GCC’s skincare market is just getting started

The boom is driven by a growing appetite for ingredient transparency, locally relevant products, and halal-certified formulations — all while competing in an increasingly sophisticated beauty market. (SPA)

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Updated 6 min 40 sec ago

Nadin Hassan

October 11, 2025 22:31

GCC’s skincare market is just getting started

��Ƶ and the wider Gulf are witnessing a surge in homegrown skincare brands

Updated 6 min 40 sec ago

Nadin Hassan

October 11, 2025 22:31

RIYADH: In ��Ƶ and across the region, skincare has gone from a small part of the beauty industry to a main focus, with new brands appearing in stores, beauty shops, and online far faster than anyone imagined a decade ago.

What’s behind the Gulf’s sudden obsession with this practice?

From pharmacists formulating serums in small labs to social media influencers building their own labels, ��Ƶ and the wider Gulf are witnessing a surge in homegrown skincare brands.

This boom is driven by a growing appetite for ingredient transparency, locally relevant products, and halal-certified formulations — all while competing in an increasingly sophisticated beauty market.

According to the Chalhoub Group’s “GCC Personal Luxury 2024: Unstoppable” report, the GCC personal luxury market reached $12.8 billion in retail sales over the 12-month period, growing 6 percent year on year despite a 2 percent decline for the sector globally.

The beauty industry increased 12 percent across the region, with skincare leading at 17 percent growth, outpacing all other subcategories.

The report noted a strong start to the first quarter of 2025, with prestige beauty sales up 23 percent year on year, supported by robust consumer demand, new retail openings, and the boost from a favorable Ramadan calendar.

Charlotte Tilbury, founder of Charlotte Tilbury Makeup, told Arab News that the opportunity in the Gulf is as much cultural as it is commercial.

“The skincare market in the UAE and ��Ƶ has seen extraordinary growth over the past few years and we believe this is only the beginning. There is a clear shift toward skincare becoming a central part of beauty rituals across the region, driven by a digitally savvy audience who value innovation, performance, and glow-boosting results,” she said.

In the Gulf, skincare is often treated as an indulgent, layered ritual rather than a quick routine. Tilbury said her brand has tailored its offerings accordingly.

Partnering with the right distributor in the region has enabled us to launch with some of the best and the newest spas in the Middle East, most prominently in ��Ƶ.

Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza, CEO and co-founder of luxury skincare house Omorovicza

“Charlotte Tilbury’s skincare strategy in the GCC is deeply rooted in understanding local beauty rituals and skin concerns, such as pigmentation due to prolonged sun exposure, sensitivity to dry climates, and the desire for radiant, glass-like skin even in high heat,” Tilbury said.

Speaking to Arab News, Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza, CEO and co-founder of luxury skincare house Omorovicza, said the region had become one of the company’s fastest-growing markets, leading to a focus on the growth of the company’s spa channel.

“Therefore, partnering with the right distributor in the region has enabled us to launch with some of the best and the newest spas in the Middle East, most prominently in ��Ƶ,” he said.

The brand’s upcoming openings include partnerships with Four Seasons AMAALA, Miraval Red Sea and the Red Sea EDITION, where curated treatment menus are designed for travelers to these new destinations.

A beauty ritual, not just a routine

Tilbury noted that GCC consumers are “incredibly beauty-forward” and embrace multi-step regimens that combine hydration, glow enhancement, anti-aging treatments, and pre-makeup prep in one session.

Omorovicza’s de Heinrich echoed the sentiment, observing that “consumers in ��Ƶ and the Gulf favor luxurious, results-driven skincare with visible effects.” He added: Unlike the more minimalist, ingredient-focused approach seen in the UK or US, Gulf customers prioritize skin clarity, glow, and enjoy a multi-step routine.”

Adapting to the climate

Tilbury said her product development takes into account harsh summer heat, air-conditioned interiors, and high humidity in coastal cities. “We’ve ensured our product textures and packaging are suitable for travel and daily wear in warm climates,” she told Arab News.

