Bupa Arabia on bridging healthtech and fintech in Saudi Arabia

Pictured third from the right, Bupa Arabia's chief business development officer, Ali M. Sheneamer.

At the recently concluded Money 20/20 Riyadh, Bupa Arabia, a platinum sponsor of the event, showcased how it is reshaping healthcare by merging physical care with digital technology.

The company profiled its healthcare arm, Bupa CareConnect, which integrates digital health services with physical care through smart healthcare management tools, virtual clinics, and chronic disease programs. This initiative is designed to deliver a patient-centred, digitally driven healthcare experience aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

During the event, Bupa CareConnect also signed strategic partnerships with technology leaders including Oracle, Microsoft, and CNTXT, Google’s exclusive partner in the region. These partnerships aim to enhance digital infrastructure and leverage artificial intelligence to improve access to care, streamline procedures, and personalise treatment plans.

Bupa executives further contributed to panel discussions on digital transformation and the future of health insurance, underscoring the company’s role in shaping the evolving intersection of healthtech and fintech in Saudi Arabia.

In this Q&A, Bupa Arabia’s chief business development officer, Ali M. Sheneamer, explains the company’s digital ambitions, strategic partnerships with major technology players, and its role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives for healthcare innovation and digital transformation.

Why did Bupa Arabia participate in Money 20/20 this year?

We see it as one of the key events bringing together technology and healthcare.We used the platform to showcase Bupa CareConnect, which integrates digital healthcare services with physical clinics and chronic disease programs. By combining health insurance and direct care delivery, we aim to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and create a smoother experience for our members.

How do healthtech and fintech intersect in your work?

Traditionally, health insurance covers some services while others require out-of-pocket payments. We are exploring how to embed financial services directly into our proposition and app, giving members more seamless ways to access care and pay for services. This is especially valuable for SMEs, where flexible payment solutions can enhance value and affordability.

What role do partnerships play in this strategy?

During Money 20/20, we signed several agreements with leading tech players such as Oracle, Microsoft, and CNTXT (Google’s exclusive partner). These partnerships will strengthen our digital infrastructure and accelerate innovation in areas like AI, smart healthcare management, and virtual clinics.

Can you share some figures about Bupa Arabia’s reach?

Bupa Arabia serves over 3 million members, making it a leader in Saudi Arabia’s health insurance market. The broader Bupa Group operates in 190 countries, providing access to more than 1.2 million medical destinations worldwide.

How does your approach align with Saudi Vision 2030?

Our strategy directly supports Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom’s healthcare sector through digital innovation and patient-centric care.

By integrating advanced technology, preventive programs, and virtual care into our offerings, we are helping build a more efficient, accessible, and forward-looking health system for the future.

Any announcements you’d like to highlight?

The main announcements revolve around our partnership signings and our ongoing commitment to developing Bupa CareConnect as a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem.

Our focus is on turning innovation into action, creating better outcomes for patients, and supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey.