Dammam Valleya (a semi-government investment company, solely owned by Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University in Damman, Saudi Arabia), in partnership with other investment partners, and Germany-based Arcensus GmbH have announced the establishment of a high-throughput Saudi-German Genomic Centre in Riyadh. The centre will begin operations immediately, providing comprehensive genomic diagnostic services for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region based on exclusive next-generation sequencing technologies.

Based on the expertise of a cross-functional, international team of geneticists, medical experts, and data scientists, the Riyadh centre will reflect one of the world's most innovative genetic biotechnology organizations, provide its knowledge to clinical colleagues, collaborate with all medical decision-makers, and support the further improvement of the Saudi healthcare infrastructure in line with the Saudi Health Vision 2030.

In addition, the partners believe that with the global adoption of Whole Genome Sequencing as the first line of genetic testing, the genomic era will begin in full force and conquer the molecular medicine market in a short period of time.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dammam Valley along with other investors, will make a substantial investment in establishing the Saudi-German Genomic Centre. The parties agree that Arcensus will fully operate the centre. The integrity of the protected patient data will be maintained, as will the dedicated sales, marketing and life science business activities.