Omorovicza applies similar localization. “When thinking about the GCC, we consider the climate, of course, but also the lifestyle of our target market, their exposure to extreme heat, air conditioning, humidity, etc.,” said de Heinrich. “In turn, we select an appropriate portfolio of products and treatments to ensure that we can address the needs of every GCC customer we meet.”

Economics of a beauty boom

Tilbury’s decision to deepen investment in skincare was influenced by both sales data and community engagement.

“We’ve seen higher interest in our skincare-focused masterclasses and content, from an engaged community of creators and consumers eager to share results,” she said. “These indicators, coupled with a strong appetite for education and expert-driven beauty solutions, confirmed that the region is ready for deeper investment in the skincare category.”

The Chalhoub Group report shows that online sales of luxury goods — including beauty — now account for 13 percent of the GCC market, growing at 13 percent year on year, far outpacing the global average, which saw declines of up to 4 percent.

This signals a significant opportunity for skincare players investing in digital retail.

Omorovicza has also capitalized on the momentum. “Spa is the heart of Omorovicza, and the cornerstone of everything we do,” de Heinrich said. “Partnering with the right distributor in the region has enabled us to launch with some of the best and the newest spas in the Middle East.”

Innovation meets tradition

In the Gulf, beauty shopping now often starts on a smartphone screen.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat have become the main stage for discovering products, with influencers, dermatologists and beauty creators demonstrating techniques, comparing ingredients, and showcasing results in real time. This has transformed skincare into an interactive, knowledge-driven experience.

Tilbury said that this digital culture has accelerated the region’s appetite for advanced skincare.

“Social media has played a key role in skincare knowledge, and the Gulf audience is highly tuned into global beauty trends,” Tilbury said, adding:

“There has been a huge skincare first shift in the region, with many eager to try layering techniques and glow-boosting ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid, consumers in the region are quick to adopt the best in international skincare.”

This rapid adoption is matched by a preference for luxury, high-performance products.

Omorovicza said the influence of global beauty has pushed the market toward hyper-personalization.

“Customers should not accept generic solutions,” he said, “but insist on products and treatments that target their skin’s needs at the relevant time and in the relevant circumstances.”

For Gulf consumers, this blend of international innovation and regional relevance is now the standard — and social media ensures the conversation never stops.

Looking ahead

With new luxury resorts, retail destinations, and wellness hubs opening across ��Ƶ and the UAE, industry insiders expect the skincare segment to grow even more competitive. Chalhoub Group projects the GCC personal luxury market — with skincare as a key growth driver — to hit $15 billion by 2027.

As Tilbury summed up: “The region’s skincare journey is just getting started, and the demand for luxurious, high-performance products that deliver both instant glow and lasting results will only grow stronger.”

Topics: GCC skincare

��Ƶ’s cloud kitchen evolution: from hidden kitchens to branded empires

Updated 11 sec ago

Waad Hussain

October 11, 2025 22:13

��Ƶ’s cloud kitchen evolution: from hidden kitchens to branded empires

Saudi entrepreneurs are rethinking how restaurants operate and how kitchens can do more with less

Updated 11 sec ago

Waad Hussain

October 11, 2025 22:13

ALKHOBAR: With delivery now dominating the food game, Saudi entrepreneurs are rethinking how restaurants operate and how kitchens can do more with less.

From asset optimization to rapid brand launches, the cloud kitchen playbook is getting sharper. For Saudi entrepreneur Faris Al-Turki, the move to cloud kitchens wasn’t about chasing a trend; it was about unlocking the full value of what already existed.

“We invested millions into the branch,” said Al-Turki, founder of Faris Breakfast. “But it was only used in the mornings. So, we asked: Why not turn it into a cloud kitchen the rest of the day?”

That shift, using idle kitchens to launch virtual brands and serve new segments, has opened up a path to increased revenue without new real estate.

“Even if it adds a bit of cost,” he said, “our fixed costs are already there. So we might as well expand — different meals, different audiences, same kitchen.”

