RIYADH — The healthcare sector of Saudi Arabia has witnessed positive growth over the last few years and has attributed to strong support from the Saudi government. The Kingdom has allocated SR108 billion in its 2014 budget for the development of its health and social services reflecting an eight per cent increase in comparison to last year's budget. This step is set to further boost the country's flourishing medical devices market, which was valued at SR4.1 billion in 2013 and predicted to reach SR6 billion by 2018, accounting for almost 50 per cent of the Middle East's medical devices industry. The 2nd Saudi Health Exhibition and Conference is set to take place on May 19- 21, 2014 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, to throw spotlight on the thriving healthcare sector of the country. The event, which is jointly organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) and Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, offers the largest marketplace for regional and international healthcare stakeholders, dealers and suppliers, and service providers to interact and network with key industry players, healthcare professionals and new buyers. Aligning with the organizers philosophy of ‘Exhibition with Education,' Saudi Health 2014 will concurrently host a set of specialized conferences and workshops that will enable participants to gain knowledge, share experiences and network among their peers. Conference topics include nursing, hospital management, medical laboratory, cardiology, nuclear medicine, and the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Fahad Al Athel, Deputy General Manager, REC, said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has proven its leadership in the regional healthcare sector, fueled by increased government spending in healthcare, rise in population as well as per capita income and growing penetration of healthcare insurance. Saudi Health 2014 will give a major boost to already flourishing Kingdom's medical infrastructure. The medical services providers as well as local specialized healthcare companies will overview the latest technological breakthrough and solutions, fresh industry trends and international best practices. Visitors will further get an opportunity to boost their expertise and gain insight through different case studies.” Simon Page, Managing Director, Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, said: “Tapping into the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires a watertight entry strategy. Saudi Health offers a comprehensive introduction to the investments opportunities and potential partnerships offers available in the country. This is evident in the 28 per cent increase in exhibition space for the 2014 show where more than 300 exhibitors have chosen Saudi Health as their preferred platform to showcase their innovation and services to the Kingdom. Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions is once again thrilled to partner with REC to bring this event back to Riyadh.” More than 1,000 delegates are expected to attend Saudi Health 2014, the only specialized exhibition held under the support and patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Health. More than 300 local, regional and international exhibitors from 20 countries will showcase their products and services on more than 15,000 square meters of exhibition space at the three-day event. New for this year is the introduction of national pavilions from Canada, China, France, Germany, Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, Turkey, the UK and the US, among others. — SG
