17 Saudi Cities Meet World Health Organization Standards

Saudi Arabia has achieved another major milestone in healthcare after the number of Saudi cities meeting World Health Organization standards increased to 17, reflecting the rapid progress of the Kingdom’s Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030.

This achievement highlights Saudi Arabia’s success in expanding the healthy cities model, improving quality of life, and building sustainable urban environments that promote public health and prevention.

Expansion of Healthy Cities Enhances Quality of Life

The Ministry of Health stated that all 17 cities successfully met 80 internationally recognized WHO standards, demonstrating major progress in healthcare and environmental development across the Kingdom.

The cities include Jeddah, Al Khobar, Hail, Tabuk, Madinah, Unaizah, Al Jumum, Diriyah, Taif, Badjil, Al Qfar, Al Zulfi, Riyadh Al Khabra, Princess Nourah University, Sharurah, Al Aridah, and Al Mandaq.

This expansion reflects Saudi Arabia’s integrated efforts to build healthier and more sustainable communities focused on prevention and long-term well-being.

Major Achievements Supporting Vision 2030

Among the key achievements, Jeddah has been recognized as the largest healthy city with a population exceeding one million in the Middle East, while Madinah ranked as the second largest.

Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel stated that these achievements demonstrate the success of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation in building a more integrated and efficient system centered around people’s well-being.

He also emphasized that the transformation has improved access to healthcare services, enhanced service quality, and strengthened preventive healthcare programs.

Saudi Arabia’s rise in life expectancy to 79.7 years stands as one of the strongest indicators of the positive impact of these efforts, as the Kingdom continues advancing healthcare services and quality-of-life initiatives.