Interview: Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, CEO, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), on harnessing science and automation to strengthen food and drug oversight
How is the health sector using data and emerging technologies to improve food and drug safety?
HISHAM BIN SAAD ALJADHEY: Efficiency must be balanced with safety, and this is where data and emerging technologies play an increasingly important role. One of the most significant enablers in recent years has been the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into regulatory processes rather than the products themselves. AI is now a critical tool in monitoring risks and improving the traceability and reliability of food and drug safety systems, and medical devices.
In 2025 the SFDA AI Lab, or sAIL was launched, to strengthen the health sector’s use of data science and advanced analytics. Using data-driven insights, the sector can now identify the most suitable tools to monitor risks and reduce potential threats associated with food, pharmaceuticals and other regulated products. In collaboration with the Ministries of Health, Environment and Agriculture, the SFDA offers a regulatory sandbox programme that provides innovators and scientists controlled environments to test new technologies and business models under relaxed, temporary regulations.
Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate that technological transformation is happening at two levels: first, through the application of AI to enhance regulatory efficiency, and second, through automation that frees up valuable time for scientific staff – allowing these individuals to focus on higher-value research, risk analysis and decision-making.
How does the Kingdom work with international partners to create alignment with Vision 2030 and set global product safety standards?
ALJADHEY: Authorities across the Kingdom, including the SFDA, have closely aligned their strategies with Vision 2030’s objective to enhance quality of life and overall well-being. A major focus has been on implementing evidence-based policies that improve public health outcomes. A notable example is the nationwide ban on trans fats introduced in 2020, making Saudi Arabia one of only nine countries globally to take this decisive action.
Given that the Kingdom imports food from 128 countries, maintaining strong international partnerships is essential. This cooperation extends beyond participation in global organisations to leadership within them, ensuring that international standards and safety statutes are upheld.
In June 2025 the SFDA was designated a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Nutrition – a recognition of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in advancing nutrition policy, food reformulation and public health initiatives. This designation enhances the Kingdom’s capacity to contribute to international nutrition surveillance and capacity-building efforts, further strengthening its soft power across the Middle East in the years to come.
In which ways is scientific collaboration with universities and research institutions shaping the country’s food and drug sectors?
ALJADHEY: Scientific development remains a cornerstone of the SFDA’s approach. Hundreds of scientists contribute through committees and consultancy roles, ensuring that regulatory decisions are guided by scientific rigour. Collaboration with leading academic institutions such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has been particularly valuable. Joint initiatives in precision medicine, biotechnology and AI-driven health care have produced tangible results, including the Kingdom’s first SFDA-approved Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction diagnostic kit. Knowledge-sharing programmes between the SFDA and scientific institutions continue to drive innovation in diagnostics, wearable biosensors and medical devices – supporting Saudi Arabia’s shift towards precision medicine.
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