1) Data Protection Law and the Sharīʿah Principles

• The Sharīʿah is the paramount body of law in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It is a collection of fundamental principles derived from sources such as Islam's Holy Qu’ran and the Sunnah, "which are the witnessed sayings and actions of the Prophet Mohammed". It also forms the basis of the legal system in KSA.
• Since Fitbit handles personal data of consumers and due to increasing market awareness of data privacy and data protection rights, it's now giving rise to new challenges and barriers affecting businesses in Saudi Arabia, and also globally.
• However, there are still no specific data protection laws in Saudia Arabia, which led to the interpretation of data privacy violations by KSA courts and adjudicatory bodies under their general Shari'ah principles.
• For data protection under Shari'ah law or principles, "the disclosure of secrets is prohibited except inter alia where the owner of the relevant secret agrees to such disclosure or if the public interest requires so".
•  Violations of data privacy under general Shari'ah law or principles are often expressed in general terms and will then afford KSA courts and adjudicatory bodies their own considerable discretion as to what penalties they deem appropriate and equitable, which mostly include a fine and deprivation of certain rights such as license suspension or imprisonment.
• Previous decisions of the KSA adjudicatory bodies are, in general, not consistently indexed and collected in a central place or made publicly available.
• There are reports that a draft law about KSA's “Freedom of Information and Protection of Private Data Law” is currently being reviewed by the Shura Council, the formal advisory body of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. That law dictates that "any party who processes personal data must adhere to the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability".
• The absence of specific data protection law is considered a barrier that could influence Fitbit's success in Saudi Arabia because of inconsistencies in records and previous decisions, regarding the data privacy of consumers.

2) Commercial Law and Dispute Settlements

• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commercial law is still currently in its developing stage. "In 1994 Saudi Arabia ratified the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards."
• The Saudi Arabian Government (SAG) together with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Investment are currently leading efforts in order to improve and overhaul their commercial laws and to create an arbitration center in collaboration with the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
• According to the US Embassy's report, commercial disputes settlement in Saudi Arabia is considered a trade barrier because dispute settlements and enforcing of foreign arbitral awards "have proven time-consuming and uncertain, carrying the risk that Sharīʿah principles can potentially trump any foreign judgments or legal precedents, though Saudi Arabia is a signatory to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards."
• This becomes a possible barrier because even after a dispute decision has been made, it will still take a long time to enforce the judgment and in several cases, bring about some serious problems for foreign investors like Fitbit and can hinder their success in Saudi Arabia.

3) Internet of Things (IoT) Regulatory Framework

• The Internet of Things (IoT) Regulatory Framework is published by the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). It regulates every usage of IoT services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• It requires providers of IoT services to comply with ‘data security, privacy, and protection requirements’. The Framework goes on to state that IoT providers and implementers must ‘comply with all the existing or future published laws, regulations, and requirements concerning data management including security, privacy, and protection.
• The IoT Regulatory Framework is a possible barrier because it "envisages that specific data protection laws may be enacted in the Kingdom at some point". It also requires Fitbit, as an IoT service provider, to hold onto strict regulations regarding the collections of personal data among its consumers and may influence its ability to succeed due to needed approvals to operate in the KSA beforehand.

Saudi Telecom Company (STC)

•  Website Link 
• Total number of employees: 21,316 employees
• Annual revenue: $13.85 billion (SAR 51,963 million)
• The company has 220 office locations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
•  Ahmad Musfer Alghamdi is the People VP of the company and can be reached at a75mad@gmail.com, a-alghamdi@manueltrade.com  

Integrated Telecom Company (ITC)

•  Website Link  
• Total number of employees: 400 to 421 employees
• Annual revenue: $147 million
• The company has three office locations in Saudi Arabia with headquarters at Riyadh, and two regional offices at Jeddah and Al-Khobar.
•  Samar AlSalem is the HR & Support Service Senior Director of the company and can be contacted at samar.alsalem@itc.sa. 

GO Telecom-Etihad Atheeb

•  Website Link  
• Total number of employees: 902 employees
• Annual revenue: $112.29 million (SAR 421.09 million)
• The company's Head Office is located in Riyadh.
•  Abdullah Al Hariri is the HR Operations Director at the company and can be contacted at abdullah.hariri@yahoo.com.

Mobily-Etihad Etisalat

•  Website Link  
• Total number of employees: 6,120 employees
• Annual revenue: $3.16 billion (SAR 11,865 million)
• The company has more than 300 office locations across Saudi Arabia.
•  Waleed M. Alabdulsalam is the acting Chief Human Resources Officer of the company and can be contacted at w.al-abdulsalam@mobily.com.sa.

Zain KSA

•  Website Link  
• Total number of employees: 2,800 employees
• Annual revenue: $2.01 billion (SAR 7,530 million)
• The company has more than 200 store locations across Saudi Arabia.
•  Shatha M. AlNafeesa is the Chief Human Resource Officer of the company and can be contacted at shatha.alnafeesa@zain.com.

Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia

•  Website Link  
• Total number of employees: 221 employees
• Annual revenue: N/A 
• The company has more than 75 retail stores across Saudi Arabia.
•  Amr Mugharbel is the People & Happiness Director of the company and can be contacted at a.mugharbel@virginmobile.sa.

Arabsat

•  Website Link  
• Total number of employees: 197 to 206 employees
• Annual revenue: $35 million
• The company is headquartered in Riyadh and has five regional offices located in Dubai, Cairo, Paris, Riyadh, and Africa.
•  Ahmed Al Harbi is the HR and Admin. Director of the company and can be contacted at ahmed.harbi@gatikwe.com. 

Lebara Saudi Arabia

•  Website Link  
• Total number of employees: 183 million
• Annual revenue: $5.8 million
• The company has a presence of more than 90 offices, retail stores, and kiosks in Saudi Arabia.
•  Mousa Alzahrani is the Human Resource Manager of the company and can be contacted at mousa.alzahrani@lebara.sa, malzahrani@lebara.sa.

Al Arrab Communications

•  Website Link  
• Total number of employees: 600 employees
• Annual revenue: $133 million (SAR 500 million)
• The company has 13 regional office locations in Saudi Arabia and a retail presence of more than 6000 stores.

Baud Telecom Company

•  Website Link  
• Total number of employees: 277 employees
• Annual revenue: $57 million
• The company has five offices in Saudi Arabia and three offices internationally.
•  Khalid Al Orainan is the Country Manager (Admin and HR) of the company and can be contacted at yusufk@btc-networks.com or yusuf@btc-networks.com.

Research Strategy

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)

• SABIC is a chemical public company that is based in Saudi Arabia.
• This company employs over 33,000 employees.
• SABIC's main corporate offices and headquarters are located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with its main industrial operations in Al-Jubail and Yanbu. SABIC's facilities are also found in multiple areas across the world including, the Middle East and Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. In total, this company owns 112 offices across the world.
•  Abdulaziz Al-Oudan is the Executive Vice President of Corporate Human Resources at SABIC. His email address is abdulaziza@sabic.com .

Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Company (SAFCO)

•  SAFCO is a Saudi Arabian petrochemical company that is held by multiple public and private sectors.
• This company is estimated to employ 1,249 workers.
• This company has one location. It is located at Jubail Industrial City 11044 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
• Bakheet Al-Mudarra is the Sr. Manager of Workforce Development & Continual Improvement at SAFCO. His email address is bakheetsm@gmail.com.

Petromin Corporation

•  Petromin is a Saudi Arabian company that focuses on oil lubricants, car servicing (Petromin Express), fuel retailing, and car dealerships.
• This company has more than 5,000 employees.
• It owns four offices in Saudi Arabia, including in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha. Petromin also has 15 offices across the world, such as Somalia, Malaysia, China, Pakistan, and many others.
•  Ahmed AlMehdar is the Human Resources & Admin Vice President at Petromin Corporation. His email address is aa_mehdar@yahoo.com .

Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical (SATORP)

•  SATORP is a Saudi Arabia-based company that focuses on petrochemicals. It also produces LPG, benzene, paraxylene, gasoline, jet, diesel, propylene, coke, and sulfur.
• This company employs 46,000 workers.
• This company has one location. SATORP is located at the Jubail Industrial City 2 on the Arabian Gulf coast, Saudi Arabia.
• Ahmed Sharif is the HR Manager at SATORP. His email is Sharif.Ahmed@satorp.com.

Saudi Chemical Company

•  Saudi Chemical Company focuses on the manufacturing of explosives for civil and military purposes.
• It is estimated to employ 1,000 workers.
• This company has one location. It is located at Al Ahsa Street, Al Malaz, Riyadh 12831.
•  Mahmoud Handly is the HR Manager at Saudi Chemical Company. His email address is m_handly@saudichemical.com.

Advanced Petrochemical Company

•  Advanced Petrochemical Company is a Saudi Arabia-based company that focuses on the production of propylene and polypropylene.
• This company is estimated to employ 325 workers.
• This company has one location. It is located at the Jubail Industrial City 31961, Saudi Arabia.
•  Raeyd Almehmadi is the EHS Manager at the Advanced Petrochemical Company. His email address is raeyd.almehmadi@advancedpetrochem.com.

Sahara Petrochemicals Company

•  Sahara Petrochemicals Company is a Saudi Arabia-based company that focuses on producing propylene, polypropylene, ethylene, polyethylene, as well as other petrochemical and hydrocarbon-based products.
• It is estimated to employ 500 workers.
• This company has one location. It is located in the Industrial Area, Al Jubail 35725, Saudi Arabia.
•  Jessie Sarmiento is the HR Admin and Training Specialist at Sahara Petrochemicals. Her email address is jessies@saharapcc.com.

Astra Industrial Group (AIG)

•  AIG is a Saudi Arabia-based company that focuses on pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, power, steel, and mining.
• This company is estimated to employ approximately 3,800 workers.
• This company has one location. AIG office is located at 8128 Salah Ad Din Al Ayyubi Rd, King Abdul Aziz, Riyadh 12233, Saudi Arabia.
• Anthony Simeon is the HR Professional at AIG. His email address is anthony.simeon@aig.sa .

Chemanol

•  Chemanol is a company that focuses on manufacturing premium grade methanol derivatives, including aqueous & urea-formaldehyde, formaldehyde derivatives, superplasticizers, and various amino resins.
• This company is estimated to employ 485 workers.
• This company has one location. It is located at the Road 295, Industrial Area, Al Jubail 35726, Saudi Arabia.
•  Majid Alotaibi is the HR Generalist at Chemanol. His email address is majid-alotaibi@chemanol.com.

Basic Chemical Industries

•  Basic Chemical Industries is a Saudi Arabian company that focuses on manufacturing chlorine gas, hydrochloric acid, caustic soda, sodium hypochlorite, and many others.
• This company is estimated to employ 391 workers.
• It has a total of eight offices in multiple areas in the Middle East countries, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
•  Abdulrahman Almuhrij is the Human Resources Manager at Basic Chemical Industries. His email address is almuhrij@bci.com.sa.

Research Strategy

Saudi Arabia - Large Corporates: The Findings Part Three

SABIC

•  SABIC is a leading chemical engineering company headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The company has more than 33,000 employees worldwide.
• SABIC operates in more than 50 countries, in five geographies including the Middle East, US, Europe, North East Asia, and Southeast Asia.
•  Mohammad Alghamdi is the HR Director of SABIC. His email address is alghamdim@sabic.com .

Ma'aden

• Ma'aden is the largest mining and metals company in Saudi Arabia and the tenth-largest mining company in the world with 7,000 employees around the world.
• Ma'aden is headquartered in Riyadh with the total of 13 sites in three regions: Saudi Arabia, North-Arabian, and South-Arabian.
•  Nabil Al Fraih is the Senior Vice President - HR & Sustainability. His email address is fraihn@maaden.com.sa .

Aramco

•  Saudi Aramco is the state-owned oil company of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and also a world leader oil company. The company employs more than 65,000 workers worldwide.
• Aramco operates in 10 locations, including Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt, Japan, India, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
•  Huda Al Ghoson is the Executive Director of HR at Saudi Aramco. Her email address is huda.ghoson@aramco.com 

Saudi Binladin Group (SBG)

•  Saudi Binladin Group is one of the largest construction companies in Saudi Arabia with 100,000 employees worldwide.
• SBG's headquarter is in Jeddah. They handled the international projects in 4 locations including Malaysia, Senegal, UAE, and Maldives.
•  Yousef Hr Bin Laden is the Assistance of Human Resources of SBG. His email is ybinladen@sbg.com.sa.

Sahara International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem)

•  Sahara International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) is a leading petrochemical and chemical manufacturing company in Saudi Arabia with 1,113 employees. 
• Sipchem operates in 4 locations: two offices in Saudi Arabia, one in Singapore, and one in Switzerland.
•  Samin Al-Buainain is the Human Resources Manager at SIPCHEM. His email address is salbuainain@sipchem.com.

Petro Rabigh

•  Petro Rabigh is a leading petrochemical company in Saudi Arabia with more than 3,000 employees.
• Petro Rabigh has 2 offices in Makkah and Jeddah.
•  Hesham H Azzouz is Vice President, Industrial Relations and Manager of the Human Capital Management Department. His email is Hesham.azzouz@petrorabigh.com.

Baas International Group (BIG)

•  Baas International Group is a leading conglomerate offering marine technology & services, oil & gas technology, and information technology in Saudi Arabia with more than 700 employees.  
• The company has 3 offices: two offices in Al-Khobar, and a dry port office in Riyadh.
•  Hussain Al Shurafa is the HR Manager. His email is Halshurafa@baasglobalmarine.com.

Yes Yem Yech Industrial Services (SMH)

•  Yes Yem Yech Industrial Services (SMH) is a leading engineering company focused on maintenance & operations, industrial support services, and project management in Saudi Arabia with around 500 – 1,000 employees. 
• SMH locates in 5 countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, UK, and USA.
•  Monzur Hossain Bhuiyan is the HR Executive at SMH. His email is monzur@smharabia.com.

Abunayyan Holding

•  Abunayyan Holding is one of the leading engineering companies in Saudi Arabia focusing on power & water business and manufacturing supply. The company has more than 4,500 employees. 
• The company locates in three regions: Saudi Arabia, Middle East, and North Africa.
•  Nahla Akhdar is the Director of Human Resources and Internal Communication. Her email is nahla-akhdar@abunayyanholding.com.

Farabi Petrochemicals

•  Farabi Petrochemicals is a global leader in the Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) manufacturing based in Saudi Arabia, with around 500 employees. 
• The company locates in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
•  Abdoreza Kazemaini is the HR Manager. His email is abdoreza.kazemaini@farabipc.com.

Research Strategy

Tawuniya

• Tawuniya is the largest insurance company in Saudi Arabia based on market share in 2018.
• The company employs 4,731 employees (estimated).
• It operates 108 head, sales, and claims offices across Saudi Arabia.
•  Mohammed Al-Hoti is the general manager, human resources at Tawuniya.
• His email address is mohammed.al-hoti@tawuniya.com.sa.

Bupa Arabia

• Bupa Arabia is the second-largest insurance company in Saudi Arabia based on market share in 2018.
• The company employs 1,674 employees (estimated).
• It operates six offices across Saudi Arabia.
•  Tariq Alamoudi is the chief human resource officer at Bupa Arabia.
• His email address is tariq.alamoudi@bupa.com.sa.

Al Rajhi Takaful

• Al Rajhi Takaful is the third-largest insurance company in Saudi Arabia based on market share in 2018.
• The company employs 960 employees (estimated).
• It operates 25 retail branches (20) and claim centers (five) across Saudi Arabia.
•  Asim Al Malki is a human resource business partner at Al Rajhi Takaful.
• His email address is aalmalki@alrajhitakaful.com.

Medgulf

• Medgulf is the fourth-largest insurance company in Saudi Arabia based on market share in 2018.
• The company employs 1,400 employees (estimated).
• It operates 24 offices across Saudi Arabia.
•  Yasser Al Gholaikah is the chief human resources & administrative affairs at Medgulf.
• His email address is yalgholaikah@medgulf.com.

AXA Cooperative

• AXA Cooperative is the fifth-largest insurance company in Saudi Arabia based on market share in 2018.
• The company employs 300 employees.
• It operates 19 regional (three) and sale (16) offices across Saudi Arabia.
•  Akram Tairi is the head of health care at AXA Cooperative.
• His email address is akram@axa-cooperative.com.

National Commercial Bank

• National Commercial Bank is the largest bank in Saudi Arabia based on total asset size in 2018.
• The company employs 7,839 employees.
• It operates one head office and 405 bank branches across Saudi Arabia.
•  Saleh Omer is the vice president and head of talent and rewards management at The National Commercial Bank.
• His email address is s.omer@alahli.com.

