Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, SGH President: From Hospitals to Human Impact

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is powered by trailblazers who combine heritage with forward-thinking innovation to create a thriving society and a globally competitive economy. Among these changemakers is Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, a Saudi business leader, investor, and entrepreneur.

As President of Saudi German Hospitals Group (SGH), one of the largest private hospital networks in the MENA region and Vice President of Middle East Healthcare Company Limited (MEAHCO), he has become a symbol of ambition, compassion, and innovation. With a strong presence in healthcare, fitness, and investment sectors, Batterjee’s leadership reflects Vision 2030’s transformative spirit: building institutions that serve humanity while strengthening national prosperity.

Early Life and Education

Family Roots and Global Learning

Makarem Sobhi Batterjee was born into a family deeply rooted in healthcare leadership. His grandfather and father laid the foundation for medical excellence in the region, instilling in him a value system based on compassion and service.

“Both my grandfather and father have been driven by ‘doing good’ for others and this is part of my core philosophy”

— Makarem Sobhi Batterjee

Driven by curiosity and ambition, Batterjee pursued world-class education. He studied at Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Law School, and London Business School, where he earned his MBA. This global education shaped his outlook, combining strategic thinking with a deep commitment to social responsibility.

Building a Global Perspective

Batterjee specialized in healthcare leadership, negotiation, and private equity, gaining the expertise to lead complex organizations. His global exposure allowed him to adapt best practices while tailoring them to Saudi Arabia’s context. This global-local balance mirrors Vision 2030’s goal of combining international standards with national aspirations. His journey shows that true leadership lies in merging knowledge with cultural identity, ensuring progress remains rooted in values.

Leadership in Healthcare Transformation

Expanding Saudi German Health

As President & Vice Chairman of Saudi German Health (SGH) and Bait al Batterjee Group, Batterjee oversees one of the region’s largest healthcare networks. Today, SGH operates 22 facilities, with 3,000+ beds and over 9,000 employees, serving millions of patients annually. His ambition is to establish SGH as a global healthcare brand known for compassion, trust, and quality.

Batterjee emphasizes execution alongside vision: expanding facilities while maintaining quality care. His strategy is rooted in resilience creating specialized centers of excellence that deliver advanced treatment while remaining accessible to local communities.

Humania Capital and Sustainable Healthcare

Through Humania Capital, a Dubai-based healthcare investment firm he co-founded, Batterjee advances sustainable and tech-driven healthcare projects. Humania invests in hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and health-tech ventures, focusing on innovation and impact. One milestone was launching a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Jeddah to localize supply chains and reduce dependence on imports.

“My motivation is not just to make money, that is not our model. We are here to improve healthcare and relieve suffering first and foremost, and I believe money follows if you are sincere in your purpose.”

A Mission that Inspired a Generation

Fitness and Lifestyle Innovation

Batterjee’s vision extends beyond hospitals into lifestyle transformation. As Founder and Chairman of Shababco Lifestyle Group, he introduced Gold’s Gym Arabia and pioneered the first women’s fitness clubs in Saudi Arabia. In 2005, when gyms for women were unheard of, Batterjee took the bold step of creating inclusive spaces for female fitness. His initiative paved the way for greater women’s participation in sports, years ahead of societal reforms.

This bold move reflected his conviction that social progress often requires risk-taking. Today, women’s fitness is a growing industry in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030’s focus on empowerment and inclusion.

Education for the Future

Believing that healthcare is not just about treatment but about capacity-building, Batterjee established Batterjee Medical College (BMC) and the Saudi German Academy. These institutions train doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, addressing critical talent gaps. By linking education with employment, Batterjee ensures that graduates enter the workforce ready to make an impact.

His focus on education highlights the role of human capital in national progress. By developing skilled professionals, Batterjee contributes to creating a knowledge-based economy, one of the pillars of Vision 2030.

Scientific Innovation and National Impact

Driving Digital Transformation & Global Affiliations

Batterjee positions healthcare at the intersection of medicine, technology, and global collaboration. Under his leadership, Saudi German Health embraced digital transformation, investing in early diagnosis programs, telemedicine, and AI-driven health solutions. A key milestone was Saudi German Hospital Cairo joining the Mayo Clinic Care Network, allowing clinicians access to Mayo Clinic’s expertise and strengthening evidence-based care across the region.

Linking Health with Economic Growth

Batterjee believes that healthcare drives not only well-being but also economic development. His strategy of “doubling down and doubling up” reflects a commitment to multiplying outcomesby investing in hospitals, education, and technology simultaneously. This integrated approach positions healthcare as both a societal necessity and an economic catalyst.

Through Batterjee Medical College, the Saudi German Academy, and the International Visiting Professor Program, Batterjee develops a pipeline of talent across the Kingdom. This emphasis on human capital and knowledge transferreflects Vision 2030’s focus on creating a competitive, skilled workforce.

In both 2023 and 2024, Forbes Middle East ranked him among the Top 10 Healthcare Leaders in the region, highlighting his sustained influence in shaping the industry.

Governance and Institutional Maturity

As Vice Chairman of MEAHCO (Saudi German Health), a publicly listed company on Tadawul, Batterjee champions transparency and accountability. Under his leadership, MEAHCO strengthened governance with detailed financial reports, investor communications, and general assemblies. His emphasis on institutional maturity positions the company for long-term growth and investor confidence.

Beyond Healthcare: Entrepreneurship and Investment

Business Ventures Across Sectors

Batterjee has founded and led multiple ventures that diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy:

• New City Company: Urban development and real estate investments.
• Shababco Enterprises: Established Gold’s Gym Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s largest fitness chain.
• Humania Capital: Healthcare investment driving medical innovation.
• JanPro: A leading commercial cleaning brand in the region.
• Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Saudi Chapter: As founding president, he empowered entrepreneurs and startups, earning the chapter international recognition.

Advocacy for Wellness and Inclusion

Beyond business, Batterjee is a passionate advocate for health and wellness. In recognition of his contributions to women’s empowerment in fitness, he received an honorary doctorate from the United Nations in 2011 for pioneering Saudi Arabia’s first women-only fitness center. His advocacy shows that business leadership can drive cultural transformation.

Media Presence and Influence

Since 2017, Batterjee has also appeared as a prominent investor on the Arab edition of Shark Tank, where he mentors and supports startups. His presence in media underscores his commitment to inspiring young entrepreneurs, offering both capital and guidance to nurture innovation in the region.

Championing Vision 2030 Values

Makarem Sobhi Batterjee’s journey reflects the very essence of Vision 2030: transforming Saudi Arabia through healthcare innovation, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, and sustainable growth. His ability to merge tradition with modernity, profit with purpose, and global best practices with local needs makes him a true pioneer.

A Legacy of Impact

His story is a powerful reminder that true leadership goes beyond titles. It is about building institutions that heal, empower, and inspire. Through his visionary leadership in healthcare, education, fitness, and entrepreneurship, Batterjee continues to shape Saudi Arabia’s social and economic transformation. His legacy stands as a testament to resilience, compassion and enduring belief that business must serve humanity.

Discover more inspiring stories at Saudi Wins, where Vision 2030 comes to life.