• Saudi Arabia's SMC Hospitals is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Riyadh stock exchange, joining a wave of healthcare companies seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for healthcare services in the kingdom. The IPO is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2025, with SMC collaborating with banks such as SNB Capital and EFG Hermes to facilitate the process. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance the healthcare sector's capacity to meet the needs of a growing population.

• The healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a significant boom, with recent IPOs from companies like Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital and Al-Mousa Healthcare attracting substantial investments. The successful IPOs have not only raised capital but also increased investor interest in the sector, as evidenced by the strong performance of newly listed healthcare stocks. SMC Hospitals operates multiple facilities in Riyadh and is poised to benefit from this trend, potentially enhancing its market position and financial stability as it seeks to expand its operations.