Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — As part of its social responsibility, the Saudi energy sector is harnessing its capabilities toward supporting the prevention measures taken by the Ministry of Health in their drive to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

In this connection, energy and desalinated water provider ACWA Power has signed an agreement with THABAT to build an integrated mobile hospital with a 100 bed capacity, fully resourced with the medical equipment and supplies needed to treat COVID-19 cases. The hospital will provide comprehensive healthcare services and aid in handling the pandemic.

The agreement was concluded under the patronage and in presence of Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman, minister of energy; ​​​​Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of health; and Mohammad Abunayyan, chairman of ACWA Power. The signing was executed by Thamer Al Sharhan, representing ACWA Power, and Essam Al Muhaidib representing THABAT.

Commenting on the agreement, Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power, said: “I would like to extend my deep appreciation to Prince Abdulaziz for his kind support in enabling us to implement our initiative to build a mobile hospital for combating the spread of COVID-19. This initiative is part of the efforts driven by the national energy sector to address the crisis in our beloved Kingdom”.

Abunayyan extended his appreciation to Prince Faisal Bin Salman, emir of Madinah, for his generous support in facilitating the agreement for ACWA Power’s community-based initiative. The emir played an invaluable role in expediting processes, allocating land for the hospital, and providing optimum support from the official bodies of the governorate to complete the project within its required time-frame.

The new hospital will be fully dedicated to caring for COVID-19 patients.

As per the agreement, ACWA Power will utilize its extensive expertise and capabilities in the swift implementation and delivery of projects that require the highest standards of safety and security. Upon completion of construction within 70 days, the assets and contracts will be handed over to the Ministry of Health.

Abunayyan added, “We are an active part of the Saudi energy sector, and remain in full solidarity with all national initiatives to overcome this crisis. Leveraging our technical expertise and capabilities in mobilizing and deploying highly secured projects, we believe this project will supplement existing medical resources by providing a dedicated facility, quickly and efficiently to help diagnose, support and treat Covid-19 patients.”

Abunayyan lauded the efforts Dr. Al-Rabiah for enabling the execution of ACWA Power’s initiative. He also praised the Ministry of Health and its various sectors and bodies for their heroic endeavors undertaken to confront the spread of the pandemic. He also applauded their role in implementing precautionary and preventive measures to protect the citizens and residents’ health and safety across the Kingdom.