Saudi Food and Drug Authority head: Kingdom places health at heart of Vision 2030
Updated 16 October 2025
SPA
RIYADH: Saudi Vision 2030 outlines an ambitious roadmap centered on three core foundations — a vibrant society, a prosperous economy and an ambitious homeland — according to Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey, chief executive of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
He said that the Kingdom had rolled out several national initiatives to realize these goals, notably the Health Sector Transformation Program, designed to strengthen public health, improve healthcare accessibility and transition from treatment-focused to prevention-oriented care.
Al-Jadhey made the remarks while participating in the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, taking place in Egypt from Oct. 15-17.
During his address, he said that Saudi Arabia, through its Food and Drug Authority, had launched multiple strategic initiatives to advance public health. These included cutting sugar and salt levels in food products to boost nutritional quality, eliminating hydrogenated fats and ensuring the availability of specialized medications for treating serious illnesses.
Coffee and chocolate festival draws crowds for a flavorful experience
The exhibition provided opportunities for those interested in increasing their knowledge or professionally pursuing coffee or chocolate making, to attend workshops presented by specialists using the latest training methods
Updated 4 sec ago
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: The Jeddah International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition 2025, which was held from Nov. 5-7 at the Hilton, drew in thousands of visitors this year.
The popular annual event featured over 70 exhibitors, including top coffee and chocolate suppliers and manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the industry and distribution sector.
The popular annual event featured over 70 exhibitors, including top coffee and chocolate suppliers and manufacturers, entrepreneurs. (AN photo)
It also included a diverse selection of booths for manufacturers and suppliers promoting sweets, dates, and ice cream.
The exhibition provided opportunities for those interested in increasing their knowledge or professionally pursuing coffee or chocolate making, to attend workshops presented by specialists using the latest training methods.
The popular annual event featured over 70 exhibitors, including top coffee and chocolate suppliers and manufacturers, entrepreneurs. (AN photo)
Speaking at the event, Suhail bin Bakr Al-Tayyar, CEO of Nitaq Business Co. who organized the event, stressed that this year’s edition witnessed broad participation from local and international companies, and interactive programs enriched the visitor experience and supported the growth of this vital sector in the Kingdom.
He said: “The exhibition represents a leading national platform to empower Saudi youth and entrepreneurs, and to promote a culture of quality and creativity in the coffee and chocolate industry, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in supporting innovation and developing promising sectors.”
The popular annual event featured over 70 exhibitors, including top coffee and chocolate suppliers and manufacturers, entrepreneurs. (AN photo)
Alongside traditional coffee beverages and chocolate tasting, the exhibition included the first-ever Saudi Coffee and Chocolate Championship, along with a number of workshops, competitions, and panel discussions presented by specialists in coffee preparation and chocolate making.
The opening ceremony on Wednesday was attended by top officials from Jeddah Municipality, elite coffee and chocolatiers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors.
