A new achievement for the Saudi health sector
In a move reflecting the rapid development of the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah Medical City in the Holy City of Mecca has achieved a new global milestone, ranking first among Ministry of Health hospitals and fourth in the Kingdom on Newsweek's prestigious "Best Hospitals in the World 2026" list. This advanced ranking, which earned the city a score of 88.52%, is a culmination of its tireless efforts to provide exceptionally high-quality specialized healthcare that adheres to the highest international standards and places the patient at the heart of its priorities.
General context: Transformation of the health sector within Vision 2030
This achievement did not come about by chance, but is the result of an ambitious national strategy spearheaded by the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which has given the health sector significant attention with the aim of raising the quality of life and improving the efficiency of medical services. Recent years have witnessed massive investments in healthcare infrastructure, the development of national talent, and the adoption of the latest medical technologies and digital transformation. King Abdullah Medical City was established in Mecca as a leading medical center providing specialized care to the region's residents and pilgrims, and it has successfully established itself as a pioneering center in specialized fields such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
The importance of classification and its expected impact
Newsweek's ranking is particularly significant due to its rigorous methodology, which relies on several key pillars. These include surveying over 85,000 experts and physicians worldwide, analyzing key clinical performance indicators, and, most importantly, the results of patient experience and quality of life (PROM) surveys. This focus on outcomes from the patient's perspective reflects a global shift toward value-based healthcare, an area in which the city has demonstrated its excellence. Locally and regionally, this achievement strengthens the confidence of citizens and residents in the Saudi healthcare system and reduces the need to travel abroad for treatment. It also reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for medical tourism in the region. Internationally, this ranking places King Abdullah Medical City and the Kingdom on the map of global healthcare excellence, opening new avenues for research and academic collaboration with the most prestigious medical institutions worldwide.
A proven track record of accreditation and awards
This accolade adds to the city's impressive record of international accreditations and pioneering awards, underscoring its commitment to quality and safety. It has previously been ranked among the top 250 hospitals globally by Brand Finance and designated as a reference hospital for nuclear and radiological emergency response. The city has also received prestigious accreditations from international bodies such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for its laboratories, ISO 9001 certification, and achieved Gold Level Pharmacy Excellence for 2025, reflecting a comprehensive system of operational and clinical excellence.
