for 2024. This confirms our efforts to build a culture of trust, care, and respect in every country, including Bulgaria. This recognition inspires us to continue building a better future – for our employees, for patients, and for society." Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Takeda Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit For more information, please visit the program website: Best Places to Work
Gulf Today
04-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Dubai Fitness Challenge in November, sunset yoga session to end event
The organising committee of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) has announced that its ninth edition will take place from 1st to 30th November, coinciding with the 'Year of the Community'. The committee also unveiled a bold, refreshed brand identity, which celebrates its transformative impact on the city's health and wellbeing. The announcement was made at a special gathering held to thank the government entities, schools, corporate entities, partners, fitness establishments and local communities that have helped make the annual event a resounding success. Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, began the ceremony with gratitude for every individual, organisation, government partner and stakeholder who has helped shape the success of DFC, noting that more than 13 million people have taken part over eight editions. Launched in 2017 by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the DFC embodies his vision to transform Dubai into one of the world's most active cities. Driven by this visionary leadership, the initiative's ongoing success supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the city's position as a global leader in both business and lifestyle. Commenting on the impact of DFC, he said, 'With 2025 declared the Year of Community in the UAE, I am confident that this year's edition will once again unite friends, families, and organisations in the shared pursuit of a healthier, more active lifestyle.' Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the Dubai Fitness Challenge has played a key role in encouraging healthier lifestyles and advancing the D33 Agenda's vision of making Dubai the best place to live, work, and visit. He added that the initiative's refreshed brand reflects its dynamic spirit and ongoing impact, as it continues to enhance well-being and strengthen Dubai's global standing. Alongside the refreshed brand, the 2025 highlight calendar was revealed, featuring 30 days of free and inclusive fitness events, fitness villages, community hubs, classes, and activities. This year's Challenge will feature a brand new flagship event: Dubai Yoga, which will bring the 30-day Challenge to a close with a sunset yoga session on 30th November. Returning events include the Dubai Ride, presented by DP World on 2nd November; Dubai Stand-Up Paddle on 8th-9th November; and Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, on 23rd November. The 2024 edition saw a record-breaking 2,735,158 participants - a 14 percent increase from 2023. Data from 2024 highlights DFC's lasting impact: 18 percent of participants reported improved physical fitness, 15 percent noted enhanced psychological wellbeing, and 14 percent experienced greater self-esteem and reduced anxiety. WAM