It’s a hybrid model that keeps overhead low and output high and reflects a broader transformation underway in the Kingdom’s food scene.

But turning physical space into digital brands comes with new pressures, especially when there’s no street visibility or foot traffic.

“One of the biggest challenges is that you don’t have a physical store with a clear logo in a busy area,” Al-Turki said. “You’re completely dependent on ads, influencer marketing, paid placements inside apps.”

That means most customers only encounter the brand in-app, making marketing a survival tool. “If they don’t see your name on the list, they won’t even know your food exists, no matter how good it is.”

While Al-Turki is maximizing physical space, others are skipping it altogether.

Foodtech platform Kaykroo, which entered the Saudi market in 2021, is operating at a different scale. The Dubai-born company runs over 77 digital-first brands in ��Ƶ alone, with a presence in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and more.

“We’re well past the early rollout phase,” said Fawaz Al-Otaibi, co-founder and KSA CEO of Kaykroo. “Our platform model allows us to scale quickly while tailoring brands to local consumer demand.”

Instead of leasing kitchen space to outside operators, Kaykroo owns and runs its entire portfolio, combining culinary R&D, logistics, and data science under one umbrella.

Our platform model allows us to scale quickly while tailoring brands to local consumer demand.

Fawaz Al-Otaibi, co-founder and KSA CEO of Kaykroo

Since launching, the company has sustained a double-digit CAGR in delivery orders, with a significant portion of sales coming from repeat customers. “That reflects the loyalty we’ve built in the Saudi market,” Al-Otaibi added.

For Kenzy Al-Harbi, the cloud kitchen model was a strategic gateway. At just 18 years old, the Madinah-based entrepreneur launched Earth Art, a delivery-only food brand inspired by visual aesthetics and high-end comfort food.

“I chose the cloud kitchen model because it’s much cheaper than a traditional restaurant,” Al-Harbi said. “It gave me a way to test the idea and build the brand without taking a big risk.”

With no storefront to rely on, she focused on packaging, social media, and storytelling to build loyalty. “I invested in visual branding and nice packaging. I wanted people to feel the brand experience even without visiting a branch.”

Still, Al-Harbi says platform commissions eat into margins, and make efficiency critical.

“The hardest part is managing costs, especially the commission that delivery platforms take,” she explained. “I had to create bundles and offers to increase order value, and optimize inventory so I wasn’t wasting money.”

While platforms like Jahez and HungerStation help reach customers, they also serve as gatekeepers. Visibility, rankings, and promotions all come at a cost. “You have to pay just to show up,” Al-Turki added. “And if you want to be near the top of the app, that usually means discounts or free delivery.”

For these operators, tracking performance is no longer optional; it’s built into the workflow.

“I noticed customers love seasonal items or dishes tied to occasions,” Al-Harbi said. “That insight pushed me to update my menu regularly. I also adjusted prices based on what was selling and when.”

Al-Turki agreed: “The market’s moving fast. People want variety, they want convenience, and they want speed. You have to adapt constantly — menus, marketing, even kitchen workflows.”

Kaykroo takes that even further, with teams monitoring customer behavior across all 77 plus brands to optimize offers, locations, and operating hours.

As cloud kitchens multiply, questions around regulation, consolidation, and long-term viability are beginning to surface. “There’s definitely growing competition,” Al-Harbi said. “And I think we’ll start seeing clearer regulations to protect both businesses and customers.” Al-Turki sees a shift already underway. “Dine-in traffic is going down. People want to eat where they are. At home, at work, with friends. That’s not a trend, that’s reality.”

Al-Otaibi, who plays a role in shaping policy frameworks for the sector, expects more structure.

As the industry matures, strong operators will survive and grow, and weak ones will phase out or consolidate.

Al-Harbi’s advice to first-time founders: “Start small, test your concept, and don’t overspend. Focus on quality and the customer experience — and never stop improving.”

