Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; November 26, 2025 – bioMérieux, a world leader in in vitro diagnostics and a global player in the fight against infectious diseases, inaugurated its new Regional Headquarters in Riyadh and signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, strengthening its long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Alexandre Mérieux, Executive Chairman of bioMérieux, Dr. Khalid A. Alburikan, Deputy Minister of Investment at the Saudi Ministry of Health, Dr. Manar Al Samman, Executive General Director of Laboratory Operations at the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, and H.E. Patrick Maisonnave, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, alongside distinguished guests and partners from the Saudi healthcare ecosystem.
The MoU between bioMérieux and the Ministry of Health establishes a strategic collaboration focused on combating Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Saudi Arabia. It aims to enhance AMR surveillance, strengthen diagnostic stewardship, and expand training and capacity-building initiatives in partnership with national stakeholders.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as one of the world’s most pressing health challenges, responsible for an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually. Saudi Arabia has been proactive in addressing this through its National AMR Action Plan (2022–2025) and a comprehensive One Health approach.
By establishing its regional headquarters in Riyadh, bioMérieux is localizing advanced diagnostic expertise and reinforcing partnerships that support responsible antibiotic use. Diagnostic stewardship has been shown to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions by up to 36%,(1) helping to preserve antibiotic effectiveness and improve patient outcomes. The inauguration coincided with World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, further underscoring the shared commitment to tackling AMR as a public health priority.
“As World Antimicrobial Awareness Week just ended, Saudi Arabia is driving one of the most ambitious healthcare transformations globally,” said Alexandre Mérieux, Executive Chairman of bioMérieux. “With this new regional headquarters and our MoU with the Ministry of Health, we are proud to support the Kingdom in advancing diagnostic excellence and strengthening health security across the region.”
Dr. Manar Al Samman, Executive General Director of Laboratory Operations at the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the Ministry of Health’s commitment to strengthen our national response to antimicrobial resistance through better data, better diagnostics, and better decisions. By partnering with bioMérieux, we are enhancing our surveillance capabilities and supporting our National AMR Action Plan in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Ultimately, this collaboration is about protecting the effectiveness of antibiotics and improving outcomes for patients across Saudi Arabia.”
H.E. Patrick Maisonnave, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said:
“The opening of bioMérieux’s regional headquarters in Riyadh sends a strong signal about the depth of cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia in science, health and innovation. This step reflects our shared belief that investing in diagnostics, data and laboratory capacity is essential for the future of healthcare. France will continue to support partnerships of this kind, which bring together French expertise and Saudi ambition to deliver tangible benefits for patients and health systems.”
Since its founding in 1963, bioMérieux has built a legacy of innovation, serving over 160 countries worldwide. The Riyadh Regional Headquarters reflects the company’s belief that diagnostic stewardship is the first line of defence in protecting public health and its dedication to local capacity-building in partnership with regional stakeholders.
(1) Trevas D, et al. Diagnostic Tests Can Stem the Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance: Infectious Disease Professionals Can Help. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2021.
