Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi to leverage 3D printing technology

Left, Dr. Houssam Younes and Dr. Yazan Aljabery
Left, Dr. Houssam Younes and Dr. Yazan Aljabery
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Updated 10 August 2024
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Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi to leverage 3D printing technology

Left, Dr. Houssam Younes and Dr. Yazan Aljabery


Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, in collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi, leveraged cutting-edge three-dimensional printing technology to print a 3D model of the heart and plan a complex surgical intervention on a 41-year-old patient, Mian Mohamed Shabbie, with rare cardiovascular anomaly.
The technology developed by NYU Abu Dhabi’s Core Technology Platform can be used in various fields such as cardiovascular and neurological cases. The process involves three stages: 3D image reconstruction, a procedure that involves creating a three-dimensional model from raw diagnostic imaging data to provide a foundational digital framework of the patient’s anatomy; 3D slicing, which allows for a more detailed analysis of the individual structures and organs in greater detail and; 3D printing, which involves building a physical replica of the patient’s anatomy that the surgeon can hold, examine, and use for pre-surgical planning and simulation.
This technology is instrumental in understanding the unique challenges of each case and allows for a more precise and tailored surgical approach with the highest accuracy and minimum risks.
When Shabbie was referred to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in critical condition, he presented with complications stemming from a birth defect of the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart. In Shabbie’s case, his aorta — which normally has a left-sided arch after exiting the heart — had a right-sided arch with a giant aneurysm. The aneurysm itself was of a rare kind, known as Kommerell’s diverticulum, which has one of the main branches of the aorta, with a bulge at the site of its origin.
Dr. Houssam Younes, department chair for vascular surgery within the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “Kommerell’s diverticulum is a rare cardiovascular abnormality, even more so when combined with a right-sided aortic arch, as seen in only 0.03 percent of people worldwide. Due to its asymptomatic nature or presentation with symptoms commonly associated with other conditions, these congenital deformities are infrequently detected, calling for a high level of physician and technological expertise during surgical interventions.”
Dr. Yazan Aljabery, cardiac surgeon within the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explained: “Correcting a case of Kommerell’s diverticulum when the aorta arches left, as is typical, is relatively straightforward because the deformity is accessible and visible. However, when the vessel arches right, as in this case, the defect is obscured by other large vessels, making surgical interventions particularly challenging. Using a 3D-printed model in such cases enhances the safety of the procedure and allows for more precise and tailored surgery.”
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has been designated by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi as a Centre of Excellence for Adult Cardiac Surgery, recognizing its comprehensive range of integrated cardiac surgery and structural heart disease interventions provided by a team of some of the world’s most reputable cardiovascular experts.
 

 


New Murabba showcases visionary hospitality development at FHS

New Murabba showcases visionary hospitality development at FHS
Updated 08 October 2024
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New Murabba showcases visionary hospitality development at FHS

New Murabba showcases visionary hospitality development at FHS

New Murabba Development Company — a PIF company, was the platinum sponsor of the Future Hospitality Summit, which took place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Dubai. As a forward-thinking player in the hospitality industry, New Murabba is committed to seizing opportunities and staying ahead of industry trends. The company engages with key stakeholders across the hospitality spectrum, including industry leaders, investors, and developers, while sharing its ambitious vision for sustainable growth in the sector.

At the event, the executive team, led by New Murabba CEO Michael Dyke, outlined the company’s roadmap for advancing the hospitality landscape. Dyke presented an ambitious plan focused on the development of infrastructure, the establishment of seamless transportation systems, the improvement of recreational facilities, and the modernization of lifestyle amenities. These efforts are central to revitalizing key hospitality sectors, including hotels, hospitality centers, and retail destinations.

“Our goal is to establish New Murabba as a premier destination for tourism and hospitality in the region. We are fully committed to pushing boundaries, setting new benchmarks in sustainable urban development, and embracing the ongoing evolution of this dynamic industry. We believe that the hospitality sector plays a crucial role in fostering vibrant communities and boosting the local economy,” said Dyke.

New Murabba will incorporate 27 million square meters of premium real estate distributed across 18 communities, with an estimated population exceeding 400,000. This destination will serve as a model for urban planning, boasting seamless transportation and sustainable infrastructure. Furthermore, it will accommodate more than 100,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and 500,000 square meters of retail space. Additionally, it will feature various entertainment venues, educational institutions, health care facilities, and a 45,000-seat stadium.

