Under the title “Holistic pro-Inflammatory Target for Sight (HITS)” the Ophthalmology Pivotal Meeting kicked off in Saudi Arabia on April 25, 2025, under the auspices of AbbVie, the global biopharmaceutical research and development company. This is a significant move to elevate the standard of care for various eye conditions like Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO). More than 100 national and international ophthalmologists participated in the meeting, which included scientific lectures and in-depth workshops to leverage applied medical specialties in ophthalmology and optics, exchange knowledge and expertise, and help change perspectives on the best ways to improve patient outcomes. It also discussed treatment and management methods of these prevalent diseases.

In his lecture, Dr. Mattias Iglicki, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Researcher from University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, praised the convening of this meeting, which is a good opportunity to discuss the latest advancements and clinical trials in the presence of this elite group of international retinal specialists, along with local experts. He explained that diabetic macular edema, which is often the result of high blood sugar levels in diabetics, accompanied with leaky blood vessels leading to swelling in the retina. On the other hand, retinal vein occlusion occurs when the retinal veins are blocked, causing fluid buildup and impaired vision. Both conditions are serious and require proactive management to prevent the disease from worsening.
Dr. Iglicki emphasized that organizing such medical summits and conferences serves as a platform for sharing and disseminating the cutting-edge research and developments in treating eye diseases, especially DME and RVO, which are diseases whose rates are increasing with the increasing incidence of diabetes. This enables the attending ophthalmologists to implement these updates in their practices, which in turn advances treatment methods in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in accordance with the latest international recommendations and technologies, thus improving the lives of patients and alleviating their daily suffering.

For his part, Dr. Ashraf Daoud, General Manager of AbbVie Saudi Arabia, pointed out that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of such medical meetings and seminars reflects the Kingdom’s interest in promoting medical education and exchanging scientific expertise between international and local physicians to highlight the most important scientific and medical developments and provide distinguished medical care. By organizing this congress, AbbVie underscores its commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through educational initiatives and collaboration among eye care professionals. Sharing knowledge and expertise at such events is crucial to our ongoing efforts to refine treatment strategies, improve patients’ quality of life, and help make a real difference in their lives.

انطلقت فعاليات الاجتماع المحوري لطب العيون بالمملكة العربية السعودية في يوم ٢٥ إبريل ٢٠٢٥ تحت رعاية شركة أبفي “الشركة العالمية المتخصصة في الأبحاث وتصنيع الأدوية البيولوجية” وذلك في خطوة هامة للارتقاء بمستوى الرعاية الصحية لأمراض العيون المختلفة وخاصة الوذمة البقعية السكرية وانسداد الوريد الشبكي، وذلك بمشاركة أكثر من مائة طبيب عيون عالميين ومن جميع أنحاء المملكة، حيث اشتمل الاجتماع على محاضرات علمية بالإضافة إلى ورش عمل للاستفادة من التخصصات الطبية التطبيقية في مجال طب العيون والبصريات وتبادل المعرفة والخبرات والمساعدة في تغيير وجهة النظر حول أفضل السبل لتحسين نتائج المرضى ومناقشة طرق علاج وإدارة هذه الأمراض الشائعة.
ومن خلال محاضرته التي ألقاها د/ ماتياس إيجليكي، استشاري طب العيون، وجراح وباحث في مجال الشبكية والجسم الزجاجي، من جامعة بوينس آيرس، الأرجنتين، أشاد بانعقاد هذا الاجتماع الذي يعد فرصة جيدة لمناقشة أحدث التطورات والدراسات السريرية بحضور هذه النخبة من أخصائيي شبكية العين العالميين، إلى جانب الخبراء المحليين، وأوضح بأن مرض الوذمة البقعية السكرية والذي غالبًا ما يكون نتيجة ارتفاع مستويات السكر في الدم لدى مرضى السكري، يصاحبه تسرب الأوعية الدموية مما يؤدي إلى تورم في شبكية العين. ومن ناحية أخرى، يحدث انسداد الوريد الشبكي عند انسداد أوردة الشبكية، مما يُسبب تراكم السوائل وضعف البصر. وكلتا الحالتين خطيرتان وتتطلبان إدارة استباقية لمنع تتفاقم المرض.
وأكد د/ إيجليكي على أن تنظيم مثل هذه القمم والمؤتمرات الطبية تعتبر بمثابة منصةً لمشاركة ونشر أحدث الأبحاث والأساليب التقنية لعلاج أمراض العيون وخاصة مرض الوذمة الوريدية السكرية (DME) وانسداد الوريد الشبكي (RVO)، وهي من الأمراض التي تزداد معدلاتها مع تزايد الإصابة بمرض السكري، مما يُمكّن أطباء العيون الحاضرين من تطبيق هذه التحديثات في ممارساتهم العملية، والذي بدوره يرتقي بأساليب العلاج بالمملكة العربية السعودية وفقا لأحدث التوصيات والتقنيات العالمية، مما يُحسن حياة المرضى ويخفف من معاناتهم اليومية.
بدوره أشار د/أشرف داود، المدير العام لشركة أبفي السعودية، إلى أن استضافة المملكة العربية السعودية لمثل هذه الاجتماعات والندوات الطبية يعكس اهتمام المملكة بتعزيز التثقيف الطبي وتبادل الخبرات العلمية بين الأطباء العالميين والمحليين لتسليط الضوء على أهم المستجدات العلمية والطبية المتجددة وتقديم رعاية طبية متميزة. وبتنظيمها لهذا المؤتمر، تُؤكد شركة أبفي التزامها بتعزيز نتائج المرضى من خلال المبادرات التعليمية والتعاون بين أخصائيي رعاية العيون حيث يُعد تبادل المعرفة والخبرات في مثل هذه الفعاليات أمرًا بالغ الأهمية في الجهود المستمرة لتطوير استراتيجيات العلاج وتحسين جودة حياة المرضى والمساعدة في إحداث فرق حقيقي بحياتهم.

