Emirates: Emirati healthcare firm Burjeel Holdings has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Leejam Sports Co., owner of the Fitness Time chain of gyms, for a joint venture to develop a network of over 60 physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers in Leejam facilities across the Kingdom. 

Under the terms of the agreement, signed on Monday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Investment in Riyadh, the companies will open six centers initially in the capital and expand across the Leejam network over the next year. 

The centers will also offer wellness services including vitamin injections, oxygen room, and cryotherapy, as well as complementary medicine services, with a special focus on sports medicine and advanced rehabilitation therapies, according to a press release.  

John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, told Arab News: “The partnership with Leejam Sports is the first step to unlocking vast opportunities offered by the Kingdom’s healthcare sector. We are discussing the possibility to operate and maintain a number of hospital assets in the Kingdom, as well as potential separate partnerships in providing specialized medical care”. 

He added that this partnership will allow us to access the Kingdom with minimal capital expenditures, through Leejam's wide network, while providing access to its large customer base. 

The joint venture is supported by the Saudi Ministry of Sport, as it continues to promote initiatives aimed at improving and developing the sports environment in the Kingdom, the press release added. 

Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman, Burjeel Holdings, said: “Our collaboration with Leejam to provide high-quality services in rehabilitation and sports medicine is significant as we commence operations in Saudi Arabia, renowned for its love of sports, and especially football.”   

He said professional and recreational athletes of all levels will benefit from comprehensive care, ranging from prevention to rehabilitation, tailored to their specific needs.  

“These services will create a world-class support system enabling athletes to raise their level of performance. We are also committed to supporting the Kingdom’s transformative Vision 2030, which acknowledges the importance of partnerships with the private sector to promote sports for wellbeing,” added Vayalil. 

For his part, Ali bin Hamad Al-Sagri, chairman of Leejam Sports, added: “This step confirms the company’s commitment to harnessing the full extent of its capabilities to raise the level of healthcare and physical fitness, and to achieve a healthier life for body and mind.”  

With the acceleration of Saudi Arabia's position in the global sports arena, he said they see a great opportunity to create more specialized services that meet the special needs of athletes in professional sports.