There’s this famous quote about the healthcare sector.“Do as much as possible for the patient, and as little as possible to the patient”- Sigmund Freud
Makarem Batterjee, President and Vice Chairman at Saudi German Hospitals Group, and Dr. Ahmed Eissa, Group CEO of Saudi German Health UAE, are epitomes of the above proverb. The first hospital was established in 1988 in Jeddah by Eng. Sobhi Batterjee, Chairman and Vice President of the organization. The organization partnered with leading German university hospitals to introduce advanced German healthcare standards and expertise to the local community, marking a first in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These collaborations became the foundation for incorporating ‘German’ into the organization’s identity.
Mr. Makarem and Dr. Ahmed of Saudi German Health (SGH) are highlighted for their visionary leadership in healthcare. Makarem Batterjee, is a second-generation leader who focuses on innovation and making healthcare more accessible through technology and strategic partnerships. Dr. Ahmed Eissa leverages his unique blend of medical expertise and business acumen to deliver patient-centered care.In recognition of its continued excellence, SGH UAE also earned six prestigious awards from the Arab Hospitals Federation, underscoring its leadership in quality healthcare, innovation, and patient experience across the region. Under his leadership, it also earned a Guinness World Record for vascular screenings, demonstrating their commitment to preventive health. Together, their complementary leadership styles are driving SGH to make healthcare more inclusive and resilient across the MENA region.
Fundamental Principles
With more than 40 years of experience, Saudi German Health (SGH) stands as a leading healthcare provider in the MENA region. Guided by principles of compassion, integrity, innovation, excellence, and collaboration, the organization is committed to delivering tailored, high-quality care. SGH integrates cutting-edge medical technologies, digital innovations, and evidence-based protocols to optimize patient outcomes, while maintaining a patient-focused approach that emphasizes safety, comfort, and active engagement. In line with its commitment to continuous improvement, SGH UAE has implemented the KAIZEN methodology in collaboration with the KAIZEN Institute, fostering a culture of operational excellence, efficiency, and innovation across all its facilities.
Every hospital, clinic, and initiative reflects these values, ensuring that patient care is not just clinical but deeply human. Over the decades, the organization has invested heavily in infrastructure, people, and technology to align with its commitment to raising healthcare standards across the region.
Its growth journey is marked by remarkable milestones. SGH expanded into multiple countries, bringing its trusted care model to diverse communities, each with unique cultural and healthcare needs. It embraced digital transformation, integrating electronic health records, telemedicine, and AI-powered tools long before they became industry standards. These advancements not only streamlined operations but also enhanced patient safety and accessibility, especially for those in remote areas. The group’s international collaborations, including the SGH Ajman branch joining the Mayo Clinic Care Network, reaffirm its dedication to staying at the forefront of global medical innovation.
Accolades such as the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation further testify to its pursuit of excellence. Beyond clinical achievements, SGH has become a symbol of resilience, blending modern medical practices with cultural sensitivity, ensuring patients feel cared for in every aspect of their experience. Looking ahead, its vision is clear: to make healthcare more inclusive, predictive, and sustainable, and to set benchmarks not just in Saudi Arabia, but across the entire GCC and beyond.
Makarem Batterjee: Driving Transformation with Vision
As President and Vice Chairman, Makarem Batterjee embodies the forward-looking spirit of Saudi German Health. A second-generation leader carrying a rich legacy, Makarem has redefined what it means to lead a healthcare institution in today’s fast-changing world. For him, transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it is about reimagining healthcare to be more accessible, innovative, and deeply centered on patient needs.
His inspiration came from observing disparities in healthcare access across the region. Determined to change this reality, he led SGH’s strategic transformation, harnessing the power of technology, partnerships, and forward-thinking models to deliver care at scale without compromising quality. Further reflecting its commitment to empathy-driven care, SGH UAE launched the ‘Caring Like Family’ Award in collaboration with the Dubai Quality Group, an initiative that celebrates teams who exemplify compassion, integrity, and excellence in patient service.
