The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized 16 cities worldwide as ‘Healthy Cities,’ including two from Saudi Arabia: Jeddah and Madinah, as announced by the Ministry of Health. Jeddah and Madinah have become the first Middle Eastern cities with populations exceeding two million to receive this prestigious accreditation. This milestone underscores the ministry’s commitment to the Healthy Cities Program and its continuous efforts to improve quality of life.
Collaboration and International Standards
This accomplishment reflects successful collaboration among government and community stakeholders, who applied over 80 international evaluation criteria across nine core domains, including health, development, and sustainability. The ministry emphasized that the national health system continues to strengthen its global standing through significant achievements in scientific research and international recognition. Furthermore, the Kingdom has made notable advances in medical research and innovation.
A study by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) on robotic liver transplantation ranked among the top 10 most influential research papers of 2024, according to the American Society of Transplantation. Additionally, seven Saudi hospitals made it to Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 report. This inclusion underscores the Kingdom’s robust healthcare infrastructure, international competitiveness, and unwavering commitment to high-quality patient care.
Supporting Vision 2030 Goals
These accomplishments align closely with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, particularly the ‘A Vibrant Society’ and ‘A Thriving Economy’ pillars. They aim to enhance quality of life and support innovation and scientific advancement. These milestones highlight the integrated efforts of the national health system and various sectors. Consequently, they reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub and global destination for advanced healthcare.
