Nonprofit organization in Riyadh funnels billions into extending healthy human lifespan

Dr. Mehmood Khan, Hevolution Foundation CEO
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Dr. Mehmood Khan, Hevolution Foundation CEO
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Updated 25 June 2024
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Nonprofit organization in Riyadh funnels billions into extending healthy human lifespan

Dr. Mehmood Khan, Hevolution Foundation CEO
  • Foundation works to address the underlying causes of aging

RIYADH: Hevolution Foundation is funding research and early-stage investments to catalyze advances in extending healthy human lifespan while understanding the processes of aging.

Boasting over SR1.5 billion ($400 million) in research grants and early-stage biotech investments, the Riyadh-based global nonprofit organization is a philanthropic funder of geroscience, an area of research dedicated to advancing global human healthspan.

Hevolution Foundation is working to address the underlying causes of aging to help prevent the onset of age-related diseases.

The organization says that while the average lifespan in Saudi Arabia is about 74 years, the average healthspan is 64 — indicating a decade-long gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy — and many are living the final years of their lives in poor health.

Geroscience and healthspan science are critically underfunded, which is why Hevolution is stepping up to bridge this gap.

Dr. Mehmood Khan, Hevolution Foundation CEO

CEO Dr. Mehmood Khan said: “Geroscience and healthspan science are critically underfunded, which is why Hevolution is stepping up to bridge this gap.

“Hevolution is proud to be the world’s largest philanthropic funder of geroscience and, following the success of our first Global Health Summit in 2023 and the next summit planned for February 2025, we look forward to continuing the shift from lifespan to healthspan.”

Grant recipients include King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, as well as global institutions including Buck Institute, Northwestern University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Haya bint Khaled, the vice president of research at Hevolution Foundation, said: “With the Kingdom’s National Biotechnology Strategy — which Hevolution made vital inputs into — Saudi Arabia is innovating in health.

“Saudi Arabia is at a perfect moment in time to outpace future demographic challenges by investing in healthy longevity now, and to lead the world in addressing age-related diseases for the benefit of all humanity.”

Hevolution aims to increase the number of safe and effective treatments entering the market; compress the timeline of drug development using the latest tools and technologies; and increase accessibility to healthspan therapeutics for all.

Leveraging its annual budget of up to SR4 billion, Hevolution is committed to increasing the number of geroscience researchers globally, expanding the number of companies working in the field and attracting funding to this vital area of science.

This includes commitment to a SR10.1 million two-year grant program to create the first cohort of researchers from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and other prestigious institutions, to explore areas such as the microbiome, aging biomarkers and senescence.

A SR18 million fund will support up to 15 postdoctoral fellowships to advance the careers of early-stage scientists in Saudi Arabia and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region.

A grant of SR75.7 million over five years will support Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, focused on senescence and aging, led by Dr. Ana Maria Cuervo, a leader in the aging field and member of the National Academy of Sciences.

The organization’s other commitments include SR121 million provided over five years to Northwestern University in Illinois, led by Dr. Richard Morimoto, with research focused on defining healthy proteostasis and maintaining proteostasis in a robust, resilient state.

Established in 2018 by royal order, Hevolution is headquartered in Riyadh with a North American hub in Boston, and plans to expand to other global locations.

 


Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks

Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks
Updated 7 sec ago
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Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks

Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks
  • Parties discuss topics of mutual interest, further strengthening ties
  • Pakistani speaker also met Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh in Riyadh

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar has received Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the Saudi capital.

The parties discussed topics of mutual interest and further strengthening the strong ties between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Pakistani speaker also met Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh in Riyadh.

Al-Asheikh welcomed Sadiq and his delegation, highlighting the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan at various levels.

He stressed the importance of enhancing ties through effective joint meetings between the Shoura Council and Pakistan’s National Assembly to meet leadership aspirations.

Sadiq praised the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, commending the Kingdom’s continued role in fostering solidarity within the Islamic world and serving Islam and Muslims globally.

The talks covered mutual interests and explored ways to enhance Saudi-Pakistani parliamentary relations.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, the Kingdom’s grand mufti and president of the Council of Senior Scholars, also received the Pakistani National Assembly speaker.

The grand mufti, who is also the president of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, stressed the presidency’s role in clarifying Islamic rulings on issues affecting Muslims, including contemporary jurisprudential matters requiring scholarly guidance.

Al-Asheikh also highlighted the commitment to promoting moderation and combating extremism and terrorism, the SPA reported.

Sadiq praised the Kingdom’s vital support for Pakistan on various issues, commending the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.


Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation
Updated 10 min 58 sec ago
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Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj 2025, the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday warned that expatriates who fail to leave the Kingdom after their visas expire face heavy penalties.