Al-Turki keeps it blunt. “It’s not easy; you’re in a constant fight to stay visible and stay relevant. But if you’re lean, creative, and persistent, the opportunity is there.” As the Kingdom’s F&B scene evolves, one thing is clear: In the race to capture the delivery-first consumer, the winners won’t just cook well, they’ll think fast, market smarter, and adapt without waiting for permission.

Topics: ��Ƶ Saudi Entrepreneurs

MENA startups see $4.5bn funding in Q3

Updated 7 min 1 sec ago

Nour El-Shaeri

October 11, 2025 22:07

MENA startups see $4.5bn funding in Q3

The quarter’s strong finish was powered by a record-breaking September

Updated 7 min 1 sec ago

Nour El-Shaeri

October 11, 2025 22:07

RIYADH: Startup investment in the Middle East and North Africa surged to $4.5 billion in the third quarter of 2025, marking a 523 percent quarter-on-quarter increase, according to data from Wamda and Digital Digest.

The quarter’s strong finish was powered by a record-breaking September, which alone accounted for $3.5 billion across 74 deals— up 914 percent month on month and 1,105 percent year on year.

Even excluding the $2.6 billion allocated for debt financing, September remained one of the most active months in the region’s history, with equity funding up 147 percent compared to August, representing an annual rise of 194 percent.

The figures suggest a return of investor confidence following a muted August, when total funding stood at $337.5 million.

��Ƶ was the driving force behind the September surge, with 25 startups raising a combined $2.7 billion.

Key contributors included Tamara’s $2.4 billion debt facility, Hala’s $157 million series B round, Lendo’s $50 million debt raise, and Erad’s $33 million in debt financing.

Much of this momentum was attributed to deal-making around Money20/20, the region’s flagship fintech event, where 15 transactions were announced. The UAE followed with 26 startups securing $704.3 million, underscoring sustained interest in the region’s more mature startup hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Oman came in third with $7.7 million across three startups, while Morocco and Egypt trailed with $6.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

Egypt’s continued funding slump reflects ongoing macroeconomic challenges and currency instability, which have weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

Fintech dominated sectoral activity in September, attracting $2.8 billion across 25 deals — almost entirely from ��Ƶ’s megadeals.

Property tech followed, bolstered by Property Finder’s $525 million round, accounting for nearly all of the $528.6 million raised in the sector. Artificial intelligence startups brought in $34.3 million across seven transactions, while human resources tech raised $24.2 million.

Early-stage startups accounted for the majority of deal activity, with 55 companies raising $129.4 million.

However, later-stage firms, though fewer in number with just four rounds, captured $699 million, indicating investor preference for scaling ventures with proven models.

Business model trends also shifted, with B2B2C startups leading fundraising for the first time.

Founded in 2021 by brothers Omar and Tareq Tahboub, Engagesoft provides an employee engagement and organizational effectiveness platform. (Supplied)

These hybrid ventures raised $2.4 billion across 15 deals, outpacing pure B2C companies, which raised $557.3 million, and B2B startups, which secured $456.3 million across 36 transactions.

The data suggests a growing preference for flexible business models that can monetise both consumer and enterprise demand.

Despite these gains, gender disparity in startup funding remained stark. Male-founded startups attracted $3.3 billion, while female-founded ventures secured only $1.1 million across four deals.

Mixed-gender founding teams raised the remainder, continuing a trend where women-led startups have yet to surpass 5 percent of total capital raised in 2025.

On a year-to-date basis, MENA startups have raised $6.6 billion through 514 rounds, already surpassing the annual totals of most years since 2021.

��Ƶ led the third quarter’s funding with $3.2 billion raised across 62 deals, followed by the UAE with $1.2 billion from 59 deals. Egypt, Iraq, and Morocco rounded out the top five, albeit with significantly lower totals.

Sectorally, fintech remained dominant in the third quarter with $3 billion in funding, followed by proptech with $684 million and e-commerce with $265 million.

Of the 180 deals closed, 134 were early-stage, raising $538.3 million. Later-stage startups secured $981.3 million across 17 rounds, while 12 startups opted for debt instruments, reflecting increased use of alternative financing strategies.

Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, including political tensions and the Israel-Hamas war, 2025 has emerged as a transformational year for the region’s venture ecosystem.

Engagesoft raises $3.5m

��Ƶ-based Engagesoft has raised $3.5 million in a pre-series A round led by Silicon Badia to accelerate its AI-driven product roadmap and expand across the Middle East.

The company, founded in 2021 by brothers Omar and Tareq Tahboub, provides an employee engagement and organizational effectiveness platform that enables enterprises to track engagement, culture, leadership, and performance using data-driven insights.

The capital injection will be used to further develop the platform and support its regional expansion amid growing demand for workplace intelligence solutions across the Gulf region.

Nuxera AI secures $2.5 million pre-seed investment

Saudi health tech startup Nuxera AI has raised $2.5 million in a pre-seed round led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Redesign Health.

Founded in 2024 by Amin El-Hemaily, Asad Khan, and Nada Hassan, Nuxera is positioning itself as an AI hub for healthcare by offering integrated, scalable technologies for hospitals and health clusters.

The company plans to use the funding to expand its engineering and commercial teams in ��Ƶ, enable hospital-wide deployments, and enhance its AI models through clinical partnerships.

Touche Prive raises $5m to enter GCC fashion retail with Saudi expansion

Turkish fashion platform Touche Prive has secured $5 million in Shariah-compliant growth funding from Amplify Growth Partnership, a joint venture between Ajeej Capital and Nuwa Capital.

Founded in 2014 by Enes Can Buyukkose and Mirac Bal, Touche Prive serves customers in over 100 countries through its omnichannel fashion platform, targeting women aged 20 to 45.

The funding will support the company’s strategic expansion into the Gulf Cooperation Council region, beginning with ��Ƶ, where it plans to open flagship retail stores through a partnership with a leading local retail group.

Tagaddod raises $26.3m series A

Egypt-based clean tech firm Tagaddod has raised $26.3 million in a series A round led by the Arab Energy Fund, with participation from FMO, VKAV, A15 Ventures, and other existing investors.

Founded in 2013 by Nour El-Assal and Ahmed El-Farnawany, Tagaddod operates a platform that collects, traces, and certifies renewable waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil, acid oils, and animal fats from thousands of suppliers.

With a presence in Africa, Asia, Europe, Jordan, and the Netherlands, the company plans to use the new funding to expand into new markets, develop AI-driven technologies, and build infrastructure to handle increased feedstock volumes.

EMMA Systems raises seed funding

Qatar-based EMMA Systems has raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding from Plus VC, with additional participation from angel investors.

Founded in 2020 by Wisam Costandi and Mohammad Hourani, EMMA Systems offers an AI-driven Software-as-a-Service platform that integrates operational data across airports to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

The company will use the capital to accelerate product development, support global expansion, and strengthen its position as a regional deeptech player in aviation systems.

MGX joins $6.6bn OpenAI secondary share sale

Abu Dhabi-based AI investment platform MGX has participated in a $6.6 billion secondary share sale in OpenAI, according to Reuters.

The deal, one of the largest private AI transactions this year, values OpenAI at approximately $500 billion.

The transaction enables employees and early investors to liquidate part of their holdings without bringing new capital into the company.

Other participants included institutional investors such as Thrive Capital, SoftBank, Dragoneer, and T. Rowe Price. MGX, backed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth, focuses on large-scale investments in AI globally.

YAL.ai raises $12m series A to expand AI-powered telecom fraud prevention

UAE-based YAL.ai has raised $12 million in a series A round to scale its AI-driven telecom fraud protection platform globally.

The startup, founded in 2024, uses on-device, self-learning AI to detect and block scams across calls, messages, and emails while ensuring user data privacy and compliance.

The funds will support research and development efforts, broader validation testing, and partnerships with telecom operators, banks, and fintech firms.

YAL.ai also plans to expand its platform’s capabilities with AI-guided safe replies and advanced discovery tools to enhance secure digital communications.

