Leading with Vision: Magrabi Health’s CEO Mutasim Alireza Reflects on 70 Years of Specialized Care

As Magrabi Health celebrates its 70th anniversary, CEO Mr. Mutasim Alireza reflects on the organization’s remarkable journey from a single ophthalmology center to one of the Middle East’s largest networks for Eye, ENT, Dental, and Aesthetics care, he shares the foundations of Magrabi’s legacy and vision for the future.

“Our story began in 1955, when the late Dr. Amin El-Maghraby founded the region’s first private eye center,” Alireza explains. “By 1975, with Dr. Akef El-Maghraby establishing the first private eye hospital, we had laid the groundwork for a healthcare model built on leadership, innovation, and specialized excellence.”
From performing the Middle East’s first cataract surgeries and corneal transplants to pioneering LASIK vision correction, Magrabi Health has consistently set new standards. Today, the network includes over 40 hospitals and medical centers across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and Yemen. The group has also expanded its services to include ENT, dentistry, and recently, aesthetics through Mayam Aesthetics.

“Our expansion has never come at the expense of quality,” Alireza emphasizes. “We maintain standardized protocols, invest in highly trained specialists, and integrate AI-driven technologies to ensure consistent care across all locations.”
This focus on technology and innovation extends to digital health, with Magrabi now offering online appointment systems and planning teleconsultations. AI is already supporting diagnostics, especially in diabetic retinopathy screening, with more clinical applications under development.

Magrabi’s unique healthcare model is built around personalized care. “Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan, shaped by sub-specialty collaboration and the latest medical technologies,” Alireza says. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all medicine.”

Recruiting and retaining top-tier talent has been another cornerstone of the group’s success. “We hire for both clinical excellence and alignment with our values—collaboration, empathy, and innovation,” Alireza notes. “High patient volumes and sub-specialization also allow our doctors to refine their skills rapidly.”
Magrabi’s role as a healthcare pioneer is matched by its alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in enhancing quality of life and reducing outbound medical tourism. “Specialized centers improve efficiency and outcomes while supporting national goals,” he says.

Among the 70th anniversary initiatives is the unveiling of the ‘70 Years of Trust, Built Around You’ campaign, alongside new community outreach programs, patient education efforts, and the recent acquisition of Saudi Dent, which strengthens Magrabi’s growing dental services.

Looking ahead, Alireza is focused on sustainable expansion. “Our growth strategy balances scale with specialization. We are investing in underserved areas, expanding centers, and forming strategic partnerships that allow us to reach more communities without compromising on quality.”

He also acknowledges the challenges of innovation and regulation. “To lead in healthcare, we can’t just keep up—we must drive the change. That means embracing digital transformation, maintaining the highest standards, and continuing to raise the bar in specialized care.”

As the private healthcare sector undergoes rapid transformation under Vision 2030, Alireza believes specialized healthcare is positioned to thrive. “The future belongs to providers who can deliver depth, technology-enabled care, and measurable outcomes,” he says. “After 70 years, Magrabi Health is not slowing down—we’re entering our most ambitious chapter yet.”