����ֱ��

In a significant international milestone for ����ֱ��, Dr. Saad bin Sami Al-Sogair, a leading Saudi dermatologist, has been awarded the 2025 International Leadership Medal by the International League of Dermatological Societies — one of the highest honors globally in the field of dermatology.

This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional international leadership, influence in public health policy, and who contribute meaningfully to global collaboration in skin health and medical education.

Dr. Al-Sogair is the first dermatologist from the GCC countries to receive this recognition. He was nominated by the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery and was selected from a record number of distinguished candidates worldwide.

This achievement is widely seen as a testament not only to Dr. Al-Sogair’s personal dedication and leadership, but also to the growing influence of ����ֱ�� in global medical and scientific advancement. The announcement has been met with widespread praise in academic, clinical, and policy circles and is considered a source of national pride.

Professor Henry W. Lim, president of ILDS, congratulated the recipients, saying: “These annual awards celebrate exceptional contributions by dermatologists and related professionals in advancing skin health worldwide. Each of our worthy recipients have significantly improved the lives of people living with skin diseases, whether through international leadership or humanitarian efforts.

“Each of this year’s recipients is an inspiration. We extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks for their exceptional service to the field of dermatology.”

Dr. Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al-Akeel, president of the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, said: “We are extremely proud of Dr. Saad Al-Sogair for this historic recognition. His award not only reflects his tireless work and leadership but also highlights the Kingdom’s increasing global standing in dermatology. This comes at a significant moment, as Riyadh is currently bidding to host the 2031 World Congress of Dermatology, a global platform to showcase Saudi excellence in skin health.”

The ILDS International Leadership Medal honors individuals whose work has had a sustained global impact in areas such as medical education, innovation across borders, and international dermatologic collaboration.

This recognition aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s international presence in science, research, and healthcare innovation.

Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co., a subsidiary of Middle East Paper Co., one of the largest paper manufacturers in the Middle East and North Africa region, has broken ground on TM6, its second high-capacity production line for tissue manufacturing at King Abdullah Economic City, near Jeddah.

The groundbreaking ceremony welcomed distinguished representatives from different government and private entities including MODON and Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority along with the Juthor and MEPCO senior leadership teams. With a total investment of SR345 million ($92 million), TM6 will significantly expand Juthor’s manufacturing output, increasing annual capacity to 120,000 tonnes and operating at a speed of 2,100 meters per minute.

TM6 supports ����ֱ��’s Vision 2030 by advancing local manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports, creating skilled jobs, and adhering to world-class environmental standards.

Andritz AG, an Austria-based international technology group that provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions, will manufacture, supply, and install the facility, over a 24-month period.

Commenting on the launch, Musab Al-Muhaidib, chairman of the board at MEPCO Group, said: “The launch of TM6 is a testament to our unwavering belief in ����ֱ��’s industrial future. As we align with Vision 2030, this expansion strengthens our role in enabling local manufacturing and advancing the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency in the tissue sector.”

The facility will utilize cutting-edge technology and sustainable manufacturing methods to align with MEPCO’s environmental goals, including efficient resource use and minimizing carbon emissions.

Faisal Haddawi, group president at MEPCO Group, said: “At MEPCO Group, we do not simply build capacity — we build value, resilience, and trust. TM6 will accelerate our strategy for sustainable growth while deepening our contribution to the Saudi economy and regional markets.”

Juthor remains committed to continuous investment in manufacturing innovation to meet the growing demand for high-quality tissue paper products in the Kingdom and the wider MENA region.

The Saudi-based tissue paper manufacturer was established to meet the Kingdom’s rising demand for hygiene and paper products.