RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadli has stressed the importance of regional action to combat environmental challenges facing the Middle East and North Africa region and the world, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Speaking during the 38th meeting of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development in Riyadh, the minister spoke of biodiversity, the area’s natural resources and the range of agricultural environments, while stressing the challenges facing the region. He called for a united effort to reduce the impact on the region’s peoples.

Al-Fadli said that the Arab region was capable of utilizing technology and innovation, as well as seizing opportunities to invest in agriculture and improve practices to become more productive, efficient and sustainable in the use of water and natural resources.

He said enhancing trade, regional and international cooperation, and the benefits of international organizations were sources of optimism.

The minister said that the Arab region could take advantage of opportunities in technology, innovation and investment in agriculture by improving practices to make the utilization of water and natural resources more productive, efficient and sustainable.

Ibrahim Al Dukhairi, the director general of the organization, pledged his support for sustainability and agricultural development in the region, along with the development of the Arab landscape and food security.

He pointed out the significance of strategies to launch the necessary initiatives and partnerships to achieve the region’s goals.

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has led its sector for the second successive year, ranking as the top healthcare institution in the Kingdom and the Middle East.

It stands out as the only hospital globally to be among the top 10 valuable brands in its country, according to two reports by Brand Finance about the top 50 most valuable brands in Saudi Arabia, and the top 150 most valuable brands in the Middle East for 2024.

The report highlighted a 31 percent increase in the brand value of the institution, surpassing SR5.6 billion ($1.49 billion). This increase is attributed to its commitment to integrate the latest medical technologies and treatments, provide specialized medical care according to the latest international standards, and continuously develop research and patient care.

Muhannad Abdullah Kadi, chief corporate communications and marketing officer at KFSH&RC, said: “This achievement reflects the hospital’s commitment to achieving the highest quality standards and providing exceptional healthcare, as well as the value it provides to beneficiaries.”

He stressed that being among the top 10 most valuable brands in the Kingdom was evidence of the success of the transformations taking place in the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia.