Latest news with #Gulf-region
Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Indonesian Education Expo 2025 showcases opportunities for Qatari international students
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Following the success of the inaugural event a year ago, the second edition of the Indonesian Education Expo 2025 Qatar was held on May 23 and 24, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Westbay. This event aimed to provide the broader community in Qatar with comprehensive information on the advancements of higher education in Indonesia, highlighting how these opportunities can address the needs of individuals facing global challenges. Addressing a press conference at the venue, Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar HE Ridwan Hassan said this year's expo featured an even broader array of higher education opportunities, including undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programmes, exclusive scholarship offerings to empower Indonesia's next generation of global leaders, and insights on how to secure scholarships. The two-day event was open to individuals aged 16 and above and catered to a diverse audience, including students, parents, educational counsellors, school administrators, career advisors, and professionals seeking further academic development. The universities represented included Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Universitas Padjadjaran, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Universitas Bina Nusantara (BINUS), Universitas Sampoerna, Swiss-German University (SGU), and the LSPR Institute of Communication and Business. Currently, more than 2,000 Indonesian students reside in Qatar, many of whom are preparing for higher education. This event offered them detailed information on a variety of education programmes and options for continuing their studies. Ivan Rismi Polontalo, coordinator of Information, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Qatar, said the embassy's initiatives are supported by collaboration with the Indonesian community in Qatar and by the government and people of Qatar. Ambassador Ridwan Hassan encouraged the international community in Qatar to explore these Indonesian higher education opportunities, which are internationally competitive. He also affirmed the embassy's commitment to fostering access to information and opportunities across various fields, including education, for the wider community in Qatar. Talking to Qatar Tribune, Andy Hadiyanto, vice-rector for Cooperation and Business at Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), said the university aimed to build partnerships with Qatari institutions and government agencies like the Ministry of Waqf. UNJ, a public university in East Jakarta with eight faculties and around 50,000 students, plans to expand to a 70-90 hectare new campus. While it currently hosts 100 international students from countries including China and Palestine, it hopes to attract Qatari students due to the high cost of education in Qatar. UNJ will offer 5–10 direct scholarships this year, targeting Gulf-region students. Dr. Achmad Syarief, representing Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), told Qatar Tribune that the university's participation in the expo aimed to share information about Indonesian higher education with the Indonesian diaspora, other expatriates in Qatar, and Qatari citizens. He added that ITB, as a science and engineering institute, has around 32,000 students and 2,800 staff members. The university currently hosts about 1,000 international students from Africa, Palestine, and Southeast Asia, and aims to increase these numbers. Dr. Syarief noted that ITB offers partial scholarships to international students, which could be appealing to many in Qatar, where 90 percent of the population are foreigners, with a significant portion from Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Associated Press
26-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Shah Equity & Shah Health Partners: Transforming Healthcare in the Gulf
Image used for illustrative purpose. Construction workers are seen on the site of a newly constructed bridge that is nearing completion at the Jahra roundabout in Kuwait City September 1, 2011. STR New, Reuters A groundbreaking collaboration between Shah Equity and Wafra International Investments has sent ripples through the Middle Eastern healthcare sector. This bold venture—a $50 million pension hospital project in Kuwait—combines cutting-edge clinical expertise, solidified financial backing, and a keen focus on high-impact specialties. At its core, Shah Equity's healthcare subsidiary, Shah Health Partners, will manage and acquire the hospital's gastrointestinal (GI) department, highlighting a pivotal moment in Gulf-region medicine. 'Healthcare in the Middle East is evolving faster than most expect,' says Noorullah Hussaini, Founder and CEO of Shah Equity. 'By bringing U.S.-trained physicians and modern technology into this Kuwaiti hospital, we're aiming to set a new standard for patient care and long-term value & gaining exposure into this emerging market within healthcare.' Shah Equity has already made a name for itself, integrating private equity efficiency with hedge fund liquidity across diverse sectors. Its healthcare wing, Shah Health Partners, stands out by deploying U.S.-recruited specialists and advanced protocols in regions where top-grade medical services are in high demand. This reputation, along with Wafra International's financial muscle, paves the way for an alliance poised to reshape healthcare accessibility in Kuwait and beyond. A $50 Million Dollar Hospital Expansion for Kuwaiti Residents Set to Complete in 2026 The hospital initiative underscores a growing trend in the Gulf: strategic investments that fuse world-class patient care with significant business potential. Kuwait has steadily increased support for healthcare projects, reflecting a population that seeks top-tier treatment without venturing abroad. With Wafra International Investment Co. (Wafra International)—a billion-dollar Qatari fund recognized for socially impactful yet profitable ventures—leading the capital infusion, the partnership fits neatly into the region's transformation goals. A senior associate from Wafra International shares the fund's motivation: 'We see this collaboration with Shah Equity as an opportunity to uplift medical standards in the East, continue to stimulate local economies in the Gulf region, and fulfill our long-term vision of impactful investments in essential services.' Why Focus on Gastroenterology? Gastrointestinal care remains a crucial yet often underserved specialty in the Middle East. Populations face rising obesity, dietary shifts, and conditions like colon cancer and Crohn's disease, driving up demand for expert GI services. Hospital administrators also recognize that these departments can be strong revenue generators, given the complexity and frequency of procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Dr. Yousuf Abdi, a New York-based gastroenterologist set to lead the GI department under Shah Health Partners, emphasizes the potential: 'The Gulf's demographics point to significant growth in GI-related cases. By bringing advanced diagnostic tools and new treatment methods, we're not just responding to an immediate