Region’s First Summit on Tobacco Harm Reduction to Be Held in Riyadh

The Middle East’s first high-level summit on tobacco harm reduction will soon be held in Riyadh, with TNFS 2025 taking place on May 29th at the Four Seasons Hotel – Kingdom Centre. The event coincides with World No Tobacco Day and is intended to advance dialogue around public health approaches to tobacco use.

Organised by Badael Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) subsidiary, in partnership with the Quality-of-Life Program and Smart Health as the scientific advisor, the summit brings together more than 100 specialists from Saudi Arabia, the UK, Sweden, and other countries. Discussions will centre on smoking prevalence, regulatory frameworks, and strategies for reducing tobacco-related harm.

The summit is expected to conclude with the signing of cooperation agreements between participating institutions and the introduction of a regional charter on tobacco harm reduction. Key topics on the agenda include public perception of nicotine products, the development of science-based preventive policies, and examples of international regulatory practices that could be adapted to local contexts.

The event also aims to highlight the role of collaboration between public and private sectors in improving public health outcomes across the region.