Business Updates
Saudi & German Consortium Wins $1 Billion Behavioral Healthcare Hospital PPP Project in Riyadh
Saudi-German consortium wins $1bn behavioural healthcare hospital PPP project
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP (NCP) have awarded the operation and management contract for the SABIC Specialised Behavioural Healthcare Hospital in North Riyadh to a joint venture comprising Saudi and German healthcare operators.
The SEH Healthcare consortium comprises Tadawul-listed SMC Healthcare, which operates hospitals and specialised medical centres in Riyadh, Germany-based rehabilitation group Dr. Ebel Fachkliniken and Saudi mental healthcare services provider Health Gates Complex, according to an NCP press statement.
The statement said the project supports the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Programme, which aims to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services while increasing private sector participation in healthcare delivery.
The specialised facility will provide integrated mental health and behavioural care services, including addiction treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare programmes, it noted.
The 150-bed hospital, spanning approximately 62,500 square metres (sqm), was developed through cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), which contributed to the construction, equipping and infrastructure development of the facility, the statement said.
Aster DM Healthcare expands Saudi presence with acquisition of ProCare Hospital
Aster DM Healthcare has acquired a majority stake in ProCare Hospital in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province through a joint venture with Abdulrahman Saleh Al Rajhi and Partners Co Group.
As part of this investment, the facility has been rebranded as Aster ProCare Hospital. The company plans to double the hospital’s current capacity, increasing its licensed bed count from 100 to 209. This expansion also includes the introduction of new medical specialties, the integration of advanced healthcare technologies, and the implementation of Aster's established clinical governance framework.
The acquisition will expand ProCare’s licensed bed capacity from 100 to 209 beds, with additional specialities and advanced medical technologies. Founded in 2009, the multi-speciality hospital will adopt Aster’s clinical governance standards and digital health solutions. The expansion brings Aster’s total bed count in Saudi Arabia above 500 beds.
Abu Dhabi - New Corniche Hospital for Women & New borns
Abu Dhabi has taken a major step forward in women’s and children’s healthcare as PureHealth breaks ground on the new SEHA Corniche Hospital for Women and Newborns.
The state-of-the-art facility will be part of Abu Dhabi’s first dedicated women’s and children’s medical city, featuring 357 beds and advanced specialized care for mothers, newborns, and children.
This landmark project reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global healthcare destination and strengthens support for families across the UAE.
Dubai Strengthens Its Position as a Global Wellness & Healthcare Hub
Dubai has launched the Dubai Longevity Authority (DLA), a new initiative aimed at making the emirate a global leader in longevity, wellness, and advanced healthcare. Led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the authority will drive innovation in life sciences, biotechnology, preventive healthcare, and medical research.
The move supports Dubai’s long-term vision to enhance quality of life, attract global talent and investment, and set new benchmarks in health and wellness.
UAE Sets New Emiratisation Rule for Private Healthcare Sector
The UAE has implemented a new Emiratisation requirement for private healthcare facilities with at least 50 employees or more, mandating that 50% of their annual Emiratisation target must now be directed toward specialized roles such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. While facilities remain responsible for achieving 2% annual growth in skilled positions, this update specifically prioritizes clinical talent to bolster the nation's healthcare workforce. Monitoring for this compliance will begin in 2027, with financial penalties enforced for non-compliant providers.
This initiative is designed to foster sustainable career pathways for Emiratis and builds on the strong momentum seen by the end of 2025, when the sector already employed over 8,800 Emirati professionals, 82% of whom are women. To support this transition, authorities are actively encouraging healthcare providers to utilize the Nafis platform to source and connect with qualified local talent.