Saudi Arabia leads region with 21 WHO-certified healthy cities

Saudi Arabia has achieved regional leadership in the Middle East and North Africa for healthy cities, with 21 cities certified by the World Health Organization. This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s success in promoting quality of life and public health as part of its sustainable development plans.

This achievement is rooted in the government’s commitment to citizens’ health and the expansion of health initiatives to address various factors affecting daily life, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to build a vibrant society and create higher-quality, more sustainable environments.

International standards and institutional integration

The certified Saudi cities met 80 international standards across nine key areas, including community empowerment, cross-sector partnerships, healthcare services, urban environment, education, quality of life, and emergency preparedness. The Healthy Cities Program includes cities such as Jeddah, Alkhobar, Hail, Tabuk, Madinah, Unaizah, Al Jumum, Diriyah, Taif, Jalajil, Al Ghat, Al Zulfi, Riyadh Al Khabra, Princess Nourah University, Sharurah, Al Aridah, Al Mandaq, Abha, Mahayel Asir, Turaib, and King Khalid University.

In 2025, the Council of Ministers commended the Healthy Cities Program after 16 cities were certified, and further praised the increase to 21 certified healthy cities, underscoring the commitment of relevant authorities to sustain progress and broaden its impact.

Advanced Saudi model

This progress is driven by a coordinated system involving the Ministerial Committee for Health in All Policies, the Ministry of Health, and various government bodies, with active community participation. This advanced model strengthens collaboration and links planning, implementation, and monitoring.

The Saudi experience demonstrates institutional maturity and accumulated expertise, making the Healthy Cities Program the first WHO collaborating center in the region and the fourth worldwide.

Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its presence in international health forums and organizations, achieving milestones that reinforce its position among leading nations in developing health and development policies that put people and quality of life at the heart of the future.