Day: October 15, 2026

• SDM is developing AI-powered tools for early detection of chronic diseases, focusing on challenges faced by diabetic patients in specialized eye care.
• The startup’s technology, SAARIA, provides diagnostic results for eye tests within minutes without needing a physician on-site.
• SDM plans to use the prize money to expand operations and explore further applications in the healthcare sector.

Saudi owned startup SDM has been named runner up at the London Business School MENA Startup Competition 2026, scooping $15,000 in prize money.

The firm is developing AI-powered tools for the early detection of chronic diseases, after witnessing growing challenges diabetic patients face in specialized eye care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

SAARIA, the new AI tech developed by SDM, delivers diagnostic results for eye tests within minutes without requiring a physician to be physically present at the examination site.

SDM plans to use the winnings to expand its operations and explore other areas in the healthcare sector which could benefit from its tech.

The firm’s CEO Naif Al-Obaidallah said: “Being named among the top three at the LBS MENA Startup Competition is a proud moment for our team at SDM.

“Pitching alongside so many talented founders from across the region was an inspiring experience.

“We are grateful to London Business School for this opportunity, as well as for the mentorship and support we received throughout the competition.

“This recognition motivates us to continue developing solutions that address healthcare challenges in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Selwa Al-Hazzaa, founder and chairman of SDM, told Arab News her experience as an ophthalmologist in the field allowed her to understand the issues within the diagnosis process.

“One of the biggest gaps in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system is not the lack of medical expertise, but the difficulty of delivering it to every patient at the right time and in the right place,” she said.

Beyond diabetic eye disease, SDM is also developing AI applications designed to identify early risk indicators associated with conditions including hypertension, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, with the aim of supporting earlier intervention.

UAE-based environmental technology startup Persium took first place in the competition, while Frank AI, which developed an Agent Operating System for independent real-estate professionals across the GCC, secured third place.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

________________

__________________

SAUDI ARABIA

Dr Faisal Ahmed Alnoor Elhaj, Sudan Country Director of the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA), has received the 2026 Ben Qurrah International Award from the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) in recognition of his humanitarian work in Sudan.

He received the award on 5 September 2026 at the 48th NAAMA National Medical Covention in Houston, Texas.

In addition to serving as SAPA’s Sudan Country Director, Alnoor also serves as the Acting Director of Maternal and Child Health at the Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan and leads health initiatives in emergency settings.

“As Acting Director of Maternal and Child Health at the Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan, Dr. Elhaj works on the frontlines of global public health. A dedicated PharmD professional, he leads essential healthcare initiatives, strengthening maternal, child, and adolescent health delivery across critical humanitarian and emergency settings. From coordinating international healthcare collaborations to advancing health equity in vulnerable communities, Dr. Elhaj’s selfless service exemplifies the highest ideals of medicine and global health diplomacy,” NAAMA stated.

“With great pride, the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) extends its warmest congratulations to its Sudan Country Director, Dr Faisal Ahmed Al Nour, on being selected to receive the 2026 Ben Qurrah International Award, presented by the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) during its annual conference in Houston, the US. The prestigious international honour is a source of immense pride for the entire SAPA family and a fitting recognition of Dr Faisal’s tireless efforts and distinguished record of service, particularly his commitment to serving people and alleviating the suffering of communities in the most challenging circumstances. Congratulations, Dr Faisal. A well-deserved honour and a source of pride for us all,” SAPA stated on social media.

SAPA is a nonprofit humanitarian organisation comprising Sudanese healthcare professionals in the United States and worldwide. It works to deliver emergency and essential humanitarian assistance in Sudan, particularly healthcare services, to communities affected by the ongoing war in Sudan.

The Ben Qurrah International Award honours physicians and scientists who show great leadership, clinical excellence, and dedication to public health or vulnerable communities. The Ben Qurrah Award is the highest honour presented by NAAMA to recognise exceptional and distinguished achievements in medicine, science and humanitarian service to communities. It was established in 1998, after an initiative by the then chapter president Dr Imtihan Jawdat, was approved by the board of directors. Dr Jawdat secured the first USD50,000 for the award.

The award is named after prominent Arab scientist, physician and scholar Thabit Ibn Qurrah Marwan Al Harrani (826–901 CE), one of the leading figures of the Abbasid era in translation, medicine, mathematics and astronomy. From Harran, Mesopotamia, he was born in 826, flourished in Baghdad, and died in 901. He received mathematical and medical training in Baghdad and was the personal physician of the Abbasid Caliph (King) al-M’utadid.

source/content: thesudanist.com (headline edited)

____________

___________

SUDAN