• Aster DM Healthcare’s Gulf unit is eyeing acquisitions worth up to $250 million to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia. These deals, expected to involve medical centers and hospitals, are likely to be completed within the next three to five years, according to Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and CEO of Aster’s Gulf Cooperation Council unit. Moopen emphasized the company’s ambitious plans for Saudi Arabia, stating they are “not only doubling down, we are tripling down” on expansion in the region.

• Saudi Arabia’s health sector is a key part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which aims to attract expatriates and grow the country’s economy. Aster plans to significantly expand its footprint in the Kingdom with over 1,000 hospital beds, 180 pharmacies, and several medical centers within the next few years. Currently, Aster operates one hospital in Riyadh, with 20 pharmacies set to launch in the coming months. Last year, the UAE-based company spun off its Gulf business into a private entity, with plans for a public listing in the future.