King Abdullah Medical City ranked among the best hospitals in the world in 2026
An achievement added to the record of the Saudi health sector
In a move reflecting the remarkable development of the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah Medical City in Mecca has achieved a new global milestone, ranking first among Ministry of Health hospitals and fourth overall across all healthcare sectors in the Kingdom. This recognition was included in the "Best Hospitals in the World 2026" list published by the prestigious international magazine Newsweek in collaboration with Statista, a data and statistics company. The city achieved a high score of 88.52%, demonstrating the quality and efficiency of the specialized healthcare provided to patients according to the highest international standards.
General context and health transformation in the Kingdom
This achievement comes within the context of the comprehensive transformation underway in the Saudi healthcare system, a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This vision aims to restructure the healthcare sector into a comprehensive, efficient, and integrated system focused on the health of the individual and society. King Abdullah Medical City, established as a leading medical center in Mecca, exemplifies this transformation. Its strategic location allows it to serve not only the residents of the Holy City and surrounding areas but also plays a vital role in providing advanced medical care to millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers annually, thus placing upon it the responsibility of delivering services of international standards.
The importance of the achievement and its expected impact
Domestically, this ranking reinforces the confidence of citizens and residents in the quality of national healthcare services and underscores the medical and administrative expertise managing these advanced institutions. Regionally and internationally, this achievement solidifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a leading healthcare hub in the Middle East and reflects the significant investment in healthcare infrastructure, medical technology, and human resources. It also sends a reassuring message to millions of Muslims worldwide that they will receive the best possible medical care while performing their religious rites.
A rigorous evaluation methodology and a proven track record of excellence
Newsweek's ranking was based on a rigorous methodology that included surveying more than 85,000 experts and physicians worldwide, analyzing key clinical performance indicators, and analyzing patient satisfaction surveys (PROMs) that measure quality of life from the patient's perspective after treatment. This focus on patient experience reflects a qualitative shift towards value-driven healthcare with tangible impact. This recognition is not a sudden occurrence, but rather an extension of the city's impressive track record of accreditations and awards, including its ranking among the top 250 hospitals globally by Brand Finance, its accreditation as the first Saudi research facility to receive HRPP accreditation, its achievement of the gold level in pharmacy excellence, and the accreditation of its laboratories by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and ISO 9001 certification.
