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Cyprus And Saudi Arabia Forge Strategic Tourism Alliance

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Cyprus and Saudi Arabia are poised to sign a memorandum of cooperation in tourism in the immediate future, following a high-level teleconference between Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis and Princess Haifa Al Saud, his Saudi counterpart. During the call, Koumis emphasized the critical importance of reinforcing bilateral relations in the tourism sector, a sentiment fully endorsed by the Saudi delegation.

Establishing a Collaborative Framework

The proposed agreement includes the formation of a joint technical committee, comprising officials from both countries, which will be responsible for monitoring and executing the various provisions outlined in the agreement. This structured approach is set to drive systematic progress in the tourism industry while ensuring accountability and efficient implementation of mutual initiatives.

Enhancing Air Connectivity

Air connectivity emerged as a key priority during discussions. Both sides are committed to accelerating efforts in this area, with additional teleconferences scheduled to bolster direct flight operations. The recent summer connectivity through Saudia airline services marks a promising start to what could be a more integrated travel network between the nations.

Investing In Innovation And Expertise

Beyond transportation, the bilateral discussion also extended to the exchange of expertise, adoption of best practices, and comprehensive cooperation in tourism education. This is part of a broader strategy aligned with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious national tourism development goals, which include the launch of Riyadh Air, the establishment of the world’s largest professional tourism school in 2023, and the transformative Neom project focused on sustainability.

Reflecting A Shared Vision For The Future

This strategic partnership between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia signifies more than just enhanced travel and tourism initiatives; it represents a shared vision for future economic and cultural cooperation. As both countries prepare to capitalize on emerging opportunities, the forthcoming MoU is set to become a milestone in their collaborative efforts to redefine the tourism landscape in the region.

Oura To Acquire Counsel Health For $625 Million As It Expands Into Medical Care

Smart-ring maker Oura is expanding beyond health tracking into medical services through a $625 million acquisition of AI-powered primary care company Counsel Health. Announced on Tuesday, the deal builds on an existing partnership that has brought virtual medical support directly into the Oura app.

The acquisition comes weeks after Oura indefinitely postponed plans for an initial public offering that could have raised up to $2.2 billion, citing uncertainty in the IPO market. Instead, the company is pursuing growth by broadening its healthcare offering and giving its biometric data a more direct role in medical care.

From Health Tracking To Medical Services

Counsel combines an AI-powered, chat-based medical service with access to licensed physicians. Its platform was integrated into the Oura app in June, allowing members to receive personalised guidance through medical AI and consult a doctor when necessary.

The companies plan to expand the integration across preventive, acute, specialist and chronic care. Members can already use the service for a range of needs, including medical questions, prescriptions, laboratory results, ongoing treatment and referrals.

“Oura helps members understand their physiology and, with Counsel, they can take action on their health across a range of needs,” Oura CEO Tom Hale said in the announcement.

The strategy connects continuous biometric monitoring with clinical services. Data collected by wearable devices can give doctors additional insight into changes in a patient’s health over time, while access to medical professionals can help users translate those observations into practical decisions. For Oura, the move also creates an opportunity to expand beyond hardware and subscriptions into a more comprehensive healthcare service.

Competition In The Smart-Ring Market

Oura has established itself as a leading player in the smart-ring category, but competitors such as RingConn and Ultrahuman are challenging its position. Adding medical services could help the company differentiate its platform as competition for consumers’ attention and spending intensifies.

Counsel will also continue serving existing and new enterprise partners after the acquisition closes. This gives Oura an opportunity to extend the company’s AI-enabled care model beyond its own membership base.

Counsel Team To Join Oura

Counsel CEO Muthu Alagappan will join Oura as chief clinical AI officer, alongside the company’s approximately 70 employees, Bloomberg reported.

Counsel raised a $25 million Series A round a year ago, led by Andreessen Horowitz and GV. According to PitchBook, the company has raised $36 million in total.

Alagappan said Counsel developed its medical AI around trust, safety and physician involvement in clinical decisions. He also highlighted the potential of Oura’s data to provide clinicians with objective health context, biometric trends and information about how members engage with their care.

The acquisition is expected to close before the end of 2027.

Strong Revenue Growth Despite IPO Delay

The deal comes as Oura reports significant revenue growth. Revenue increased 153% year over year to $533 million in the quarter ended September 30. For fiscal 2026, the company generated approximately $1.75 billion, up 92% from the previous year.

Oura reached an $11 billion valuation after raising $900 million in a late-stage funding round in October 2025. With its IPO plans on hold, the Counsel acquisition represents a major investment in a new growth direction: combining consumer health data with personalised medical care.

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