Brussels, February 19, 2025 – Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Chief Executive Prof. Dr. Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey inaugurated a pivotal roundtable meeting on Tuesday in Brussels, attended by key European officials from various directorates-general, including those responsible for health and food safety, agriculture and rural development, and trade. The gathering also saw the participation of members of working groups within the European Council, as well as executives from European companies specializing in the SFDA’s core areas of food, medicine, and medical devices. This roundtable meeting marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its international cooperation and partnerships in these critical sectors.
The event was also graced by the presence of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the European Union, Haifa Al-Jedea, who underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with European institutions and businesses in the fields of food safety, pharmaceuticals, and medical technologies. The meeting served as a platform to engage in productive discussions regarding the role of the SFDA in supporting the private sector, as well as its initiatives aimed at facilitating business operations and enhancing investment opportunities within Saudi Arabia.
A key focus of the roundtable was to explore the aspirations of the private sector and the growing investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing markets for food, medicine, and medical devices. As the Kingdom continues to experience substantial growth and transformation in these sectors, the meeting highlighted the expanding potential for international partnerships and collaborations between Saudi and European entities.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the SFDA presented a detailed overview of its efforts in improving nutrition and establishing sound nutritional policies across the Kingdom. The presentation highlighted the SFDA’s comprehensive vision for developing a robust food system that prioritizes product quality, safety, and consumer health. Furthermore, the SFDA showcased several key achievements and initiatives that have been developed in collaboration with both local and international partners. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring a safer and healthier food and medicine landscape for Saudi citizens.
Prof. Dr. Aljadhey also outlined the SFDA’s ambitious vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of deepening international partnerships and expanding cooperation with global organizations. This vision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to leverage its membership in relevant international bodies to bolster the Kingdom’s role as a global leader in food safety, health, and pharmaceutical regulation.
The roundtable meeting thus reflects the SFDA’s ongoing efforts to foster global cooperation and elevate Saudi Arabia’s standing on the international stage, as the Kingdom continues to prioritize public health, safety, and sustainable development in its rapidly evolving healthcare and food sectors. The discussions marked an important step forward in forging stronger ties with European counterparts and advancing shared goals in food and drug regulation, international collaboration, and investment growth.