New Murabba is redefining urban living with its “born smart” city concept, offering modern, high-quality homes. With world-class amenities, state-of-the-art schools, healthcare facilities and seamless integration with the broader Riyadh metropolitan area, it provides unmatched convenience.

One of the primary highlights presented at the summit was the Mukaab, which is the world’s largest and most complex structure. It comprises mixed-use properties that encompass all asset classes. Spanning more than 2 million square meters of floor space, the Mukaab redefines luxury with immersive shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. This awe-inspiring cube-shaped structure, standing 400 meters in width, height, and depth, is large enough to house 20 Empire State Buildings. 

It integrates modern Najdi architectural design with state-of-the-art digital and holographic technologies, offering visitors a unique fusion of premium hospitality, retail, cultural experiences, and entertainment.

During the summit, Dyke joined BBC presenter Stephen Sackur for an exclusive television interview, where they discussed New Murabba’s forward-looking vision and its latest developments. In addition, New Murabba Director of Development Stephen Rossouw participated in a panel discussion titled “Branded Residences: A New Era in Real Estate Investment,” delving into how New Murabba plans to transform the hospitality landscape.

By sponsoring the Future Hospitality Summit, New Murabba reaffirms its dedication to becoming a key player in the global tourism and hospitality industry. Through active participation in discussions that shape the future of hospitality, the company is poised to make a lasting impact on Saudi Arabia and beyond.


Budget Saudi Arabia named partner of AlUla Moments Calendar

Budget Saudi Arabia named partner of AlUla Moments Calendar
Updated 08 October 2024
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Budget Saudi Arabia named partner of AlUla Moments Calendar

Budget Saudi Arabia named partner of AlUla Moments Calendar

Budget Saudi Arabia, a provider of car rental and leasing services including commercial vehicles in the Kingdom, has committed to a formal three-year agreement to become an official partner of AlUla Moments Calendar of Events. The partnership, formalized by Budget Saudi Arabia’s President and Group CEO Fawaz Abdullah Danish and Rami Al-Moallim, vice president of destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, represents a significant step forward in the ongoing development and global promotion of AlUla as a premier destination.

This collaboration cements Budget Saudi Arabia’s involvement in all major events hosted at AlUla, particularly sports events such as the renowned Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, AlFursan Cup, AlUla Tour, AlUla Falcon Cup, and AlUla Camel Cup. These events, which highlight equestrian, traditional cultural heritage sports, reinforce AlUla’s position as a regional hub for sports and cultural heritage.

Danish said: “We are honored to be a part of AlUla’s journey to becoming a leading global destination. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030, emphasizing our commitment to contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification through tourism and sports. We look forward to fostering a long-lasting relationship with the Royal Commission for AlUla that will resonate for years.”

Meanwhile, Al-Moallim said: “We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Budget Saudi Arabia for the highly anticipated AlUla Moments Calendar of Events. This collaboration underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional and seamless experience for our guests, as we introduce the largest fleet in Saudi Arabia to support AlUla’s world-class events.”

He added: “By aligning with Budget Saudi Arabia, we are elevating the logistical capabilities of our events’ showcases, reinforcing our dedication to sharing AlUla’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes with the world. Together, we are driving forward a new era of excellence in event management and guest experience.”

As AlUla continues to emerge as a global tourism and cultural hub, Budget Saudi Arabia’s role in providing seamless transportation solutions will be pivotal in accommodating the anticipated influx of visitors. The collaboration aligns with RCU’s development goals and enhances the visitor experience by offering tailored mobility services.

With a rich legacy of 200,000 years of shared human history and home to some of the most advanced ancient civilizations, AlUla has long been a cradle for social gatherings and cultural celebrations. The AlUla Moments Calendar brings this heritage to life through five distinctive festivals, offering a captivating array of experiences in art, culture, music, nature, wellness, equestrian activities, dining, and astronomy.


Cenomi Centers launches SR1bn fund with GIB Capital to develop Qassim mall

Cenomi Centers launches SR1bn fund with GIB Capital to develop Qassim mall
Updated 08 October 2024
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Cenomi Centers launches SR1bn fund with GIB Capital to develop Qassim mall

Cenomi Centers launches SR1bn fund with GIB Capital to develop Qassim mall

Cenomi Centers, the owner, operator and developer of retail and lifestyle destinations in Saudi Arabia, has announced a strategic partnership with GIB Capital, a prominent player in the financial and investment services sector, to establish a closed-end Shariah-compliant real estate investment fund with an initial capital of SR1 billion ($266.2 million). The fund will facilitate the Qassim land sale program and develop the U Walk Qassim mall, which is part of a 1-million-square-meter mixed-use Tijan scheme located in Buraidah in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.

