Where we are headed.
To be the leading professional reference for Health Information Management and Health Informatics in Saudi Arabia and the region.
As Sahafah, Riyadh · Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
[email protected]
HOME
/
ABOUT SHIMA
The professional
home of Health
Information in Saudi Arabia.
SHIMA is a not-for-profit professional association established under the patronage of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and registered with the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector – advancing Health Information Management and Health Informatics across the Kingdom.
01 – Who we are
What is SHIMA?
The Saudi Health Information Management Association (SHIMA) is a not-for-profit professional association established under the patronage of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) and operating under the oversight of the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector (NCNP) – the national authority responsible for regulating and developing civil society organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
SHIMA was founded to advance the practice of Health Information Management and Health Informatics across Saudi Arabia and the broader region. We serve professionals working across clinical coding, clinical documentation improvement, health analytics, Electronic Health Records (EHR), and consumer informatics.
SHIMA fulfills its mission through four core pillars – ensuring that health information professionals are equipped to meet the evolving demands of a complex and digital healthcare landscape.
PILLAR 01
Advocacy
PILLAR 02
Communications
PILLAR 03
Education
PILLAR 04
Research
02 – Direction
Vision & Mission.
The compass that guides every course, conference, partnership and publication SHIMA puts its name behind.
How we get there.
To promote and advance Health Information Management and Health Informatics professions through advocacy, education, research, and community – empowering professionals to improve health data quality and patient outcomes across Saudi Arabia.
03 – History
Our journey, milestone by milestone.
Since its founding, SHIMA has grown into a recognized professional body that connects members with international standards, knowledge and networks.
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01FOUNDING
Established under SCFHS patronage
SHIMA was founded as a not-for-profit professional association under the patronage of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties – building the first national home for the Kingdom's Health Information Management profession.
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02REGISTRATION
Officially registered under NCNP
Formally registered with the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector – operating in full compliance with the Law of Associations and Civil Institutions and its Executive Regulations.
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03AFFILIATION
IFHIMA member nation & WHO-FIC representation
SHIMA joined the International Federation for Health Information Management Associations – and through it contributes to the Education and Implementation Committee (since 2005) and the Morbidity Reference Group (since 2018).
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04PARTNERSHIPS
International collaboration with AHIMA & HIMAA
Established collaborative partnerships with peer associations across the United States and Australia – exchanging knowledge and bringing global best practices to Saudi health information professionals.
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05ACADEMY
Launch of SHIMA Academy
A dedicated educational platform designed to provide structured professional development for HIM and Health Informatics practitioners across the Kingdom – at every stage of their career.
04 – Governance
Accountable, transparent, charter-led.
SHIMA operates as a formally registered non-profit association under the supervision of the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector (NCNP).
Our activities, governance structure and financial practices are fully aligned with the Kingdom's regulatory framework for civil society organizations – ensuring accountability, transparency and integrity in everything we do.
SHIMA's foundational charter defines the rights, responsibilities and governance standards that guide the association – from Board operations to membership rights and financial management.
05 – Global reach, local impact
Five global partners, one Saudi profession.
SHIMA actively collaborates with leading regional and international organizations to exchange knowledge, adopt best practices and empower health information professionals across the Kingdom.
IFHIMA
International Federation for Health Information Management Associations
GLOBAL POLICY & CLASSIFICATION
WHO-FIC
World Health Organization's Family of International Classifications
MEMBER REPRESENTATION
HIMAA
Health Information Management Association of Australia
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
AHIMA
American Health Information Management Association
STANDARDS & PRACTICE
06 – SHIMA Academy
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, DESIGNED FOR HIM PROFESSIONALS
A learning home, not just a course catalogue.
SHIMA Academy is our dedicated educational platform – structured, accessible learning for health information and informatics professionals at every stage of their career, bridging the gap between current practice and the knowledge needed to lead.
- Structured professional courses aligned with national and international HIM standards
- Specialized programs in clinical coding, health analytics, EHR systems and clinical documentation improvement
- Flexible learning formats designed for working professionals
- Recognized certifications that reflect verified competency and commitment to the field
- Content developed or endorsed by subject matter experts and aligned with SCFHS and global best practices
SHIMA Academy is more than a learning platform – it is a professional community where knowledge is shared, skills are built and careers are advanced.
Four reasons it works.
Purpose-Built for HIM
Every course is designed specifically for health information and informatics professionals – not generic healthcare training.
Recognized Certifications
Earn credentials that matter to employers, licensing bodies and professional advancement across the Kingdom.
Community-Driven Learning
Learn alongside a nationwide network of peers, practitioners and experts across Saudi Arabia.
Continuously Updated
Content evolves with the profession – reflecting new regulations, technologies and standards as they emerge.
08 – Membership
Join the SHIMA community.
Whether you are an individual professional, a corporate organization or an educational institution, SHIMA offers a pathway to contribute to – and benefit from – a growing professional community advancing Health Information Management in Saudi Arabia.
ConnectWith a nationwide network of HIM and Health Informatics professionals.
AccessExclusive educational resources, events and workshops via SHIMA Academy.
Stay informedPublications, conferences and professional communications from SHIMA.
Shape the fieldParticipate in shaping the future of the HIM profession in Saudi Arabia.
Be recognizedGain visibility within the professional and academic community.
Membership categories
View membership page
Individual, Student, Corporate and Educational Institution memberships are available. See full eligibility, benefits and fees on the Membership page.
Get involved
Build the future of Health Information in the Kingdom.
Join SHIMA as a member, partner with the Academy, or follow along as we shape national standards for Health Information Management.
Become a member
Applications at shima.org.sa