In a new international testament to the rapid development of the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia, three Saudi hospitals have been included in the list of the top 250 hospitals in the world for 2026 , according to the prestigious annual ranking published by Newsweek magazine in collaboration with the global data platform Statista. This significant achievement reflects the scale of investments and efforts made to develop healthcare infrastructure and raise the standards of medical care, in line with the objectives of the healthcare transformation program within the Kingdom's Vision 2030 .
Saudi hospitals on the global list
This year's rankings witnessed a significant leap for the Saudi healthcare sector, with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre the list of listed Saudi hospitals, achieving 153rd place globally. This ranking represents a remarkable improvement of 56 places compared to last year's ranking of 209th, underscoring the continuous development in the quality of services, operational efficiency, and healthcare outcomes it provides.
The list also saw the addition of two new hospitals for the first time:
- Dr. Sulaiman Faqih Hospital : which came in rank 206 globally.
- Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare : ranked 220th globally.
This brings the number of Saudi hospitals ranked among the best in the world to three, which demonstrates the growing competitiveness of the Saudi health system and the integration of roles between the public and private sectors to consolidate the Kingdom’s position on the international healthcare map.
General context: Vision 2030 and the transformation of the health sector
This achievement is a direct result of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030. The program aims to restructure the sector into a comprehensive, efficient, and integrated healthcare system focused on the health of individuals and the community. Since its launch, the sector has witnessed significant investments in medical technology, human resource development, and the implementation of the latest global best practices in governance, quality, and patient safety. The Kingdom has focused on shifting from a curative care model to one centered on prevention and public health, while facilitating access to healthcare services for all citizens and residents.
The importance and expected impact of the achievement
The presence of three Saudi medical institutions in this prestigious ranking carries significant implications on various levels:
- Locally: It enhances the confidence of citizens and residents in the quality of health services provided within the Kingdom, and reduces the need to travel abroad for treatment.
- Regionally: It consolidates Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading center for medical tourism in the Middle East, capable of attracting patients from neighboring countries seeking advanced medical care.
- Internationally: It reflects the success of national transformation plans on the global stage, attracting more foreign investment and international partnerships in the healthcare sector, as well as attracting the best medical talent and expertise from around the world.
Newsweek's ranking methodology
The “Top 250 Hospitals in the World” ranking is a trusted international benchmark, based on a comprehensive methodology that includes assessments from over 85,000 medical experts worldwide, as well as analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as patient safety, quality metrics, and patient experience and satisfaction. This reliance on multiple criteria lends the ranking high credibility and makes it a true indicator of the excellence of the listed medical institutions.