The fund will develop and market the surrounding lands for residential, offices and leisure purposes, aligning with its ambitious investment vision for the region. The fund will also sign partnership agreements with leading real estate developers for the purpose of developing lands within the masterplan. The land benefits from its geographic location at the intersection of major routes, including King Abdulaziz Road, which connects various parts of the city of Buraidah, which is attracting significant wider investment and urban development. 

The land sale is part of Cenomi Centers’ strategic SR2 billion non-core assets sale program initiated in 2022 to strengthen the company’s financial position and fund its growth pipeline. Approximately SR400 million is estimated to complete the U Walk Qassim mall development. The projected annual revenue from the mall, once stabilized, is around SR80 million. 

Following the establishment of the fund, which is subject to the Capital Market Authority’s approval, GIBC will assume the role of fund manager to facilitate the sale of the Qassim land and assist in securing the funds required for the U Walk Qassim development. Cenomi Centers will be the sole unit holder of the fund and will contribute to the fund with assets in-kind, along with any hard and soft costs incurred to date. Construction of the mall is anticipated to resume in December and complete in Q4 2026. Cenomi Centers will manage and operate the 60,000-square-meter gross leasable area of U Walk Qassim on completion, which will include over 135 retail stores. 

Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centers, said: “Partnering with GIB Capital to create a new fund to bring forward U Walk Qassim and deliver on our SR2 billion non-core asset sales program, demonstrates the company’s continued success at forming strategic financing solutions to drive our company’s future growth. Cenomi Centers is maximizing the opportunities of operating in the attractive Saudi market. The year 2024 will see three projects under construction including the flagship developments Jawharat Riyadh and Jawharat Jeddah, along with U Walk Qassim, ensuring we are on track to reach 2 million square meters of total GLA by end of 2027.”

Osamah Shaker, CEO of GIB Capital, said: “Our partnership with Cenomi Centers in the U-Walk Qassim Fund represents an important step toward achieving the company’s goals in financing its strategic projects. This fund also reflects our capabilities in providing innovative financial solutions. This investment supports sustainable growth in the Qassim region and reinforces our commitment to improving the business landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”


CPHI Middle East launched as region’s premier pharma event

CPHI Middle East launched as region’s premier pharma event
Updated 07 October 2024
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CPHI Middle East launched as region’s premier pharma event

CPHI Middle East launched as region’s premier pharma event

Tahaluf, Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing business event organizer, has launched the latest in its vertical industry shows — CPHI Middle East, the region’s premier pharmaceutical event — marking a significant milestone for the Middle East’s rapidly expanding pharma sector.

Set to take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Convention Center from Dec.10-12, this landmark event has garnered the support of the Saudi Ministry of Health and is being held in partnership with the Events Investment Fund.

The event comes as Saudi Arabia emerges as a global leader in biotechnology, with an ambitious plan to achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production, biomanufacturing, and genomics. Further, the country’s pharmaceutical market, the largest in the Middle East, is expected to reach $11.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 2.52 percent, according to market researcher IMARC Group.

Mohaned El-Mahgoub, group director at Tahaluf, said: “The MENA region, which is the world’s fifth largest pharma market, makes Saudi Arabia an important international meeting hub for the pharmaceutical community. It is a hugely attractive region for multinational pharma companies, with projected double digit annual market growth until 2032. CPHI Middle East and Africa will be where the future of pharma unites to forge long-lasting partnerships that stretch across the Middle East, Africa and around the world.”

Healthcare and life sciences are among Saudi Arabia’s most significant sectors and key focuses of Saudi Vision 2030. Of the $333 billion 2024 budget allocation, healthcare and social development expenditures account for roughly $57 billion, the third-largest segment after general and military spending.

