Faisal Al Nassar, President and CEO (Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group).
Faisal Al Nassar, a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia’s business landscape, is the driving force behind Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group (HMG). As the Group’s President and CEO as well as acting CFO, Al Nassar leverages his extensive experience in finance and strategic planning to shape HMG’s growth and solidify its position as a leading healthcare provider in the region. HMG, a renowned institution established in 1995, is dedicated to delivering world-class medical services to over 6 million patients annually. HMG offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services through its network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The group’s commitment to technological innovation, patient-centric care, and strategic partnerships enables it to provide innovative healthcare solutions that meet the evolving needs of its patients.
Here are details of the interview:
Q: How do you see the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in improving healthcare in Saudi Arabia?
A: The role of AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare. The impact ranges from predictive analysis, treatment optimization to virtual care and tele medicine. We were the first in KSA to introduce AI to help detect breast cancer. Recognizing the added value of AI we introduce it in our frontline work as well as optimization of our corporate functions. Innovation stands at the core of HMG, we embrace emerging technologies and continuously search for cutting-edge innovations in this field, in-house and externally. We have joined forces with the largest European health tech venture builder and set up an international partnership to foster innovation. As part of this we launched a research competition with a prize of 500K SAR to encourage medical innovation and scientific breakthroughs. This all to support our commitment to advancing healthcare standards in the Kingdom.
Q: What steps is the group taking to adapt to the rapid technological challenges in the healthcare sector?
A: HMG has proven to be at the forefront of the private sector here in the Middle East. Remaining ahead of the market is one of the core success drivers for HMG. HMG’s subsidiary companies such as CloudSolutions and FLOW Medical Solutions help us stay ahead of the market. CloudSolutions is our leading digital health transformation partner, revolutionizing traditional healthcare delivery. They combine latest technology, healthcare services with state of the art AI enabled solutions. NFLOW ensures, via connections all over the world, that we tap into technological advancements and step into windows of investment ahead of the market. Our shared goal is to ensuring our clients get the best in class, highest quality medical technology to ensure the best patient journey.
Q: How has your leadership experience in the Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Group shaped the group’s strategies?
A: Every leader brings a certain style to the table, which they will be recognized for. I believe that HMG has shown, up to today, that the impact we have on the healthcare landscape is unprecedented. The growth that we are realizing as a team in the last 3 years is comparable to the last 30 years when it comes to numbers of beds and operational site. This means that we require leaders to be focused, adaptable and driven. Our forward-thinking strategy, aligning our teams unique strengths to our strategic priorities have helped guide the group to make decisions that are impactful for generations to come.
Q: What approach do you follow to build an innovative and resilient team?
A: I believe in the 70/30 rule. Nurture and grow 70% of your future top talent in house and attract 30% from outside based on the capability gaps that you have. We create a culture of trust and empowerment, where we learn from mistakes and share ideas to progress. Being adaptable in light of change helps the team to be creative and effective.
Q: What are the biggest challenges currently facing the private healthcare sector, and how is the group preparing to overcome them?
A: As part of the healthcare sector transformation program in Saudi Arabia, a lot of developments are happening at the same time. The regulatory landscape is changing for payers and providers and a lot of new measures and requirements are introduced. We as HMG ensure we are aware of the upcoming changes, we assess what is required from us and prepare ourselves with the best support we can find.
Q: How do you envision the future of healthcare in the Kingdom over the next decade?
A: The healthcare sector is facing big transformation as part of Vision2030 in Saudi. Simultaneously the sector is rapidly changing by the introduction of AI and innovative discoveries when it comes to care and treatments. On top of that care and medicine is becoming increasingly personalized and client focused. Add to that the role of the private sector and I believe in a decade we have a healthcare landscape that looks fundamentally different.
Q: How does the group contribute to achieving the sustainability goals of Vision 2030, particularly in healthcare services?
A: HMG launched the first standalone ESG report in healthcare in 2024. HMG’s commitment to sustainability aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on environmental stewardship, the company has implemented several green initiatives, including energy efficient systems, waste reduction programs, and water conservation measures. For example, HMG has reduced its electricity consumption by 1.5% and diverted 12% of waste from landfills in 2023, contributing to Vision 2030’s environmental targets.
Q: What role does the group play in promoting medical tourism in the Kingdom?
A: Medical tourism in KSA is getting increasingly more attention. People are linking this to the large numbers (of pilgrims) that travel to Saudi Arabia. We are actively attracting patients from abroad with Riyadh and Jeddah being our primary hubs. We are opening new hospitals in these cities and ready to provide more healthcare for those needed.
Q: How do you balance the demands of your work and personal life?
