A s Saudi Arabia advances its promising new area of growth under Saudi Vision 2030. The kingdom combines advanced medical expertise and modern healthcare infrastructure with distinctive destinations for wellness, rehabilitation and recovery. Bringing these elements together is the Saudi Health Tourism Association, which connects healthcare providers, tourism businesses, government bodies and international partners to develop an integrated experience for patients. Here, the association's chairman, Professor Ahmed ambitious tourism transformation, health tourism is emerging as a Abdulkarim Al Arij, speaks to Spotlight Riyadh about the sector’s potential, its priority markets and the ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a trusted global destination for health and wellbeing. Q: Why was the Saudi Health Tourism Association established, and what role does it play in developing the sector? The Saudi Health Tourism Association was founded on a simple belief: Saudi Arabia has exceptional healthcare capabilities that deserve international recognition. The kingdom offers a modern healthcare system, advanced medical technologies and a highly developed clinical infrastructure, alongside distinctive destinations that support recovery and wellbeing, including the Red Sea, AlUla and Aseer. Added to this is the unique spiritual significance of Makkah and Madinah, which gives many visitors an experience that extends beyond healthcare alone. All of this is being driven by Saudi Vision 2030 and unprecedented government support. Our role goes far beyond promoting medical treatment. We are creating a unified ecosystem by bringing together hospitals, hospitality providers, tourism partners and government authorities under shared standards and common objectives. The aim is to deliver a seamless patient journey that combines advanced medical care with authentic Saudi hospitality. Ultimately, we want Saudi Arabia to become a destination of trust and hope for patients seeking outstanding clinical care alongside a genuinely memorable human experience, establishing the kingdom as one of the world's leading emerging health tourism destinations. Our ambition is for Saudi Arabia to become a gateway of trust and hope for every patient seeking exceptional
Health tourism in Saudi Arabia A healing journey from the heart of Riyadh to the world
medical care and an unforgettable human experience.
from hospital admission to recovery, they experience far more than clinical care. They experience the vision in action: a diversified economy, an empowered private sector and a kingdom playing an increasingly important role on the international stage. Through integrated healthcare and tourism services, we are turning Vision 2030 into a tangible reality. Health tourism is not a separate sector. It is a direct driver of Saudi Vision 2030. Q: What infrastructure is currently in place to support international patients? Saudi Arabia now offers a mature healthcare infrastructure designed specifically to support international patients
Q: How does health tourism support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030? Health tourism is not a standalone industry. It is a direct contributor to the objectives of Vision 2030. The sector supports economic diversification beyond oil, encourages private sector investment, creates highly skilled employment across healthcare, hospitality and supporting services, and strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a welcoming global destination. When an international patient arrives in Saudi Arabia seeking specialist treatment and is guided through a coordinated journey
90 | SPOTLIGHT RIYADH
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator