Steering the helm at the World Economic Forum affiliate Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia is Dr. Basma Al-Buhairan, a dynamic force in the realm of healthcare and academic advancements. This pivotal center, under her able leadership, works toward Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by encouraging fruitful collaborations between the public and private sectors. The center’s ultimate aim? To harness the tremendous potential of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies for societal good while curbing its risks.
With a career spanning over two and a half decades, Dr. Al-Buhairan has been the mind and muscle behind a myriad of groundbreaking initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Her expertise is vast, cutting across clinical operations, health tech adoption, and even business transformation.
Recalling her immense contributions, one can't help but admire her role in shaping the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. She not only took charge of commissioning and setting up clinical departments but also pioneered cross-collaborative projects in patient safety, liaising with a diverse set of stakeholders.
IBM witnessed her prowess as a healthcare and university relations leader before she embarked on co-leading the commissioning of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, even serving as its deputy CEO. In the same breath, her commendable involvement in the establishment of Princess Nourah University’s Health Sciences Research Center is worth noting.
It’s not just healthcare that has benefited from her expertise. The National Center of Events saw her leadership in events management and business development. As an adviser to the Ministry of Investment, she was a guiding force in the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, championing the healthcare and life sciences sector. Under her aegis, global life sciences organizations were drawn to Saudi Arabia, showcasing her knack for fostering international collaborations.
Dr. Al-Buhairan's educational journey is as impressive as her professional one. An alumnus of the University of Utah and Brown University, she boasts of a PhD focused on patient safety policymaking and master's degrees in infection reduction and molecular biology. Her accolades don't end there. As a fellow of the renowned Eisenhower Fellowships Organization, she clinched the Ward Wheelock Fellow Award in 2013.
More than her awards and achievements, what truly sets Dr. Al-Buhairan apart is her innate leadership quality. She’s a bridge, adept at merging cross-cultural, multidisciplinary worlds. Many have flourished under her mentorship, drawing from her vast reservoir of knowledge.
In Dr. Basma Al-Buhairan, Saudi Arabia has found a visionary, committed to shaping its future while keeping its roots intact. Her journey serves as a testament to what passion, dedication, and a drive to innovate can achieve.