Al Rajhi Bank

• Al Rajhi Bank is the second-largest bank in Saudi Arabia based on total asset size in 2018.
• The company employs 13,532 employees (estimated).
• It operates one head office in Saudi Arabia and 671 branches, which include 550 general branches and 118 ladies’ branches in Saudi Arabia, and three branches in Kuwait, Malaysia, and Jordan.
•  Ahmed S. Al Sudais is the chief human resources officer at Al Rajhi Bank.
• His email address is ahmed_alsudais@alrajhibank.com.sa.

Samba Financial Group

• Samba Financial Group is the third-largest bank in Saudi Arabia based on total asset size in 2018.
• The company employs 3,497 employees (estimated).
• It operates one head office in Saudi Arabia and 139 locations, which include 72 branches, seven SpeedCash centers, and 21 ladies’ centers in Saudi Arabia, one branch in the United Arab Emirates, 37 branches in Pakistan, and one branch in Qatar.
•  Ahmad Al-Othaimeen is the general manager, human resources at Samba Financial Group.
• His email address is ahmad.alothaimeen@samba.com.

Riyad Bank

• Riyad Bank is the fourth-largest bank in Saudi Arabia based on total asset size in 2018.
• The company employs over 5,600 employees.
• It operates one office each in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore, and 312 branches across Saudi Arabia.
•  Mazen Khalefah is the head of human resources division at Riyad Bank.
• His email address is mazen.khalefah@riyadbank.com.

Banque Saudi Fransi

• Banque Saudi Fransi is the fifth-largest bank in Saudi Arabia based on total asset size in 2018.
• The company employs around 3,000 employees.
• It operates 105 locations, which include four head and regional offices, 83 full-fledged branches, and 18 ladies’ sections across Saudi Arabia.
•  May Al-Hoshan is the chief human capital officer at Banque Saudi Fransi.
• Her email address is malhoshan@alfransi.com.sa.

Research Strategy

1. Saudi Aramco

• Saudi Aramco is believed to be the most valuable company in the world with an estimated value of $2 trillion. 
• Saudi Aramco employs over 10,000 employees. About 50,250 were found on LinkedIn.
• Saudi Aramco is present in three major global energy markets — Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Saudi Aramco has 15 office locations.
•  Huda Al-Ghoson is the executive director of Human Resource at Saudi Aramco since 2012.
• Her phone number is +966 13 872 0115.
• Her email address is huda.ghoson@aramco.com 

2. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)

• Saudi Basic Industries Corporation made the list of top 10 companies is Saudi Arabia.
• SABIC employs over 40,000 employees worldwide.
• SABIC operates in more than 50 countries.
•  Abdulaziz Al-Oudan is the executive vice president, Corporate Human Resources at SABIC.
• His email address is abdulaziza@sabic.com.

3. Saudi Electricity Company

• Saudi Electricity Company is on of top 10 companies is Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Electricity Company employs over 10,000 employees.
• Saudi Electricity Company operates only in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
•  Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Obayed is the Senior VP, Human Resources at SABIC.
• His email address is abdulrahmanalobayed@se.com.sa.

4. Abdullah A Al Barrak and Sons Co

• Abdullah A Al Barrak and Sons Co is one of the top 10 companies in the oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia.
• Abdullah A Al Barrak and Sons Co has a workforce of over 2000.
• Abdullah A Al Barrak and Sons Co occupies five locations.
•  Jugal Chauhan is the HR of Abdullah A. Al-Barrak & Son Co.
• His email address is j.chauhan@abis.com.sa. 

5. Fugro Suhaimi

• Fugro Suhaimi is one of the top 10 companies in the oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia.
• Fugro Suhaimi has a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees.
• Fugro Suhaimi has locations in 65 countries.
•  Narayanan Kutty is the Organizational Development Manager of Fugro Suhaimi Ltd, a certified Human resource manager.
• His email address is n.kutty@fugro-suhaimi.com.

6. Farabi Petrochemicals

• Farabi Petrochemicals is one of the top 10 companies in the oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia.
• Farabi Petrochemicals has a workforce of between 500 to 1000.
• Farabi Petrochemicals has two locations in Saudi Arabia.
• Fahad K AlAqeel is the HR Senior Processor of Farabi Petrochemicals.
• His email address is fahadalaqeel@farabipc.com .

7. Global Suhaimi Company

• Farabi Petrochemicals is one of the top 10 companies in the oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia.
• Farabi Petrochemicals has a workforce of 1,001 to 5,000 employees.
• Global Suhaimi Company has six office locations.
•  Rahul R is the HR Coordinator of Global Suhaimi Company.
• His email address is rahul@globalsuhaimi.net.

8. Baas International Group

• Baas International Group is one of the top 10 companies in the oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia.
• Baas International Group has a workforce of over 700 payroll employees.
• Global Suhaimi Company has three locations in Saudi Arabia.
• Nafal Al Dosari is the HR Manager of Baas International Group.
• His email address is nafal@sa.com.

9. JAL International Co. Ltd

• JAL International Co. Ltd is one of the top 10 companies in the oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia.
• JAL International Co. Ltd has a workforce of 1,001-5,000 employees with 1,131 on LinkedIn.
• JAL International Co. Ltd has 4 locations.
•  Mirza Baig HR Officer of JAL International Co. Ltd.
• His email address is mirza.baig@jalint.com.sa.

10. Abunayyan Holding

• Abunayyan Holding, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is one of the longest and active companies in the power and water business.
• Abunayyan Holding has a workforce of 4,500 employee. 
• Abunayyan Holding has more than 12 business locations.
• Nourah AlMurshed is the Recruitment Supervisor of Abunayyan Holding.
• His email address is Noura-almurshed@abunayyanholding.com. 

Energy

• Description: The energy industry in Saudi Arabia includes companies that sell oil and gas domestically as well as internationally.
• Why would they be receptive?: My Wellness Saudi has successfully sold corporate wellness programs to several energy businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Financial Services

• Description: Financial businesses include Orix, Albawardi, and Habib Bank. The financial services sector involves providing services to companies that deal with money 
• Why would they be receptive?: Alrasmyat, a company based in Saudi Arabia, sold corporate health and wellness programs to several financial services businesses.

Engineering

• Description: Engineering companies develop products, hardware, as well as help plan out buildings construction.
• Why would they be receptive?: ICAS is a company that sells (among other things) wellness programs globally. It has sold its wellness programs to Atkins, Saudi Arabia. Other engineering firms (not based in Saudi Arabia) have used the company's services as well.

Chemical

• Description: Saudi Arabia's chemical sector is large and prominent. The industry focuses on the R&D for chemical products as well as producing chemicals.
• Why would they be receptive?: My Wellness Saudi has successfully sold corporate wellness programs to a couple of chemical businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Telecommunications

• Description: The telecommunications industry includes companies that sell internet and telephony services.
• Why would they be receptive?: Alrasmyat sold its corporate wellness programs to telecommunications companies operating in Saudi Arabia, such as Viasat and Nokia.

Research Strategy:

Arabian Shield

•  Here is a link to the website of Arabian Shield.
• Market share: 1.6% 

Enaya

•  Here is a link to the website of Enaya.
• Market share: 1.4% 

AXA Cooperative

•  Here is a link to the website of AXA Cooperative.
• Market share: 1.4% 

Al Sagr Insurance

•  Here is a link to the website of Al Sagr Insurance
• Market share: 1.4% 

MetLife AIG ANB

•  Here is a link to the website of MetLife AIG ANB
• Market share: 1.3% 

Research Strategy:

Bupa Arabia

• The website link: The website link for the insurer is here.
• Market share: 40.6% 

The Company for Cooperative Insurance (Tawuniya)

• The website link: The website link for the insurer is here.

• Health and reward programs: In April 2019, Tawuniya signed an agreement with Vitality Group that allows Tawuniya customers to participate and benefit from the Vitality health and wellness program. This was Tawuniya’s first shared-value insurance product.
• Market share: 30.2% 

Medgulf

• The website link: The website link for the insurer is here.

• Market share: 9.0% 

AlRajhi Takaful

• The website link: The website link for the insurer is here.
• Market share: 2.4% 

Saudi Arabian Cooperative Insurance Company (SAICO)

• The website link: The website link for the insurer is here.

• Market share: 1.9% 

Research Strategy

#1 ClassPass

•  ClassPass is a global fitness and wellness aggregator leader with approximately 22,000 partner studios located in more than 2,500 cities in 20 countries. It has approximately 5 million recurring wellness and fitness classes.
• This year, the company launched the corporate wellness program through an inauguration which included top employers such as Facebook, Etsy, Google, Gatorade, Under Armour, Morgan Stanley, and Glossier.

• ClassPass entered the Middle East health and fitness industry last year. It acquired GuavaPass for approximately $4.2 million, making it the market leader in Southeast Asia and Emirates.
• According to Ashley Kent, ClassPass Country Manager in UAE, the company is considering to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia.

#2 XPonential Fitness

•  Xponential Fitness, founded by Anthony Geisler in 2017, is regarded as the largest curator of fitness boutiques in the world. Its operations are based on a variety of verticals in the industry, such as indoor cycling, rowing, Pilates, yoga, dance, and stretch.
• The company has expanded into Saudi Arabia and plans to launch 50 studios in the country within the course of the next three years.

#3 FitOnClick

•  FitOnClick is an online sport, fitness, and wellness aggregator that enables users to easily search for fitness and wellness programs and services.
• Although the company is a start-up, two years old, is expanding aggressively into other regions. According to its founder, Samuel, the company plans to launch in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. FitOnClick also sought funding of approximately $1.5 million to facilitate its expansion.

• FitOnClick offers corporate wellness and fitness services through the Sports and Employee Engagement Program that helps companies meet their employee wellness objectives easily and efficiently.

Research Strategy

DOCTORS

• Doctors working at the Ministry of Health are 42٫768 in total that includes 3,588​ dentists.
• Doctors working in other governmental sectors in Saudi Arabia are 17٫206 in total that includes 1٫327 dentists.
• Doctors working in Saudi Arabia's private sector are 29٫701 in total that includes 9٫020 dentists.
• Overall, doctors in Saudi Arabia are 89٫675 in total that includes 13٫935 dentists.

NURSES

• Nurses working at the Ministry of Health are 101٫256 in total. ​

• Nurses working in other governmental sectors in Saudi Arabia are 36٫927 in total. ​
• Nurses working in Saudi Arabia's private sector are 42٫638 in total.
• Overall, nurses working in Saudi Arabia are 180٫821.

Number of Primary Health Care Facilities in Saudi Arabia

• According to the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia, currently, there are 2,390 Primary Health Care (PHC) centers/facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Number of Secondary Health Care Facilities in Saudi Arabia

• According to the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia, currently, there are 20 Forensic Medicine Centers, 494 anti-smoking clinics, 28 Control Health Centers at entry points, 13 central/ regional laboratories, 14 rehabilitation centers, 42 dental centers, 204 dialysis centers, 39 diabetes centers, 4 oncology centers, 11 cardiology centers, and 284 hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the total number of Secondary Health Care facilities is 1,153.