need—we're laying the groundwork for a long-term improvement in patient outcomes.' With Shah Health Partners at the helm, the GI department plans to introduce cutting-edge endoscopic equipment, streamlined training programs, and patient-centered procedures. This approach has already proven successful at the American Hospital in Dubai, where Shah Health Partners manages the GI vertical, earning praise for its outcomes and technology-driven efficiency. Strategic Edge: Shah Equity and Wafra International Although distinct in their backgrounds, Shah Equity and Wafra International each bring formidable strengths. Wafra, established in Qatar, has long championed projects that balance profitability with community impact. The investment giant has multiple interests spanning real estate, hospitality, and more, but healthcare is an arena it aims to reinforce—especially in a region with soaring demand for specialized services. Founded in 2022, Shah Equity quickly evolved from a niche private equity-and-hedge-fund fusion into a global player. Through Shah Health Partners, the firm sharpened its focus on advanced medical services. A network of over 100 U.S.-trained physicians offers a blueprint of clinical rigor, modern surgical techniques, and research-driven therapies. This blueprint, now exported to Kuwait, includes an entire operating structure: recruiting top-tier talent, deploying advanced hardware, and embedding comprehensive quality control. 'Our role goes beyond a standard acquisition,' Hussaini observes. 'We dive deep into operational protocols, ensuring best practices, sophisticated diagnostics, and a patient-friendly culture from day one. We've shown in Dubai that an American approach to medicine, adapted to local needs, elevates both care standards and long-term profitability.' Kuwait's Emerging Healthcare Landscape Kuwait exemplifies broader transformations unfolding across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Governments and private investors alike are channeling considerable sums into hospitals, clinics, and specialized centers. A more informed, health-conscious public demands world-class care. Coupled with streamlined regulatory initiatives like public-private partnerships (PPPs) and tax incentives, the environment has become increasingly friendly to international collaborations. For Shah Equity, the Kuwait hospital represents another step in building a broader Middle Eastern presence. The firm previously entered Dubai's market by revamping specialized GI services. Should the Kuwaiti project succeed—financially and in terms of patient outcomes—it could pave the way for expansions in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or beyond. Crossing Borders, Building Synergies Shah Equity's involvement also features what Hussaini calls 'cross-border synergy.' Wafra International's insights into regional markets blend seamlessly with Shah Health's proven operational and clinical frameworks. Each partner benefits from exposure to the other's networks and knowledge, from local logistical nuances to advanced surgical protocols. This synergy is expected to improve staff recruitment, equipment procurement, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, as the hospital gains traction, it may leverage Wafra's broad portfolio to explore further expansions or acquisitions within the Kuwaiti healthcare ecosystem. Conversely, Shah Equity's replicable model of specialized department management could form the basis for new deals across the GCC. 'Many Gulf states are looking to upgrade and differentiate their medical services,' says Hussaini. 'By focusing on a high-value, specialized vertical like GI, we can deliver immediate impact—clinically and financially. If we show sustainable gains, that becomes a clear blueprint for other high-demand areas such as cardiology or oncology.' Local Impact, Global Ambition The hospital project aspires to deliver tangible benefits to both investors and the Kuwaiti population. Wafra International seeks stable, long-term revenue streams in essential industries; Shah Equity gains an opportunity to cement its healthcare footprint in a prominent Gulf state. At the same time, Kuwaiti patients can access advanced GI procedures and top-tier specialists without traveling abroad. Regional healthcare competition is also expected to intensify. As more players recognize the Gulf's potential, hospitals offering subpar services risk falling behind. Partnerships like this one set a higher bar for technology adoption, staff credentials, and patient satisfaction, potentially catalyzing improvements elsewhere. Dr. Abdi underscores the unique collaborative spirit he sees emerging: 'In most places, hospitals focus on either profits or patient care. Our model strives for both. Investing heavily in the GI department ensures we meet the region's rising need for specialized procedures while delivering exceptional clinical results.' Scaling a Healthcare Powerhouse Though currently concentrated on GI, Shah Equity has a portfolio in multiple verticals—dental clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and obesity-related care among them—as prime for modernization. If the Kuwaiti venture demonstrates solid financial returns and strong patient feedback, it may replicate those processes in other specialties or markets. A strong track record would bolster future negotiations with governments and private funds across the Middle East. Wafra International's senior associate highlights the broader possibilities: 'We see this partnership not as a single transaction but as the seed of a long-term alliance. Kuwait is merely the first phase. Should the results match our expectations, we're open to scaling similar healthcare ventures in other regional markets.' Charting the Future of Gulf Healthcare From flexible regulations to patient demographics, the Gulf region holds immense potential for innovators in medicine. Shah Equity's approach—integrating U.S. expertise with local insight—seems well-suited to fulfill that promise. Yet success depends on delivering consistent outcomes and demonstrating real value for patients who demand world-class care in their home country. 'Data-driven decisions, specialized recruitment, and cutting-edge technology are the cornerstones of how we operate,' Hussaini says. 'They're also what the Middle East's growing healthcare sector urgently needs. When Wafra and Shah Equity unite those elements, we're confident in our ability to set a new benchmark for medical excellence.' If the Kuwait Pension hospital lives up to its promise, it could accelerate a healthcare renaissance across the Gulf. Other alliances may emerge, each vying to serve increasingly discerning patients. Meanwhile, Shah Equity's expanding portfolio of high-level clinical services could transform it into a leading healthcare powerhouse, bridging Western standards and Middle Eastern opportunities. At its heart, the collaboration underscores a simple but powerful truth: when visionary financial resources merge with genuine medical expertise, remarkable progress is possible. The outcomes in Kuwait—whether measured in patient satisfaction, profitability, or additional market expansion—will likely echo far beyond a single hospital, inspiring future cross-border projects in one of the world's fastest-evolving healthcare arenas. Media Contact City: Dallas
