Global Health Exhibition 2025 concludes with US$35.5B in deals, cementing Saudi Arabia as a global health hub

SAUDI ARABIA—The Global Health Exhibition 2025 in Saudi Arabia concluded its eighth edition, delivering a strong message about the importance of global collaboration, investment, and innovation in transforming healthcare.

The event, held from October 27-30 in Riyadh, saw US$35.5 billion in signed agreements, breakthrough innovations unveiled, and featured 607 healthcare speakers.

 Attendance surged by 54% compared to the previous edition, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for healthcare advancement.

Under the theme ‘Invest in Health,’ the exhibition took place under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and aligned with Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program.

Organized by Tahaluf, the event showcased Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its healthcare landscape through strategic partnerships and international cooperation.

During the closing remarks, H.E. Eng. Abdulaziz bin Hamad AlRamaih, Vice Minister of Health for Planning and Development, emphasized the event’s significance.

He described the Global Health Exhibition as the world’s fastest-growing healthcare event for the second consecutive year, noting the exceptional quality of participants and the growing global interest from investors and healthcare leaders.

He also highlighted the combination of scale and quality, which contributed to the event’s position as the most attractive destination in the healthcare industry worldwide.

This year’s event produced a remarkable sixfold increase in private-sector B2B partnerships compared to 2024.

Key announcements included a US$8.4 billion investment in hospital and healthcare infrastructure development across Saudi Arabia, over US$3.24 billion in venture capital and strategic funds, and more than US$625 million invested in the life sciences sector.

Digital health partnerships involving HUMAIN, Lean, and Google Cloud further underscored the Kingdom’s rapid progress in building a cutting-edge health ecosystem.

The exhibition’s final day focused on future health systems, highlighting patient-centered innovation and the economics of care.

Global experts discussed how value-based care models must evolve to meet future healthcare demands.

Matthew Shaw, CEO of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, explained that healthcare value extends beyond cost and includes long-term social and economic benefits.

Dr. Majd Abu Zant, MD and CEO of Global Fertility, emphasized that funding for specialized treatments should shift from activity-based to outcome-based approaches, ensuring equity, access, and quality care for every patient.

The Healthcare Innovation Circle, hosted by Forbes Middle East and Health Holding during the event, gathered policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore integrated, tech-powered healthcare systems.

Industry leaders from Roche Diagnostics and BD discussed technology’s role in enhancing patient care, with Saudi Arabia leading transformative efforts.

Ahmed Aloraij, Chairman of the Health Tourism Association, also shared insights on the Kingdom’s unique approach to wellness and medical tourism, focusing on a “360 experience of healing” rooted in culture, nature, and innovation.

The event also supported young innovators through competitions such as the NextGen Pitch Competition and the LiveWell Youth Competition.

These contests offered platforms for startups and student teams to showcase innovations in digital health, MedTech, biotechnology, and wellness solutions.

Awards reached USD$26,660 for Exoheal, developers of a robotic glove for hand paralysis rehabilitation, and recognized Vitrac, the winner of the youth wellness competition.

With over 130,000 attendees, 2,200 exhibiting brands, and 607 international speakers, the Global Health Exhibition 2025 brought together leaders to address pressing global healthcare challenges and advance transformation.

Rachel Sturgess, Senior Vice President at Tahaluf, reflected on the event’s success, highlighting unprecedented international participation and strong partnerships that reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a global center for healthcare excellence and innovation.

Leading sponsors supporting the event included Health Holding, NUPCO, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Dallah Health, HAYAT National Hospitals, Lean, STC, Tawuniya, and WuXi AppTec.

As the event concludes, momentum continues with new partnerships, agreements, and ongoing dialogues set to drive future developments in healthcare, preparing the stage for the Global Health Exhibition 2026 in Riyadh.

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