Saudi Arabia Rises World Health Standing with WHO ‘Healthy Cities’ Award and Research Milestones
The health sector in Saudi Arabia has bolstered its global standing by securing significant gains in scientific research as well as international accreditation.
The Ministry of Health has reported that 16 cities in the Kingdom have received the “Healthy Cities” status under the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Significantly, Jeddah and Madinah were the first two Middle Eastern cities with populations of more than two million to be recognized as such — a feat marking a milestone for the ministry’s Healthy Cities Program for quality-of-life improvement.
The achievement was enabled by working together between government ministries and community stakeholders in fulfilling over 80 global evaluation criteria over nine key areas of health, development, and sustainability.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia has developed its reputation in medical innovation. A revolutionary paper on robotic liver transplantation by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center was listed among the 10 most impactful research papers of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation.
The Kingdom also has seven hospitals included in Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025, highlighting the solidity of its healthcare infrastructure as well as its pledge to providing world-class patient care.
These achievements are aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s pillars of A Vibrant Society and A Thriving Economy, making the Kingdom a regional leader and global hub for excellence in healthcare as well as innovation.Saudi Arabia Rises Global Health Status with WHO ‘Healthy Cities’ Award and Research Achievements
The health sector in Saudi Arabia has enhanced its global standing through significant success in both scientific research and international accreditation.
The Ministry of Health reported that 16 cities and areas in the Kingdom have been certified as “Healthy Cities” according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Jeddah and Madinah, in particular, are the first Middle Eastern cities with populations of over two million to be so recognized — a milestone for the ministry’s Healthy Cities Program to promote quality of life.
The feat was achieved through coordination among government organizations and stakeholders in the community, satisfying over 80 global assessment criteria in nine key areas that address health, development, and sustainability.
Concurrently, Saudi Arabia has progressed its reputation in medical innovation. A pioneering research on robot-assisted liver transplantation by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center was recognized as one of the 10 most impactful research articles of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation.
The Kingdom also had seven hospitals featured in Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025, highlighting the robustness of its healthcare infrastructure and dedication to providing world-class patient care.
These successes support Saudi Vision 2030’s A Vibrant Society and A Thriving Economy pillars, establishing the Kingdom as the regional hub and global destination for healthcare excellence and innovation.
verified from sources:arabnews