Topics: Start-up of the Week MENA

NCEC develops an environmental pollution vehicle to reduce pollution and protect public health

Updated 10 October 2025

Haifa Alshammari

October 10, 2025 22:13

NCEC develops an environmental pollution vehicle to reduce pollution and protect public health

Updated 10 October 2025

Haifa Alshammari

October 10, 2025 22:13

RIYADH: To enhance the speed and efficiency of environmental emergency response in the Kingdom of ��Ƶ, the National Center for Environmental Compliance has launched six first-response vehicles for ecological emergencies.

These vehicles feature advanced technologies, including systems for measuring pollutants and hazardous emissions, as well as the ability to intervene in dangerous chemical incidents, while allowing teams to reach the scene as quickly as possible.

The environmental pollution vehicle is a specialized vehicle for monitoring and responding to various sources of pollution, helping to mitigate their impact on public health and the environment.

The NCEC's Environmental Pollution Vehicle is equipped with gadgets and instruments designed for monitoring and responding to various sources of pollution. (NCEC photo)

In an interview with Saad Al-Matrafi, NCEC’s executive director of media and communication and official spokesperson, he said that these vehicles use the latest advances in pollution measurement, providing accurate and immediate data on air quality and potential hazards.

He said that the vehicles will be stationed in several locations in the Kingdom, including Riyadh, the Northern Borders, Madinah, Makkah, Jazan, and the Eastern Province.

“Functioning as mobile environmental monitoring stations, the vehicles feature integrated systems for gas analysis and air quality assessment — enabling swift, data-driven responses to environmental incidents across the Kingdom,” Al-Matrafi said.

“By collecting and analyzing real-time data, it enables rapid corrective action to address environmental challenges as they arise,” he added.

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The executive director demonstrated the operation of the equipment and devices available in each vehicle.

“Technicians can measure the volume of hazardous gases and monitor various types of gases, such as carbon monoxide, methane, propane, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and other gases, depending on the type of sensors selected.”

Inspectors of the National Center for Environmental Compliance at work. (SPA file photo)

In addition, the vehicle’s emergency technicians can handle accidents and chemical and biological hazards, he said.

“All employees receive specialized training to operate these vehicles safely, including the use of gas detection equipment and protective suits, ensuring they can effectively respond to chemical, biological, and hazardous material emergencies,” Al-Matrafi said.

NCEC said that the technologies in the vehicle contribute to the rapid response and handling of any environmental emergency, thereby ensuring the community’s safety and achieving the highest standards of environmental protection.

More than 25 devices, items of protection equipment, and tools are available in NCEC’s environmental vehicles, including a measuring device used to calculate distances accurately. This product is designed to fold, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.

Saad Al-Matrafi, executive director and official spokesperson at NCEC. (AN file photo)

Another tool is the hazardous gas measuring device, which will be used to detect the presence of toxic or flammable gases in the surrounding environment, ensuring the safety of people where gas levels may be hazardous.

Additionally, there is an infrared thermometer to measure temperatures remotely, without the need for contact with the object or surface being measured.

Employees will be equipped with a sample collection and storage bag designed for hazardous materials responders, environmental agencies, military personnel, police, or forensic workers collecting samples containing chemical, biological, or radiological threats, including chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial materials, and toxins.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The National Center for Environmental Compliance is aiming to protect the environment and the general public’s health with the environmental pollution vehicle.

• More than 25 pieces of protective equipment are available in NCEC’s environmental vehicles to ensure accurate data collection and provide a safe environment for the workers.

• Gases that experts from NCEC can measure in vehicles include carbon monoxide, methane, and propane.

Another bag will be provided to transport samples from the collection site to laboratories or other locations safely and without any change to their quality.

To protect workers in hazardous environments, such as industrial plants, power plants, contaminated sites, and activities involving exposure to highly toxic materials, protective suits will be provided. Employee safety is essential to avoid contamination by hazardous substances.

Around the world, poor air quality is one of the causes of several health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, according to the Clean Air Fund. (Supplied)

Furthermore, the chemical and biological hazard-resistant suit is designed to protect people from exposure to toxic chemicals, biological contaminants, or viruses in hazardous environments.

