Saudi Arabia raises Saudization to 80 per cent for key healthcare professions including nutrition, physiotherapy, labs, and radiology
Healthcare
Al Mal Capital REIT
Al Mal Capital REIT acquires NMC Royal Hospital in Dubai Investment Park
First investment in healthcare by the Dubai Investment subsidiary; facility has two hospital blocks and a fully-leased commercial building
antibiotic
WHO urges responsible use of antibiotics as global resistance increase dramatically
New report warns that one in six bacterial infections causing common infections are now resistant to antibiotic treatments
Dubai
Dubai Healthcare City Authority reveals $350mn development plan
The first phase of the plan includes first LEED platinum-certified office building in DHCC and purpose-built medical complex
Excise tax
GCC sugar tax explained: New four-tier beverage rules from 2026
GCC to replace flat 50% excise tax on sweetened drinks with a sugar-based system, introducing four new tiers to take effect from 2026
Abu Dhabi healthcare
Abu Dhabi’s PureHealth finalises $870mm deal for Greece and Cyprus’s largest private hospital group
PureHealth finalises $868m acquisition of Greece’s Hellenic Healthcare Group, expanding Abu Dhabi’s healthcare footprint
archer aviation
Abu Dhabi to host UAE’s first hospital vertiport for flying ambulances
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Archer Aviation will build the UAE’s first hospital vertiport, enabling fast eVTOL flights for patients
acquisition
Abu Dhabi’s PureHealth completes acquisition of 60% of Hellenic Healthcare
Third major acquisition by PureHealth; Hellenic is the largest private healthcare company in Greece and Cyprus valued at $2.56 billion
Dubai Health Authority
Dubai Police cut short unlicensed hair transplants in apartment clinic
Dubai Police combed social media to track down unlicensed hair transplant clinic; DHA issues health warning
American University in Dubai
American University in Dubai partners with Penn Medicine to launch UAE’s first US medical school
The American University in Dubai has partnered with Penn Medicine to launch the UAE’s first US medical school
Diabetes
Semaglutide cuts heart attack, stroke and death risk by 57% compared to tirzepatide: Report
According to the World Heart Federation, nearly 21 million people die annually from cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of disability and death worldwide
GaStat
Saudi Arabia reports 246 workplace injuries per 100,000; stress tops health concerns
Saudi Arabia recorded 246 workplace injuries per 100,000 workers in 2024, with stress the most common health issue, according to new GASTAT data
Ministry of Health
UAE announces Cabinet reshuffle
UAE announces new Minister of Health in Cabinet reshuffle
AI
AI in 2025: Retail leads in success, healthcare struggles, banking takes cautious path
Lenovo’s CIO Playbook 2025 reveals retail leading in AI success, healthcare struggling with results, and banking sectors benefiting from a cautious approach
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi launches newborn genetic screening programme to detect 815 childhood conditions
The initiative, launched in alignment with the Emirati Genome Council’s vision for personalised and precision healthcare, marks a step towards genomics-driven medicine in the UAE
Diabetes
Trump tariff threat pushes Eli Lilly to raise Mounjaro prices in UK
The company said it was reviewing Mounjaro pricing with other governments and expected to make similar adjustments in certain markets from September 1
Saudi Food & Drug Authority
Saudi Arabia launches easier online permit process for controlled drugs
Travellers to Saudi Arabia can now apply online for permits to carry narcotic or psychotropic medicines — here’s what you need to know
