Al-Maarifa University announced the inauguration of the Saudi Arabian Wellness Society (SAWA), and the launch of its visual identity in an official ceremony, sponsored by His Excellency the University President, Prof. Dr. Walid bin Hussein Abu Al-Faraj, and the presence of a group of specialists and those interested in scientific, research and societal practices related to the wellness industry.
The Sawa Association was established on Rajab 23, 1443, corresponding to February 24, 2022, by a decision from the Council of the University of Knowledge, and was included among the scientific societies under the supervision of the General Secretariat of the Council for University Affairs in the Ministry of Education. Its goals are focused on developing and promoting the wellness industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based on advanced applied theoretical knowledge, employing modern trends, techniques and research based on scientific evidence.
Through solid scientific methodology and practices, the Sawa Association will work in cooperation with the public and private sectors to activate the potential of the wellness industry. To contribute to achieving the quality of life goals emanating from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and to stimulate creativity and innovation to spread cognitive, directional, and behavioral awareness of the importance of wellness in the comprehensive well-being matrix, and to strengthen fruitful relationships with government institutions, including the vision realization offices in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, The Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Sports, and other relevant ministries and bodies; To shape policies and maximize wellness values and practices in the life of the individual and society.
It is worth noting that the Sawa Association was established at the initiative of a team that includes an elite group of local and international specialist experts in the field of health and medical education, businessmen who believe in their social responsibility towards their society, and senior executives. To build a national entity, extending local and international strategic relationships, with an ambitious, pioneering vision in the region, within a professional framework that is in line with the vision of the Global Wellness Institute: “Wellness is the constant pursuit of activities and lifestyle choices leading to a state of comprehensive health.”
It is noteworthy that the nucleus of the association was formed at the suggestion of Prof. Dr. Ibtisam bint Muhammad Al-Madhi, Advisor to His Excellency the President of Al-Maarifa University for Scientific Research and Development, who brings to her credit rich cumulative experience in the duality of education and health. She held several leadership positions, including: Vice President of Princess Noura bint Abdul Rahman University (the largest women’s university in the world), and founding and dean of the College of Dentistry at the same university, in addition to her tireless activity in promoting the concept and practices of the wellness industry throughout her scientific, research, and health professional career. .
On the occasion of the inauguration of the association, Prof. Dr. Al-Mady, Chairman of the Founding Committee, said: Anyone who follows the current health and societal situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notes that spreading and empowering the societal health knowledge culture and its practices is the common denominator for all Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives, which seek to achieve quality of life for every human being. From those visions, the Sawa Association was established to contribute to the formation of a vibrant society. He enjoys a decent living and good health. Therefore, we will seek to attract specialists and those interested in the scientific and behavioral practices associated with the wellness industry; To become a house of expertise for exchanging and developing ideas, and to make wellness a behavioral practice in our societies. Hence, the name of the association (Sawa) came to indicate its participatory relationship with its partners on the one hand, and its relational relationship with its community on the other hand.
Those wishing to know more information about the association - including membership - can visit the association’s website saudiwellness.org.sa, or write to the association directly at [email protected]