Workers are expected to use a face mask and a filter, as the modern design of full-face masks provides extensive and well-developed cover for the face while still allowing clear vision. While the availability of various sizes ensures masks fit comfortably and securely, the face mask filter provides complete protection from toxic and chemical gases.

The Kingdom is prioritizing its sustainable development goals as a significant objective of Vision 2030. Structuring a healthier, more flourishing, and greener future through innovative interventions such as the environmental vehicle by NCEC is critical for a balanced ecosystem.

Topics: Green & Blue National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC)

Saudi, Japan to develop digital medicine strategies

Updated 10 October 2025

Arab News Japan

October 10, 2025 14:43

Saudi, Japan to develop digital medicine strategies

Pact includes AI diagnostics, training, device development, and education platforms

Updated 10 October 2025

Arab News Japan

October 10, 2025 14:43

TOKYO: Tokyo-based Medident has signed an agreement with ��Ƶ institutions to link Japan’s medical digital transformation strategy with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan.

The pact was inked at the Japan-Saudi EXPO Investment Forum, the company announced on Sept. 24.

The agreement covers areas including artificial intelligence diagnostics, surgical training, medical device development, and healthcare-education platforms.

Medident also plans to speed up clinical and educational adoption of its 3D Clone Model, a training tool that combines virtual reality with tactile simulation based on various types of medical scans.

“Our initiatives are gaining recognition both academically and at the policy level,” Medident CEO Daisuke Tomita said.

“By connecting Japan’s strengths in digital healthcare with ��Ƶ’s reform agenda, we will build new frameworks for international co-creation.”

The deal was signed on stage at the Saudi-Japan EXPO Investment Forum with Dr. Noor A. Al-Saadoon, director of health innovation at the Biotech Center at Al-Faisal University, and Dr. Mohammed Al-Hayaza, president of Al-Faisal University.

Also in attendance were Khalid A. Al-Falih, minister of investment; KOGA Yuichiro Koga, state minister of economy, trade, and Industry; and Yumiko Tomita, director of the Japan Oral Health Association.

Medident is a part of the Mirise Medical Group, which operates clinics in Tokyo’s upmarket Minami-Aoyama and Ginza districts, focusing on orthodontics, oral health, and regenerative therapies.

Topics: Japan

Damascus-Amman train link could be completed by 2026 as historic Hijaz railway restoration plan gains steam

Updated 10 October 2025

Khaled Al Khawaldeh

October 10, 2025 13:23

Damascus-Amman train link could be completed by 2026 as historic Hijaz railway restoration plan gains steam

Under the agreement, Turkiye will support Syria with reconstruction efforts, while Jordan will provide locomotive maintenance
A Jordanian official said if plans go ahead passengers could expect to board trains from late next year

Updated 10 October 2025

Khaled Al Khawaldeh

October 10, 2025 13:23

DUBAI: Passengers traveling between Amman and Damascus could be taking the train as early as the end of 2026, with both countries determined to restore a historic rail link that once connected the Levant with the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah.

A high-level meeting in Amman last month saw Jordan, Syria, and Turkiye agree to work together on reviving the historic railway.

Under the agreement, Turkiye will support Syria with reconstruction efforts, while Jordan will provide locomotive maintenance.

Although details regarding timelines remain limited, Zahi Khalil, director-general and deputy chairman of the Jordan Hijaz Railway at the Jordanian Ministry of Transport, said plans are well underway and could allow passenger services between the two capitals as soon as next year.

“Turkiye agreed in September to support the repair of the railway section between Damascus and the Jordanian border. They will completely restore it,” Khalil told Arab News on the sidelines of the Global Rail Conference in Abu Dhabi last week.

“Regarding the connection process — the link between Damascus and Amman — it could be ready by the end of next year, 2026. So possibly in the last quarter of next year, we’ll have the first passenger trip between Amman and Damascus.”