Nature of Primary Health Care Facilities in Saudi Arabia

• The Primary Health Care centers in Saudi Arabia are a combination of dispensaries, health offices, and maternal and child health centers into one administrative unit.
• A nationwide network of primary health care centers run by MoH serves as the first point of contact for the public. Each center has an established catchment area and population. The centers provide a wide range of promotional, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services, and are closely tied to the secondary sector.

Nature of Secondary Health Care Facilities in Saudi Arabia

• Secondary health care in Saudi Arabia includes medical cities, specialized hospitals, military, and university hospitals.
• The combination of primary health care centers and specialist clinics typically forms a catchment for a secondary health care facility in Saudi Arabia. They include forensic medicine centers, anti-smoking clinics, dental clinics, dialysis centers, diabetes centers, oncology centers, and cardiology centers.

Nature of The Overall Health Care Facilities in Saudi Arabia

• Ministry of Health (MoH) provides an integrated network of health care services covering all regions of Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Arabia facilitates a free direct line to receive calls from patients and their families to provide medical consultations by doctors who are working around the clock and also provide medical advice and instructions in cases of poisoning. The government is also able to receive reports and complaints related to the health system.
• All hospitals and health centers of the Ministry of Health and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority provide emergency health services, which include rapid response to emergencies and free emergency transportation.
• Ministry of Health provides e-services such as Mawid Service, which enables patients to book, cancel or reschedule their appointments at primary health care centers, and Vaccination Reminder Service, which plays a significant role in maintaining the health of children in the country.

Research Strategy:

Calculations

Insights on Private Health Insurance Ownership (Saudi Arabia)

• Saudi Arabia currently has a population of 33.4 million.
• According to a study released by the Global Health Exhibition, in Saudi Arabia, there are about 27 insurance agencies in operations, while the total number of individuals with insurance amounts to more than 10.8 million (as of December 2018). This figure includes more than 6 million insured expatriate employees and their 1.9 million dependents.
• The prevalence of private health insurance ownership in Saudi Arabia, including supplementary coverage, based on the total number of insured individuals, is estimated to be around 27.2%, or about 2.94 million individuals, as of 2018. (See calculations below)
• In 2010, 31% of individuals were covered by private health insurance in Saudi Arabia, while about 69% were covered by a public health service, public health insurance or social insurance, or other sickness funds.
• Oxford Economics' report revealed that Saudi Arabia's private health insurance market will expand from $2.4 billion in the year 2016 to $3.5 billion by 2021.
• Saudi Arabia's private health insurance market is expected to grow by 9.3% annually until 2021, compared to 2.4% for the government or public insurance sector.

Research Strategy:

Calculations, Estimations, and Assumptions

Health Insurance Practices for Employers

• The Compulsory Employment-Based Health Insurance was fully implemented in Saudi Arabia in 2017.
• Under the scheme, all companies in the private sector are required to provide comprehensive health insurance to their employees including expatriates and their dependents under one policy. The dependents include sons below 25, unmarried daughters, and spouses.
• Similarly, female Saudi employees are required to include their children and husbands in the scheme.
• It is noteworthy that an employer is not liable to provide health insurance once an employee’s contract ends.
• The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance implemented a new unified policy on 1 July 2018.
• The policy includes benefits, such as dental treatment, RSV vaccination, and hearing impairment coverage for children. In addition, the policy covers sleeve gastrectomy surgeries, psychological disorders, and infant formula for children under 2 years and in need.
• The financial coverage limit for the policy is $133,345. It covers expenses such as medication, diagnosis, treatment, testing, hospitalization, and surgeries.
• Health insurance companies are not allowed to issue policies that have fewer benefits than the ones stated in the new policy.
• The limits for psychological and serious disorders are $4000 for serious issues and $1,333 for non-serious conditions. The limit for autism care is $13,334. Impairment and disability costs have a limit of $26,669.
• The insurance premium is determined by insurance companies after looking at factors such as risk ratio, age, and medical history.

Health Insurance Practices for Individuals

• The Ministry of Health (MOH) provides free healthcare to all Saudi nationals. 

• On the other hand, expatriate workers cannot renew or obtain their residency permit without health insurance coverage
• As it stands, individuals are required to receive comprehensive health insurance from their employers.
• Employers that do not provide health insurance to their employees are subject to having their services suspended. Moreover, they are fined an equal amount of each employee’s insurance premium.
• In addition, employers can lose their rights to hire expatriate workers, who form a majority of the workforce in the private sector.

Health Expenditure

• According to the report published by the Global Health Exhibition, 15.6% of Saudi Arabia’s 2019 budget has been allocated to the healthcare sector and is the third-largest share in the country’s budget expenditure for the year. The budget allocated for the healthcare sector in 2019 amounts to SAR172 billion, which is equivalent to $45.86 billion (USD). The current budget for this sector is observed to be an 8% increase from SAR159 billion ($42.4 billion) of the previous year (2018).

• In 2018, Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector contributed 4.7% to the country’s GDP and is expected to grow by 13.7% by 2025. According to the Saudi Gazette, the country’s health expenditure is expected to reach $160 billion by 2030.

• The most recent health expenditure per capita figure recorded for Saudi Arabia is for the year 2016 which amounted to $1,147 and grew at an annual average rate of 8.85%. According to the World Data Atlas, in 2016, the country's health expenditure as a percentage of GDP was recorded at 5.7%.