Makarem also wears multiple hats as he leads Humania Capital and contributes to Bait Al Batterjee Holding. Balancing these roles demands discipline, delegation, and strategic clarity. He ensures that each entity complements the other, building an ecosystem where clinical excellence, investment strategies, and organizational development come together seamlessly. His ability to align diverse teams toward shared goals is one of his defining strengths.
For Makarem, “healthcare entrepreneurship” means cultivating a culture of innovation within the organization. He encourages clinicians, administrators, and young professionals to think like entrepreneurs, embracing creativity, experimentation, and risk-taking. SGH’s innovation labs and partnerships with startups and academic institutions are direct reflections of this vision. Under his leadership, the organization is not just adopting best practices but creating new ones that others in the region aspire to follow.
Equally central to his philosophy are the values of women’s wellness and youth empowerment. He believes healthcare must reflect the needs of society, and in the GCC, this means building programs that empower women and provide opportunities for young people to thrive. By embedding these values into SGH’s culture, he ensures the organization contributes not only to better health outcomes but also to social progress.
Makarem’s personal mantra,“One’s true strength lies in their ability to adapt and innovate in the face of change,”captures his approach to leadership.
In an era where healthcare is shaped by rapid scientific breakthroughs and unexpected global challenges, his adaptability and resilience define both his leadership and SGH’s enduring success.
Dr. Ahmed Eissa: Shaping the Future of Patient-Centered Care
At the helm of SGH UAE, Group CEO Dr. Ahmed Eissa brings a unique blend of medical knowledge and business acumen, shaping the organization’s strategy with clarity and foresight. His leadership reflects a deep understanding that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses, it is about transforming lives through trust, comfort, and innovation.
One of the defining achievements under Dr. Eissa’s leadership was SGH UAE’s entry into the Guinness World Records for vascular screenings. This achievement was more than a record; it was a demonstration of the group’s ability to mobilize large-scale health initiatives, raising awareness on preventive care, and reinforcing its role as a regional leader in community health. It showcased how preventive medicine, early detection, and patient education can collectively reduce the disease burden and transform healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Eissa has also reimagined the very experience of being in a hospital. By infusing hospitality principles into healthcare, he has turned clinical spaces into welcoming environments. Facilities are being redesigned for warmth and comfort, staff are trained to engage with empathy, and personalized protocols ensure every patient feels valued. Technology plays a critical role in this transformation, streamlining appointments, reducing wait times, and making interactions more seamless. The result is a model of healthcare that prioritizes both healing and dignity.This patient-first philosophy earned SGH Dubai the title of ‘Best Service Provider in Dubai’ by Khaleej Times, a testament to the group’s commitment to delivering compassionate and world-class healthcare experiences.
Looking into the future, Dr. Eissa views AI and digital ecosystems as game changers. From predictive analytics that anticipate health risks to AI-driven diagnostics and remote monitoring, these technologies will transform how SGH operates. Efficiency in hospital management, automation in administrative functions, and personalized treatment pathways are only the beginning. With these innovations, SGH is not only keeping pace with global trends but actively setting new ones.
His MBA background strengthens his ability to navigate complex regional dynamics. By drawing on international best practices and adapting them to local contexts, he ensures SGH remains globally competitive while staying firmly rooted in the cultural and social fabric of the GCC.
His leadership philosophy is shaped by the quote,“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
For Dr. Eissa, success is not measured in personal accolades but in the collective growth and well-being of his people and patients.
A Shared Vision for Tomorrow
Together, Makarem Batterjee and Dr. Ahmed Eissa represent two powerful but complementary leadership styles. Makarem, with his entrepreneurial drive and focus on innovation, ensures SGH remains a pioneer in shaping the future of healthcare. Dr. Eissa, with his patient-centered leadership and operational expertise, ensures those innovations translate into meaningful experiences and outcomes for patients.
Their combined leadership is propelling SGH toward a future where healthcare is more accessible, more personalized, and more resilient. As Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC continue to invest in healthcare as part of their international visions, SGH is positioned as a key partner in this transformation. With an unwavering commitment to its founding values and an openness to new ideas, it is not just participating in the future of healthcare; it is defining it.
Dr. Ahmed Eissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ahmed-eissa-8905541a/