Khalil said the initial phase of the project will focus on passenger transport, but there are also plans to upgrade the route for freight trains within the next three to five years. This, however, will require significant infrastructure upgrades to handle heavier loads.

Historically, the Hijaz Railway was part of the Ottoman rail network and served as a major link between Damascus and Makkah, reducing a journey that once took 40 days to just five. Seen by the sultan at the time as a symbol of Islamic unity and progress, the railway holds deep historical and cultural significance across the region.

Khalil explained that much of the historic track would be rehabilitated, upgraded for modern trains, and reused, with large sections of the original route still intact. He believes the revived line will function not only as a vital transport connection but also as a heritage attraction in its own right.

“Trains are one of the greatest and easiest means of connection between countries; they carry large numbers of people and encourage tourism both within Jordan and between Jordan and neighboring countries,” he said.

“For example, on the old Hijaz Railway, we already have daily tourist trips in the historic Wadi Rum area, but only there. When the line connects to other regions, it will bring tourists from neighboring countries and other Jordanian cities.”

The original Hijaz Railway was intended to extend all the way to Istanbul, connecting the Ottoman capital with Makkah. However, the project was never completed due to the First World War and the subsequent fall of the Ottoman Empire.

With Turkiye now deeply involved in Syria’s reconstruction, Khalil believes there is renewed potential to realize the railway’s original scale. He noted that work is already underway to rehabilitate lines between Damascus and Aleppo, with plans to extend the tracks to the Turkish-Syrian border.

“Once Syria is linked to the Turkish rail lines, Amman will be connected all the way to Istanbul,” he said.

Looking ahead, Khalil added that there are also plans to link Amman with future railway projects in ��Ƶ and the Gulf Cooperation Council, ultimately realizing the full vision of the historic Hijaz Railway.

Topics: railway Syria Jordan

��Ƶ

GCC’s skincare market is just getting started

GCC’s skincare market is just getting started

Skincare brand promises care for Arab complexions

Content creators in ��Ƶ lean into skincare science

��Ƶ’s cloud kitchen evolution: from hidden kitchens to branded empires

��Ƶ’s cloud kitchen evolution: from hidden kitchens to branded empires

Building tomorrow’s Saudi entrepreneurs with digital and soft skills

Program launched to boost entrepreneurial growth in Kingdom

MENA startups see $4.5bn funding in Q3

MENA startups see $4.5bn funding in Q3

MENA startups heat up with fresh capital across fintech, AI, and gaming

Fintech and AI dominate MENA startup funding

NCEC develops an environmental pollution vehicle to reduce pollution and protect public health

NCEC develops an environmental pollution vehicle to reduce pollution and protect public health

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Saudi, Japan to develop digital medicine strategies

Saudi, Japan to develop digital medicine strategies

Japan welcomes agreement to end Israel’s war on Gaza

Japan’s first female governing-party leader is an ultra-conservative star in a male-dominated group

Damascus-Amman train link could be completed by 2026 as historic Hijaz railway restoration plan gains steam

Damascus-Amman train link could be completed by 2026 as historic Hijaz railway restoration plan gains steam

Dozens injured in Russian drone strike on Ukrainian railway station

Russia targets Ukraine’s lifeline railways with ‘systematic’ attacks, CEO says

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GCC’s skincare market is just getting started

61 bodies of migrants recovered in west of Libya’s Tripoli, medics center says

��Ƶ’s cloud kitchen evolution: from hidden kitchens to branded empires

MENA startups see $4.5bn funding in Q3

Norway sweep Israel aside 5-0 as Haaland scores hat-trick

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GCC’s skincare market is just getting started

GCC’s skincare market is just getting started

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MENA startups see $4.5bn funding in Q3

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NCEC develops an environmental pollution vehicle to reduce pollution and protect public health

Opinion

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Saudi, Japan to develop digital medicine strategies

Related

Damascus-Amman train link could be completed by 2026 as historic Hijaz railway restoration plan gains steam

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Latest updates

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Print Edition

��Ƶ’s cloud kitchen evolution: from hidden kitchens to branded empires