• Saudi Arabia recorded a GDP of $191.61 billion in the first quarter and $197.34 billion in the second quarter of 2019. It was found that the GDP figures for the third and fourth quarters of 2019 are yet to be calculated. Therefore, the GDP of Saudi Arabia for the current year can be calculated by using the following formula,

• Annual GDP (2019) = [First Quarter GDP + Second Quarter GDP + (2 x Average of Q1 and Q2)]
• Annual GDP (2019) = $191.61 billion + $197.34 billion + [2 x (($191.61 billion + $197.34 billion)/2)] = $777.89 billion

• The total expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP (2019) can be calculated as follows,

• Health expenditure (% of GDP) = [(Budget expenditure for 2019 / Current GDP) x 100]
• Health expenditure (% of GDP) = [($45.86 billion / $777.89 billion) x 100] = 5.89%

• Therefore, the health expenditure for Saudi Arabia is estimated at 5.89% of the country’s GDP.
• According to data from the World Bank, the current population for Saudi Arabia stands at 34.14 million.

• The total expenditure on health per capita for the current year can be calculated as follows,

• Total expenditure on health per capita = [Budget expenditure for 2019 / Current population]
• Total expenditure on health per capita = [$45.86 billion / 34.14 million] = $1,343.29

• Therefore, the total health expenditure per capita for Saudi Arabia is estimated at $1,343.29.

Research Strategy

Useful Information

• A study from the Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health found that 58.5% of the adult population in Saudi Arabia is considered to be physically inactive. While 57% of children and 71% of youths are considered to be physically inactive.
• Overall, 60% of the Saudi Arabian population in 2018 were physically inactive.
• It was also found that 90% of the population sits for more than two hours per day. 
• Because of the high inactivity rate, it was found that Saudi Arabia’s mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCD) has also increased. These diseases include hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
• A study from Frontiers in Public Health found that the majority of the public health initiatives and programs that promote physical activity in the country from 2000 to 2018 were ineffective due to fragmentation, the short period of the initiative or program, and a lack of a governing body.
• A study from iMedPub Journals found that 17.4% of the male children population and 20.9% of the female children population in Tabuk Saudi Arabia were considered obese. The study recommended a physical routine program for these children to be implemented by the government.
• Furthermore, to combat NCD, Saudi Arabia has also implemented a tax increase for soft drinks within the state.
• Additionally, as stated by the Quality of Life booklet from the Saudi Vision 2030, the country is planning to promote both sports and athletic activities in the country.
• In other gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, they have policies that promote physical activity in school settings.

Research Strategy

Regulatory Boundaries

• There are no specific data protection laws in Saudi Arabia, but under Shari'ah principles, which represent the paramount body of law in Saudi Arabia, "the disclosure of secrets is prohibited except inter alia where the owner of the relevant secret agrees to such disclosure or if the public interest requires so."
• The courts under Shari'ah are responsible for using discretion when adjudicating violations of data privacy.
• Some reports have indicated that there is a "Freedom of Information and Protection of Private Data Law" that is in draft form and is currently being reviewed by the Shura Council, the formal advisory body of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• If passed, the "Freedom of Information and Protection of Private Data Law" would require that "any party who processes personal data must adhere to the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability."
• The absence of data protection laws in Saudi Arabia could mean that Fitbit would be successful in entering the market.
• In Saudi Arabia, commercial law is still in development and various entities are working together to overhaul the country's current commercial laws to create an arbitration center in collaboration with the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
• A barrier to foreign trade with Saudi Arabia is the commercial dispute settlement process as "Sharīʿah principles can potentially trump any foreign judgments or legal precedents."
• The Internet of Things (IoT) Regulatory Framework, published by the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), governs all IoT usage in Saudi Arabia.
• This framework requires all IoT providers to comply with "data security, privacy, and protection requirements, including all "future published laws, regulations, and requirements concerning data management including security, privacy, and protection."
• This could be an issue for IoT entrants into the market because it infers that there will be privacy laws implemented in Saudi Arabia in the future.

Industries Receptive to Wellness Programs in Saudi Arabia

• The energy industry in Saudi Arabia is likely receptive to wellness programs because several energy companies have previously been sold wellness programs.
• The financial services industry in Saudi Arabia is likely receptive to wellness programs because several financial services companies have previously been sold wellness programs.
• The engineering industry in Saudi Arabia is likely receptive to wellness programs because engineering companies in Saudi Arabia have previously been sold wellness programs.
• The chemical industry in Saudi Arabia is likely receptive to wellness programs because wellness companies have sold programs to several chemical companies in the past.

Energy Industry — Leading Companies in Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Aramco has an estimated value of $2 trillion, an employee count of over 10,000, and 15 office locations.
• Saudi Basic Industries Corporation has 40,000 employees and operates in more than 50 countries.
• Saudi Electricity Company has more than 10,000 employees and only operates in Saudi Arabia.
• Abdullah A Al Barrak and Sons Co has more than 2,000 employees and has five locations.
• Fugro Suhaimi has about 10,000 employees and has locations in 65 countries.
• Farabi Petrochemicals has between 500 and 1,000 employees and operates in two locations in Saudi Arabia.
• Global Suhaimi Company has between, 1,001 and 5,000 employees and operates in six locations.
• Baas International Group has over 700 employees and has three locations in Saudi Arabia.
• JAL International Co. Ltd has between 1,001 and 5,000 employees and four locations.
• Abunayyan Holding has more than 4,500 employees and operates in 12 locations.

