Read the Conversation
Meeting highlights:
- Saudi Arabia as a Strategic Hub: Farah Hamdan, discusses the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia in the region, highlighting its role as a beacon of growth and innovation.
- Operational Excellence in Action: Amr Kenawi focuses on the operational excellence of Zimmer Biomet in Saudi Arabia.
- Regional Expansion and Investment: Zimmer Biomet establishment in Saudi Arabia in 2018 and the recent opening of Regional Headquarters to support non-commercial activities and expand the company's footprint in the country.
- Supporting Vision 2030 in Healthcare: Zimmer Biomet in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aims to provide a full solution for musculoskeletal healthcare needs, including knee and hip replacement systems, robotic surgery, and sports medicine.
- Innovation and Patient-Centered Care: Underscores the significance of patient-centred approaches and the role of innovation in improving healthcare outcomes in Saudi Arabia.
- Local Collaboration and Logistics Expansion: Zimmer Biomet's commitment to Saudi Arabia includes expanding its logistics presence and cooperating with local companies to enhance offerings in the region.
EF: How are Middle Eastern countries leveraging macroeconomic trends, healthcare innovation, and strategic government initiatives to drive sustainable growth in their healthcare sectors?
FH: Middle Eastern countries are advancing healthcare by aligning macroeconomic trends, innovation, and strategic initiatives.
Macroeconomically, the MENA region’s healthcare market is set to grow at a CAGR of 11.7%, reaching $243.6 billion in 2023. This is driven by population growth, rising chronic diseases, and pro-investment policies like Egypt’s “golden license” for foreign investors.
Innovation is also reshaping the sector. Countries are adopting AI, robotics, and genomic medicine. Saudi Arabia is investing in digital health for greater efficiency and access, while the UAE is exploring digital twin technologies for precision care. Public-private partnerships, like Saudi Arabia’s collaboration with Orion Health to develop the world’s largest health information exchange, are accelerating change.
Strategic initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and Dubai’s Genome Program, are transforming healthcare delivery. These are backed by strong policy frameworks—like the UAE's AI Strategy 2031 and Saudi Vision 2030—and substantial infrastructure investments, including Saudi Arabia’s $50 billion allocation in 2023.
Together, these efforts are not only improving outcomes but also establishing the region as a global healthcare innovation hub.
EF: Could you elaborate on your footprint in the region and your priorities at a regional level?
FH: We operate across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa through direct offices and a robust network of distributors, ensuring presence in nearly every country.
Zimmer Biomet, with nearly a century of experience, and more than 50 products in the portfolio, brings innovation to our customers and to patients across the region.
Our regional priorities are clear: drive innovation, expand into underpenetrated markets—particularly in extremities and trauma—and deepen customer engagement. We enhance care by leveraging technologies like ROSA® Robotics and the mymobility®—a digital patient engagement platform that empowers patients through smartphones and smart devices as they prepare for and recover from surgery.
We’re committed to sustainable growth, strong partnerships, and delivering reliable, high-quality solutions that meet the rising demand for musculoskeletal healthcare.
EF: Amr, could you elaborate and deep-dive into Saudi Arabia, what the opening of the regional headquarters means, and what strategies you are conducting to contribute to the priorities mentioned?
AK: We established our joint venture in Saudi Arabia in 2018, growing from a gradual presence to a fully operational Regional Headquarters (RHQ).
The RHQ supports non-commercial functions, reinforces our local entity, and enables investments in training healthcare professionals—ensuring our products are used effectively. Sales and training remain distinct to ensure focus and integrity.
We’re also scaling logistics and working with local partners, showing a deep, long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia. Our commercial team is active on the ground, working directly with hospitals to deliver better care and outcomes.
EF: Regarding Saudi Arabia, what technologies align with the needs, particularly Vision 2030? And what technologies are required the most in the region?
FH: Zimmer Biomet is aligned with Vision 2030’s focus on innovation, efficiency, and economic diversification. Saudi Arabia is central to our growth strategy, with major initiatives such as outreach centers and partnerships with the Ministry of Health.
We’re introducing key technologies—like advanced joint replacements, robotic surgery, and sports medicine solutions—that directly support healthcare transformation in the Kingdom.
AI is pivotal to Vision 2030, and initiatives like the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) highlight the country’s commitment. Our technologies reflect this direction—enhancing efficiency, care quality, and sustainable development.
AK: Saudi Arabia is fully committed to Vision 2030, aiming to build a modern, efficient healthcare system—and Zimmer Biomet is proud to support that journey.
Our focus is on delivering full, tailored solutions—not just devices. This includes robotic-assisted surgery and our upcoming launch of the mymobility® patient care platform. These technologies empower physicians to achieve the best possible outcomes, fully aligned with the Kingdom’s goals.
EF: What advice would you give to others willing to pursue a career similar to yours with your success?
FH: Build a strong educational foundation in healthcare or business, and keep learning. Gain broad industry experience, sharpen leadership and communication skills, and stay up to date on industry regulations.
Patient focus is essential—technology and strategy should always serve that goal. Embrace innovation, be adaptable, and never compromise on ethics. Build strong networks and seek mentors who can guide your journey.
AK: Keep learning—especially from those closest to patient care. Our work revolves around people, and hearing about a patient’s success with our products is the most rewarding part.
The healthcare space is complex and high-stakes, so every decision matters. Stay focused on impact, embrace technology, and always remember who you’re doing it for: the patient.
