Opportunities, potential for sustainable health tourism in Saudi Arabia 
Saudi Arabia is on the verge of a major transformation in its tourism sector, aligned with Vision 2030. With strong healthcare infrastructure, cultural heritage, and strategic initiatives, it has the potential to become a leading destination for health and wellness tourism. The growing health tourism market offers the Kingdom an opportunity to leverage its investments and strategic location for sustainable development in this sector.
Saudi Arabia’s potential in health tourism stems from its advanced healthcare infrastructure, supported by significant government investments. The Kingdom has developed medical cities, hospitals, research centers, and specialized complexes, such as King Fahd Medical City and King Faisal Specialist Hospital, to attract health tourists.
By 2023, over 111 organizations had Joint Commission International accreditation. This high-standard healthcare system enhances service quality and instills confidence in international patients seeking top-tier care and a unique healing experience.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to excellence in medical services and pharmaceutical care strengthens its position as a potential leader in health tourism. The Kingdom has achieved specialized medical standards comparable to those in the US and Canada. The successful Saudi Conjoined Twins Separation Program, with over 50 surgeries, showcases its capability in complex procedures. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s strict pharmaceutical standards, akin to those of the US Food and Drug Administration, ensure patients receive safe, high-quality treatments.
Beyond healthcare, Saudi Arabia’s rich historic heritage adds a unique dimension to its medical and wellness tourism sector. Tourists can combine treatments with cultural exploration, such as visiting the historic site of AlUla. This holistic approach enhances the visitor experience and appeals to those seeking both medical care and cultural enrichment. The blend of cultural landmarks with wellness tourism makes Saudi Arabia an attractive destination, offering authentic charm while catering to health and wellness needs.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa enhances its potential in the health tourism sector. Its proximity to major health tourism markets in Europe and Africa, with six to eight-hour flight times, reduces travel costs and time for patients seeking high-quality medical services at lower prices, with shorter wait times. The country’s modern airports and robust transportation infrastructure further support seamless connectivity for international patients, boosting its appeal as a health tourism destination.
Saudi Arabia’s prospects for a sustainable health and wellness tourism sector are bolstered by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high medical standards, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location.
Saudi Arabia also ranks second in the Middle East and North Africa’s wellness economy, with a market size of $19.77 billion, according to the International Wellness Organization. Health tourism offers access to specialized treatments unavailable in some home countries, allowing patients to benefit from advanced medical procedures and cost-effective healthcare. Additionally, medical tourists can enjoy cultural experiences, such as performing Umrah or Hajj, or exploring the country’s rich heritage and relaxing environments.
This comprehensive approach to health tourism enhances patient outcomes, offering medical treatments alongside cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences. Saudi Arabia also addresses the issue of long wait times by providing timely care, allowing patients to receive treatments faster than in their home countries. Furthermore, the development of a health insurance system tailored for international patients could further boost the Kingdom’s attractiveness as a medical tourism hub.
Tracking the indicators of economic growth and market size from 2019 to 2022, according to the Global Wellness Institute, reveals a steady increase in Saudi Arabia’s wellness economy. The market size was $17.05 billion in 2019, experiencing only a 5.3 percent decline in the pandemic year — one of the smallest drops globally, especially compared to countries like the US, which faced significant losses.
Despite global economic challenges and the pandemic’s impact, Saudi Arabia improved its global ranking, advancing from 36th to 34th in the GWI’s latest classification.
Saudi Arabia’s prospects for a sustainable health and wellness tourism sector are bolstered by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high medical standards, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location. These factors enhance the potential for a robust and sustainable economy in this sector. The country’s investments in healthcare and tourism, along with its unique medical and cultural attractions, position it as a global leader. By leveraging these strengths and addressing marketing challenges with innovative strategies, Saudi Arabia can fully realize its medical and wellness tourism potential, contributing to economic diversification and growth.
• Saad Majdy Baslom has more than 10 years of experience in many fields such as health tourism, wellness services, management, regulation, and policy as a technical affairs director in complementary medicine practices. He holds an MIT leadership and management certificate, a doctorate in traditional Chinese medicine, a master’s in Chinese herbology, and a master’s in acupuncture.
