An international symposium in Riyadh to discuss the future of smart healthcare spending
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host a prominent medical and economic event, as Alfaisal University, represented by the College of Medicine, the Center for Health Economics, and the Master's Program in Health Economics, is organizing a specialized research symposium next Saturday, May 9, 2026. This symposium, entitled “Promoting Public Health and Health Economics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” aims primarily to highlight the mechanisms and applications of smart health spending, with the participation of a select group of experts, academics, and decision-makers in the health sector.
The journey of transformation and development of smart health spending in the Kingdom
Over the past few years, the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone radical transformations, coinciding with the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, which places human health at the heart of its priorities. Historically, the focus has been on the quantitative expansion of healthcare facilities, but with evolving demographic and economic challenges, the urgent need to adopt smart healthcare spending. This strategic shift aims to move from volume-based to value-based care, ensuring the provision of high-quality medical services with the optimal use of financial resources. This symposium is an extension of national efforts to restructure the healthcare system and establish health clusters based on modern and innovative financing models.
The strategic impact of strengthening health economics locally and internationally
This symposium is of paramount importance given its anticipated impact on multiple levels. Locally, its outcomes will empower executive leaders to make evidence-based decisions grounded in sound economic studies, thereby enhancing the efficiency of Saudi Arabia's healthcare system. Regionally and internationally, these events reinforce Riyadh's position as a leading capital in driving global dialogue on health economics and sustainable health policies. The exchange of expertise between local and international speakers opens new avenues for collaboration and offers models that can be replicated in other countries in the region facing similar health and economic challenges.
Strategic pillars that shape the future of healthcare
The symposium focuses on a range of strategic themes related to the future of the healthcare sector, including the concepts of smart healthcare and the development of health policies and systems. It also discusses the digital transformation of healthcare, health equity, the social determinants of health, and the impact of climate change and environmental health. The symposium dedicates significant time to evaluating health technologies and their pivotal role in supporting sound healthcare decision-making. The event targets academics, researchers, healthcare professionals, and undergraduate and graduate students, and has been accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties for three Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours.
Integrating artificial intelligence and supporting research innovation
The symposium will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Ahmed Al-Jedaie, Saleh Al-Tamimi, Mohammed Al-Luhaidan, and Rasha Al-Fawzan, along with international experts such as Tracy Lynn and John McGee. The scientific program includes specialized sessions discussing the future of health clusters in light of new funding models and the importance of investing in prevention. The symposium will also feature a specialized panel discussion on AI-guided treatment for type 2 diabetes, with the participation of experts in pharmaceutical policy. To foster innovation, a research competition will be held to showcase master's student projects, aiming to support young national talent. The organizing committee is chaired by Nayef bin Hudaif Al-Otaibi, along with Noura Al-Husseini and a number of academics and researchers from the university.
