Makkah, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has launched a series of significant healthcare projects in Makkah, exceeding SR1 billion (approximately $266 million USD), aimed at bolstering medical infrastructure and capacity in the holy city. The initiatives, announced on , include a substantial expansion of Makkah General Hospital and upgrades to Al-Laith General Hospital, all aligned with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation Program.
The projects were inaugurated under the patronage of Prince Khalid Al Faisal, Emir of Makkah, with Deputy Emir Saud bin Mishal Al Saud presiding over the ceremony. Health Minister Fahad Al Jalajel was also in attendance, according to state media reports.
A central component of the expansion is the addition of 500 beds at Makkah General Hospital, significantly increasing its capacity to serve both residents and the millions of pilgrims who visit annually. The hospital will offer a comprehensive range of advanced medical services, including surgery, cardiology, pediatrics, gynecology, endoscopy, and day surgery procedures. Improvements to Al-Laith General Hospital will also increase bed availability, enhancing its ability to provide essential healthcare services to the surrounding communities.
These investments come as Saudi Arabia prepares to significantly increase its Umrah capacity, aiming to accommodate around 30 million pilgrims annually by 2030. This projected surge in visitors places considerable strain on existing infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, transportation networks, and accommodation options in Makkah and Madinah. Authorities have been proactively scaling up medical and emergency services to manage peak seasons and support broader tourism growth under the Vision 2030 plan.
The broader context of these healthcare investments lies within Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic diversification strategy, Vision 2030. Recognizing the inextricable link between public health and economic performance, the Kingdom is prioritizing healthcare reform to maximize the sector’s economic potential while simultaneously improving the well-being of its population. A healthier workforce is seen as crucial for driving efficiency and innovation as the country moves away from its historical reliance on oil revenue.
According to a review by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, non-oil activities accounted for a historic 50 percent of Saudi Arabia’s real GDP in 2023. Healthcare is now viewed as a vital component of this diversification, offering opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement.
Saudi Arabia is employing a multi-faceted approach to achieve its healthcare goals, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), the development of medical tourism infrastructure, and initiatives to enhance digital health solutions. The construction of specialized medical cities, such as King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh and King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge medical facilities and attracting both domestic and international patients.
Currently, the Makkah region boasts over 223 healthcare centers, providing services to more than 2.9 million people. The latest investments are intended to further enhance the quality and accessibility of these services, ensuring that the healthcare system can effectively meet the evolving needs of a growing population and a rapidly expanding tourism sector.
The Ministry of Health’s initiatives align with a broader national strategy focused on raising the standard of living and fostering a healthy population. This includes developing essential infrastructure and improving access to quality healthcare services across the Kingdom. The SR1 billion investment in Makkah represents a significant step towards achieving these objectives and solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional leader in healthcare innovation and provision.
In June 2020, Al Murjan Group and Mediclinic Middle East announced a $266 million project to construct a 200-bed hospital in Jeddah, further demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding its healthcare capacity. That project, slated for completion in the second quarter of 2022, is expected to create over 1,000 job opportunities and stimulate entrepreneurship within the healthcare sector.
a new environmental financing initiative worth SR1 billion ($266.6 million), supported by Riyad Bank, was unveiled in March 2025, highlighting the interconnectedness of public health and environmental sustainability within the Vision 2030 framework. These investments collectively underscore Saudi Arabia’s dedication to building a robust and resilient healthcare system capable of supporting its economic diversification and improving the lives of its citizens and visitors.
