Saudi Arabia Achieves Global Health Recognition With WHO Healthy Cities And Research Advances

Saudi Arabia's national health system is gaining international recognition through significant achievements in scientific research and healthcare. The Ministry of Health has announced that 16 cities have been designated as "Healthy Cities" by the World Health Organization (WHO). Notably, Jeddah and Madinah are the first Middle Eastern cities with populations exceeding two million to receive this accreditation.

This milestone is part of the ministry’s Healthy Cities Program, which aims to improve quality of life. It showcases successful collaboration between government and community stakeholders. Over 80 international evaluation criteria were applied across nine core domains, including health, development, and sustainability.

Saudi Arabia is also making strides in medical research and innovation. A study on robotic liver transplantation by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) was recognised as one of the top 10 most influential research papers of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation.

Global Recognition for Hospitals

In addition, seven Saudi hospitals were featured in Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 report. This highlights the Kingdom’s robust healthcare infrastructure and commitment to high-quality patient care. These accomplishments align with Saudi Vision 2030's goals, particularly enhancing quality of life and supporting innovation.

The achievements reflect integrated efforts across various sectors within the national health system. They reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a regional hub for advanced healthcare services. The Kingdom continues to strengthen its global standing through these initiatives, contributing to a vibrant society and thriving economy.

With inputs from SPA