– Sofitel, pioneer of French luxury hospitality, unveils its very first limited-edition collection of La Haute Croissanterie, one year after the concept’s successful launch. The exclusive collection, La Haute Croissanterie blossoms, features seven indulgent floral-flavoured croissants which pay homage to the tradition and art of elaborate French floral arrangements in hospitality. The buttery delights give guests and locals the opportunity to (re)discover native flavours; from Mexican dahlia to Beninese hibiscus and Korean cherry blossom. Released just in time for springtime, La Haute Croissanterie blossoms can be enjoyed exclusively in seven Sofitel locations globally, for four months. 

La Haute Croissanterie, where croissants become Haute Couture

Inspired by the excellence and beauty of Haute Couture, La Haute Croissanterie concept was successfully launched on World Croissant Day in January 2024 to elevate the art of croissant-making. Rooted in a perfected traditional French recipe and using precise proportions of pure butter and high-quality flour, croissants are enhanced with exclusive local ingredients of the highest quality – from Middle Eastern za’atar to Piemontese hazelnut praline and Korean Gochujang.

By blending traditional French techniques with bold and local flavours, the concept invites guests to savour a cultural and sensory journey, where each bite surprises and delights. Every creation reflects the brand’s devotion to refined elegance, while celebrating the unique traditions of each region: an approach that embodies Sofitel’s core values, which highlight local heritage and culture while infusing each destination with its signature French Zest.

A limited-edition collection, where floral elegance enhances artistry

Drawing inspiration from the timeless floral artistry of French luxury hospitality, La Haute Croissanterie blossoms marks the brand’s very first limited-release collection, turning croissants into a gastronomic adventure where guests can experience local cultures like never before. Designed by Sofitel’s Pastry Chefs from across the world and crafted using local flowers woven into the buttery layers, the collection pushes the artistry of pastry-making into new realms. Travellers and locals alike can indulge seven unique croissants:

• The Verbena Breeze

Inspired by romantic streets of the French capital, this croissant is adorned with delicate pink and white pipings to recreate the feminine nature of florals. Revered in French culture for its ornamental and medicinal qualities, the Verbena is infused through a whipped ganache which blends with a glossy rhubarb confit and is finished with delicate rhubarb chips.

Available at Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera (France) from AED20.

• The Zesty Orange Blossom

In Marrakech, orange blossom is more than just a fragrance. It finds its way everywhere – subtle and enchanting: in the cool water served to guests, in mint tea and in pastries, each more delicious than the last. Out of this inspiration came a croissant infused with Moroccan flavours: a perfectly flaky creation, delicately infused with orange blossom and sprinkled with candied orange zest.

Available in Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial (Morocco) from AED25.

• The Dalia Rouge

Refreshing dahlia, elderflowers and plum feature on this unique croissant, reflecting Mexico’s deep connection to nature. With overlapping layers of marinated Mexican plum and buttery crust, the croissant is adorned with a rich vanilla crème that is perfectly balanced by refreshing florals to create a sweet, yet tangy masterpiece.

Available in Sofitel Mexico City Reforma (Mexico) from AED20.

• The Citrus Fleur

Known for its stunning fields of purple, in Sydney guests can experience The Citrus Fleur croissant. Adorned with white chocolate, lavender-infused whipping ganache and a zesty lemon myrtle yoghurt crème, notes of sweet and sour blend to create an extraordinary croissant experience.

Available in Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour (Australia) from AED32.

• The Floral Saffron

Saffron and its violet-hued flower is considered one of the most valuable spices in the Middle East. This two-toned croissant features a round crust that’s filled with a pistachio sponge cake and saffron creme brulée – a creation synonymous with velvety luxury.

Available in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk (United Arab Emirates) from AED32.

• The Seoul Bom Blush

South Korea’s stunning spring-time cherry blossoms have been transformed into a gastronomic experience, with a croissant that has been delicately sculpted into the feathery petals of the flower in full bloom. The buttery crust layered with cherry blossom whipped ganache and a smooth, vibrant raspberry gel.

Available in Sofitel Ambassador Seoul (South Korea) from AED25.

• The Wild Hibiscus

Crafted into the shape of layered hibiscus petals, this two-toned croissant is filled with a velvety hibiscus crème, perfectly balanced with fresh strawberries. Its tart yet sweet flavours pay tribute to the vibrant markets of Cotonou and the hibiscus itself, a beloved ingredient in West African cuisine.

Available in Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa (Benin) from AED20.

 « Creating La Haute Croissanterie blossoms allowed us to elevate everyday experiences for guests by infusing creativity and flair into our pastries, using unconventional tastes to bring flavours from native flowers from around the world. The tradition of gifting flowers to celebrate special occasions is enjoyed across the world, so La Haute Croissanterie blossoms felt like the perfect opportunity to treat those who mean most to us with a creative and delicious twist on the floral bouquet! » — Anne-Cécile Degenne, Corporate Executive Chef, Sofitel

A unique collection, available worldwide for a limited period

La Haute Croissanterie blossoms will be available for four months in seven Sofitel properties globally, starting from May 2025. It marks the beginning of a series of limited-edition La Haute Croissanterie collections, with each to capture a unique and different theme, whilst honouring the elegance and excellence of traditional croissant making.

Whether celebrating a special occasion, marvelling over the joy of shared experiences, or taking in vibrant and fragrant florals of springtime, Sofitel invites guests to rediscover the iconic French pastry in a way never experienced before.