A: An unpopular truth is that it requires sacrifices when you are driving a business at this scale and speed. We are currently in an exceptional acceleration as HMG which requires all our dedication and focus. To ensure I stay fit for the job I prioritize my workouts. And although I try to spend time with my family and friends, I have, just like everyone else, only 24 hours in a day.
Q: What principles guide you as a leader in the healthcare sector?
A: Leaving a different, better, world behind. Creating a lasting impact, inspiring my team and colleagues to deliver excellence and empowering them whilst recognizing them for what they do.
Q: How are you working to make the patient’s experience more comprehensive and innovative?
A: We, as HMG, are combining technology and patient-centered strategies, to create a holistic and forward-thinking experience that empowers patients, to make their healthcare experiences comprehensive and innovative. Every step we take is with our patient experience in mind. And this means it is never finalized but always work in progress.
Our key approached evolve around integrated care models, digital transformation such as telemedicine and our mobile app, AI and automation to provide 24/7 support to our clients.
Q: What are the latest initiatives launched by the group to enhance customer experience?
A: Some of the latest initiatives we have launched evolve around livecare – introducing telemedicine, AI and increased virtual care to avoid patients need to travel for their appointments. Next to this the digitalization of our services is at the core of enhancing our customer experience. Our patient app allows people to schedule their appointments but also guides them through their in-patient journey: from digital check in, virtual payments and in-house orders.
Q: What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and how is the group preparing for future crises?
A: The Kingdom has tackled the pandemic in a very proactive and decisive way. The number of religious pilgrims travelling to Saudi added complexity, however Saudi is recognized for effectively managing covid in the region. The Kingdom has acted swiftly, relied on technology and involved the private sector. The collaboration between the public and the private sector, working together as one team for the safety of our population showcased our role and our importance. Via our sustainability taskforce we are monitoring and assessing global developments to ensure we are prepared for future scenarios.
Q: What is the group’s role in training and preparing local talents for the healthcare sector?
A: The healthcare sector is facing challenges when it comes to workforce: the right numbers and the right skillset. Whilst we are now still reliant on external staff we are ensuring we (up)skill local staff via our academy and international partnerships. To illustrate with some numbers. The new hospitals and medical centers we have announced create jobs for 13,100 young Saudi’s across medical, technical, administrative roles. We started to move the needle in the country private sector job creation. At the same time we focus on patient safety, experience, medical excellence and education. We had 220 students graduated from the Saudi specialized Certification Program, 200 doctors are in training in Saudi Fellowship Program, of which a number of them have been sponsored to get their subspecialty certification in Canada and the United Kingdom and last year we just had 200 continuous medical education events, with over 10.000 attendees and 500 lecturers from Saudi and abroad. In 2025 we will open our Nursing Academy to develop local talent.
Q: Do you partner with educational institutions to support medical research and professional training?
A: Yes, HMG actively collaborates with leading educational institutions locally and internationally to advance medical research and professional training. Internationally, we have 13 agreements with renowned institutions in Canada, the USA and the UK. These partnerships provide HMG physicians access to postgraduate fellowships in cutting-edge medical technologies and practices, fostering innovation and enhancing clinical expertise. Since 2023, we have sponsored 10 physicians for fellowships in specialties such as orthopedics, neurology, and bariatric surgery in Canada, the UK, and Australia. After this, these physicians often return to work as consultants, bringing advanced knowledge to our healthcare system.
Our partnership with George Washington University has trained over 40 Emergency Medicine physicians in leadership, teaching, and research. This fellowship, delivered through a blend of online and local training, nurtures a culture of education within HMG. Domestically, HMG partners with over 25 institutions across Saudi Arabia, offering more than 40 SCFHS-accredited residency and fellowship programs. These initiatives provide Saudi residents and fellows with valuable clinical education by training in our hospitals alongside our experienced physicians and program directors. Through the Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Academy, we demonstrate our commitment to medical education by offering postgraduate programs, diplomas, fellowships, and CME activities.
Q: What are HMG’s plans for future growth and expansion?
A: We are scheduled to open three more hospitals in Riyadh, one more in Jeddah and multiple medical centers of the coming months. We also started in Tabuk and acquired land in Jubail and we expect our solutions to grow further. In the coming months we will continue our scheduled openings in Riyadh region and Jeddah to meet the demand in the regions.
Q: How does HMG intend to maintain its leadership position in the healthcare sector?
A: : The goal is to continuously elevate quality of care, provide the best in class services to our clients and ensure patients get the best possible experience – under often challenging personal circumstances. We keep investing in partnerships and we focus on national- as well as international expansion. I’m optimistic about what the future brings.