Adam Andersen, executive vice president, pharma, Informa Markets, said: “Our venture into the Middle East is a significant milestone as we celebrate 35 years of CPHI this year. Given Saudi Arabia’s strategic location, coupled with an increasing demand for high-quality healthcare products, we’re confident CPHI Middle East will deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders, exhibitors and attendees as we bring the heart of pharma to the Kingdom. This inaugural event also aligns with a key goal of Saudi Vision 2030 to double domestic manufacturing from 20 percent to 40 percent. With several international pharmaceutical companies having already committed to setting up operations in Saudi Arabia, CPHI Middle East will build on that by drawing a number of key international brands eager to explore Saudi Arabia as a potential regional hub.”

Tahaluf expects the event to spread across 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, attract 30,000 visitors, over 400 exhibitors, and more than 100 participating countries. Major regional industry names are among early sponsors and exhibitor signings, including Sudair Pharma, Tabuk Pharmaceuticals, Hikma Pharmaceutical, Pioneer Company for Pharmaceutical Industries, SPIMACO and Julphar, EIPICO, Dallah Pharma, MS Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Zeta Pharma, and Dietrich Engineering Consultants.

Designed as an experiential event, CPHI Middle East will feature four dedicated stages — The Future, Innovation, Next-Gen Bio and Discovery — where experts will help delegates examine the latest industry trends, challenges and opportunities. A headline speaker platform is already taking shape with global industry leaders signing up to address the gatherings, including Anil Kane, executive director, global head of technical and scientific affairs, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Zakiya Al-Kurdi, public policy and regulatory affairs, US Pharmacopeia; Claudia Palme, senior executive adviser strategy& Middle East, PwC; Faisal bin Dail, chairman, National Committee for Pharmaceutical Industries and Baxter; Musaed Al-Kholief, Saudi Commission for Health Specialities, strategy adviser at the Secretariat General; Bikash Chatterjee, president and chief science officer, Pharmatech Associates, a USP Company; as well as Hala Audi, CEO, Unizima.

CPHI Middle East is the latest in a raft of new vertical events to be launched in Saudi Arabia by Tahaluf — the strategic collaborative venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and the Events Investment Fund. The launch of CPHI is part of Tahaluf’s major expansion strategy — the biggest single events expansion in Saudi Arabia’s history — in which the company is introducing more than 20 new B2B and B2C titles into the Kingdom by the end of 2025, bringing more than $1 billion in economic impact to Riyadh.


Chef Akira Back set to elevate Riyadh’s culinary scene

Chef Akira Back set to elevate Riyadh’s culinary scene
Updated 07 October 2024
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Chef Akira Back set to elevate Riyadh’s culinary scene

Chef Akira Back set to elevate Riyadh’s culinary scene

World-renowned chef Akira Back launched his namesake restaurant on Oct. 7 in the heart of Riyadh’s prestigious diplomatic quarter. The establishment promises to redefine the city’s dining landscape, offering a tantalizing adventure for the palate and soul alike.

Born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Chef Akira currently operates 28 restaurants internationally, including locations in London, Paris, Dubai, Las Vegas, and more, with new venues on the cusp including Rome, Florence and San Francisco opening within the next two years. Chef Akira has grown a global following due to his innovative culinary experiences blended with a vibrant social atmosphere.

A one-time professional snowboarder, Chef Akira’s dishes are influenced by memories of his childhood in Korea, combined with his global travels and integral love of global cuisine. He is renowned for his ability to reshape modern Japanese dining and truly brings a sense of adventure and boundless creativity to his culinary creations, which are as playful as they are polished.

At Akira Back Riyadh, guests can expect a culinary journey like no other, which will showcase an array of Chef Akira’s greatest hits including the international favorite “AB Tuna Pizza,” consisting of a wafer-thin crunchy crust, umami aioli made with ponzu sauce, tuna sashimi, micro shiso and white truffle oil, and the “Perfect Storm,” one of Chef Akira’s signature sushi rolls with spicy tuna, prawn tempura, trout belly aburi and chipotle mayo.

Located at 1364 Shopping Center, the restaurant’s design is a marvel of luxury and sophistication. The expansive and well-appointed dining area boasts plush leather seats and luxurious wood and marble finishes, creating an inviting and elegant atmosphere. 

The open kitchen, similar to the dynamic setup in all other locations, allows diners to observe the meticulous preparation of their meals, adding an interactive element to their dining experience.

A standout feature of the Riyadh location is a painting by Chef Akira’s mother, which graces the ceiling, adding an artistic and cultural touch to the venue. This unique element reflects the chef’s appreciation for art and family heritage, creating a visually stunning focal point for the restaurant.