The ministry announced on X that expatriates may face fines of up to SR50,000 (about $13,000), imprisonment for up to six months, and/or deportation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi Arabia government has appealed to citizens and residents to ensure that their guests who arrived on visit or Umrah visas abide by the regulations.

“Visas of all types — with the exception of the Hajj visa — do not entitle their holder to perform the Hajj pilgrimage,” the ministry stated on X.

Welcoming the decision Osama Ghanem Alobaidy, a law professor in Riyadh, told Arab News the ministry’s decision was “crucial” to ensure visitors comply with the law.

“This move by the Ministry of Interior will help deal with crowd management efficiently, and ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during Hajj,” he added.

Earlier this month, the ministry also warned Hajj and Umrah companies and establishments to adhere to the country’s laws and regulations.

The ministry said that companies or establishments that delay reporting individuals who have failed to leave will be fined up to SR100,000. The fine will be multiplied based on the number of individuals involved.


Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation

Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation
Updated 22 min 35 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation

Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation
  • National Center for Wildlife is leading initiatives to protect the dugong from further population decline
  • Efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters

RIYADH: The dugong, or Dugong dugon, a marine mammal classified as vulnerable, remains a key indicator of marine biodiversity in Saudi Arabia. 

Found in the country’s warm coastal waters, the species is considered an important marker of the health and stability of marine ecosystems, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During Saudi Arabia’s Environment Week, the dugong featured prominently in events, drawing attention to ongoing conservation efforts and the responsibilities shared by researchers, environmental advocates, and policymakers.

The National Center for Wildlife is leading initiatives to protect the dugong from further population decline. These efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters. 

Additionally, national plans are in place to manage and rehabilitate the species’ natural habitats, supporting long-term sustainability and the conditions necessary for dugong reproduction and survival. 

On the international front, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen global cooperation in marine conservation. 

In 2013, the Kingdom signed an agreement to protect dugongs and their habitats and has taken part in initiatives such as the Pacific Year of the Dugong, launched in 2011.

Throughout Environment Week, the center presented recent studies and carried out public outreach activities. 

Educational programs were provided to students, visitors, and marine life enthusiasts, emphasizing the dugong’s ecological role and the importance of preserving its habitat.

The center also showcased modern tracking technologies used to study the species and its movements, the SPA reported.


Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation

Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation
Updated 22 April 2025
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Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation

Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation
  • New agreements focus on scholarships, Chinese language programs, curriculum development

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan met leaders from various universities, institutes and research centers in China, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

He was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi and Ministry of Education Undersecretary for International Cooperation Nasser Al-Aqeeli.

The meeting, part of the minister’s visit to Beijing, aimed to explore new avenues for cooperation to enhance the educational and research systems in both countries.

The minister discussed promising investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s public and private education sectors through the “Invest Saudi” platform.

The meeting also highlighted the Saudi government’s scholarship program for Chinese students via the “Study in Saudi” platform, along with efforts to expand admission opportunities for Saudi scholarship recipients in Chinese graduate programs.

The Saudi and Chinese education ministries signed two memoranda of cooperation to exchange expertise in advanced curricula and provide scholarship programs for Saudi students in China.

One memorandum secures seats for Saudi students in top Chinese universities, enhances scholarship programs, and increases opportunities for Saudi students in high-demand fields. The China Scholarship Council represented the Chinese Ministry of Education in the signing.

The second memorandum, signed with the Chinese ministry’s Center for Language Education and Cooperation, introduces Chinese language education in Saudi public schools starting this academic year. Experts from both nations will collaborate to develop a comprehensive curriculum.

The Saudi minister also met Chinese counterpart Huai Jinpeng to discuss enhancing cooperation in general and higher education, exploring new opportunities, and exchanging expertise.

The meeting reviewed expanding partnerships between Saudi and Chinese universities and research centers in scientific research, graduate studies, scholarships, and medical education and training.

They explored investment opportunities for Chinese investors in the Saudi education sector, along with key opportunities in Chinese language education, e-learning, research, and innovation.


Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit

Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit
Updated 58 min 34 sec ago
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Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit

Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit
  • The prime minister was invited by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman. 
  • Modi’s plane was escorted by Saudi Royal fighter as it entered Saudi airspace

JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Jeddah on Tuesday as he embarks on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. 

Modi’s plane was escorted by Saudi Royal fighter as it entered Saudi airspace, Indian newspapers reported. 

“India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” said Modi in a statement released by his office.

“Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership.”

This is Modi’s third trip to Saudi Arabia overall following visits in 2016 and 2019. 
The prime minister was invited by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman. 
During the two-day visit, Modi is scheduled to meet members of the Indian community, according to his office. The visit is expected to see several memorandums of understanding being signed.