Health Ministry signs operational contract for SABIC mental health hospital in Riyadh

The Ministry of Health and the National Center for Privatization have announced the signing of an operational contract for the SABIC Specialized Mental Health Hospital in Riyadh with the Specialized Medical Company consortium. This initiative is part of the Health Sector Transformation Program, aimed at enhancing service quality, efficiency, sustainability, and improving patient experience.

The project seeks to increase the capacity of mental health services and improve access to specialized care by implementing a public-private partnership model. This is expected to boost operational efficiency and ensure the sustainability of services.

The project reflects collaboration between the Ministry of Health and SABIC, which was responsible for constructing, equipping, and developing the hospital's infrastructure. The hospital covers an area of 62,500 square meters and includes 150 beds, day clinics, and 19 outpatient clinics, providing specialized mental health and rehabilitation services. The Specialized Medical Company consortium will operate the hospital and its medical and non-medical services for 15 years.

The consortium consists of the Specialized Medical Company, the Health Gates Complex specializing in mental health and addiction treatment, and a German medical group with expertise in rehabilitation, therapy, and psychiatric care since 1986. The German group manages 12 healthcare facilities with around 2,000 beds, including four centers dedicated to mental health and addiction treatment.

The hospital is expected to begin operations in early 2027, contributing to more efficient resource utilization by assigning management, operation, and maintenance to the private sector under performance indicators agreed with the Ministry of Health. This will enhance service quality and sustainability, increase mental health service capacity, reduce waiting lists, and improve access to specialized care. The hospital will also offer integrated services, including outpatient clinics, day care, rehabilitation programs, and post-treatment follow-up, positively impacting patients and their families.

This project is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to develop mental health services through several initiatives, most recently the inauguration of the new Irada Mental Health Complex under the Riyadh Health Cluster 3, which began operations on February 13, 2026. The complex offers a comprehensive range of specialized services and facilities, designed and operated according to the latest international standards, to enhance patient experience, service efficiency, and provide a more effective working environment for healthcare and administrative staff.

The ministry continues to expand and develop mental health and addiction treatment hospitals and complexes across the Kingdom, upgrading infrastructure, increasing capacity, and advancing outpatient, community psychiatry, psychological rehabilitation, post-treatment follow-up, digital services, and remote consultations.