Insurance and Bank Industries — Leading Companies in Saudi Arabia

• Tawuniya has 4,731 employees and has 108 offices.
• Bupa Arabia has 1,674 employees and six offices in Saudi Arabia.
• Al Rajhi Takaful has 960 employees and 25 retail branches.
• Medgulf has 1,400 employees and 24 offices in Saudi Arabia
• AXA Cooperative has 300 employees and 35 office across Saudi Arabia
• National Commercial Bank has 7,839 employees and 405 branches in Saudi Arabia.
• Al Rajhi Bank has 13,532 employees and 671 branches in Saudi Arabia.
• Samba Financial Group has 3,497 employees and 139 locations.
• Riyad Bank has 5,600 employees and 312 branches.
• Banque Saudi Fransi has 3,000 employees and 105 locations.

Top Ten Insurers in Saudi Arabia by Market Share

• Bupa Arabia has a 40.6% market share.
• Tawuniya has a 30.2% market share.
• Medgulf has a 9.0% market share.
• AlRajhi Takaful has a 2.4% market share.
• Saudi Arabian Cooperative Insurance Company (SAICO) has a 1.9% market share.
• Arabian Shield has a 1.6% market share.
• Enaya has a 1.4% market share.
• AXA Cooperative has a 1.4% market share.
• Al Sagr Insurance has a 1.4% market share.
• MetLife AIG ANB has a 1.3% market share.

Engineering Industry — Leading Companies in Saudi Arabia

• SABIC has 33,000 employees and operates in more than 50 companies.
• Ma'aden has 7,000 employees and operates in 13 locations.
• Saudi Aramco has 65,000 employees and operates in 10 locations.
• Saudi Binladin Group has 100,000 employees worldwide and has four locations.
• Sahara International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) has 1,113 employees in four locations.
• Petro Rabigh has 3,000 employees and two offices.
• Baas International Group has over 700 employees in three locations.
• Yes Yem Yech Industrial Services (SMH) has between 500 and 1,000 employees in five countries.
• Abunayyan Holding has 4,500 employees in three regions.
• Farabi Petrochemicals has about 500 employees in one location.

Chemical Industry — Leading Companies in Saudi Arabia

• SABIC has 33,000 employees and operates in 112 offices in 50 companies.
• Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Company has 1,249 employees in one location.
• Petromin Corporation has 5,000 employees in 15 world offices.
• Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical (SATORP) has 46,000 workers in one location.
• Saudi Chemical Company has 1,000 employees at one location.
• Advanced Petrochemical Company employs 325 workers in one location.
• Sahara Petrochemicals Company has 500 employees in one location.
• Astra Industrial Group (AIG) has 3,800 workers in one location.
• Chemanol has 485 employees in one location.
• Basic Chemical Industries has 391 employees in eight offices.

Telecommunications Industry — Leading Companies in Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has 21,316 employees in 220 offices.
• Integrated Telecom Company (ITC) has over 400 employees in three offices.
• GO Telecom-Etihad Atheeb has 900 employees in at least one office.
• Mobily-Etihad Etisalat has 6,120 employees in more than 300 offices.
• Zain KSA has 2,800 employees in more than 200 locations.
• Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia has 221 employees in 75 locations.
• Arabsat has over 200 employees in five regional offices.
• Lebara Saudi Arabia has over 100 employees in 90 offices.
• Al Arrab Communications has 600 employees in 13 offices.
• Baud Telecom Company has 277 employees in five offices.

Corporate Wellness Aggregators in Saudi Arabia

• There are no corporate wellness aggregators in Saudi Arabia, but ClassPass is looking to enter the market soon, after having entered the Middle East in 2018.
• Xponential Fitness also expects to expand to Saudi Arabia within the next three years and FitOnClick plans to launch in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait.

Doctors and Nurses

• Overall, there are 89,675 doctors working in Saudi Arabia, which include 13,935 dentists.
• There are 47,768 doctors working for Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health, including 3,588 dentists.
• There are 17,206 doctors working in other governmental areas, including 1,237 dentists.
• In the private sector, there are 29,701 doctors, including 9,020 dentists.
• There are 180,821 nurses working in Saudi Arabia with 101,256 for the Ministry of Health, 36,927 in other governmental sectors, and 42,638 working in the private sector.

Primary Health Care Facilities

• There are 2,390 primary health care facilities in Saudi Arabia and 1,153 secondary health care facilities.
• Primary health care facilities comprise dispensaries, health offices, and maternal and child health centers.
• Secondary health care facilities comprise medical cities, specialized hospitals, military, and university hospitals.
• Overall, the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health provides an integrated network of all healthcare services that also cover all regions in the country.

Private Health Insurance Ownership

• Approximately 27.2% of the Saudi Arabian population has private health insurance, which represents 2.94 million people.

Health Insurance Practices

• All nationals and expatriates in Saudi Arabia are entitled to employer-provided health insurance. Employers who do not provide insurance for their employees are subject to fines and the suspension of their ability to operate.
• Comprehensive health insurance must be provided to employees and their dependents to include sons under the age of 25, unmarried daughters, and spouses.
• There is a coverage cap of $133,345 for medications, diagnosis, treatment, testing, hospitalization, and surgeries.
• There are also limits for mental health, impairment, and disability.

Health Expenditures

• The 2019 Saudi Arabian budget allocates 15.6% to the healthcare sector and represents the equivalent of $45.86 billion. This is an increase from $42.4 billion in 2018.
• The Saudi Arabian healthcare sector contributes 4.7% to the country's GDP.
• The healthcare expenditure per capita was $1,147 in 2016, the most recent year for which data was available.

Government Policies Promoting Physical Activities.

• There are no government policies in place in Saudi Arabia that are designed to promote physical activity.
• There has been a tax implemented in the country on soft drinks in an attempt to curb the obesity rate.
• In Saudi Arabia's Saudi Vision 2030, there is a plan to implement sports and athletic activity promotion in the country, but that plan has yet to be detailed.

Research Strategy