Saudi Hospitals Top Middle East, Africa According to 'Brand Finance' Ranking

A Saudi man receives a vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Prince Sultan Complex Health Center, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 13, 2022. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri Acquire Licensing Rights
A Saudi man receives a vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Prince Sultan Complex Health Center, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 13, 2022. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri Acquire Licensing Rights
TT

Saudi Hospitals Top Middle East, Africa According to 'Brand Finance' Ranking

A Saudi man receives a vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Prince Sultan Complex Health Center, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 13, 2022. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri Acquire Licensing Rights
A Saudi man receives a vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Prince Sultan Complex Health Center, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 13, 2022. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri Acquire Licensing Rights

Saudi hospitals maintained their top position in the Middle East and Africa for the second consecutive year in the global ranking of the best 250 hospitals for 2024, according to "Brand Finance."

The ranking included seven Saudi hospitals, with five of them ranking among the top 100 globally.

Leading the list of Saudi hospitals is King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC), which retained its top position in the local and regional healthcare sector, SPA reported.

Mayo Clinic, an American hospital, claimed the top spot in the ranking, with the United States dominating 11 positions among the top 25 hospitals. The list also included several European hospitals.

Notably, this year, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) jumped to the third position, making it the leading healthcare institution outside the United States.

The ranking, based on the opinions of thousands of healthcare practitioners in over 30 countries, included the Saudi hospitals of KFSH&RC, King Saud Medical City (KSMC), King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), National Guard Health Affairs, King Fahd Medical City (KFMC), King Fahd University Hospital, and King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC).

The last two hospitals were ranked between 101 and 205, while the remaining Saudi hospitals were among the top 100 globally.

Observers attribute the notable presence of Saudi hospitals in the global ranking to the initiatives of the Healthcare Sector Transformation Program, one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030 launched by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

They also believe that such achievement is a result of the unlimited support provided by the wise leadership to the healthcare sector, reflecting the quality of services offered to citizens and residents, as well as medical accomplishments in various fields.



Qatar Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon, Offers Support

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (QNA).
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (QNA).
TT

Qatar Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon, Offers Support

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (QNA).
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (QNA).

Qatar condemns the Israeli airstrikes targeting Lebanon, affirmed Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during which he expressed his rejection of any violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

During the call, the emir and the Lebanese president reviewed developments in Lebanon, particularly in light of the current escalation and its impact on the country’s security and stability, as well as the wider region.

The Qatar News Agency said Sheikh Tamim “condemned the Israeli airstrikes targeting Lebanon, stressing his rejection of any violation of its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”

They also discussed regional and international efforts to contain the escalation. The emir reiterated Qatar’s firm support for Lebanon and its people, underscoring Doha’s readiness to provide assistance and contribute to efforts aimed at advancing de-escalation and stability.

Maritime Security

Separately, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, stressing the need to build on it urgently to prevent a broader escalation in the region.

In a phone call on Thursday with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, the Qatari prime minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of maritime routes and safeguarding freedom of navigation and international trade in accordance with international law, in a way that supports regional stability and global supply chains.

The two sides also reviewed the latest regional developments following the ceasefire announcement between the United States and Iran, along with a number of issues of mutual interest.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Discuss Efforts to Restore Regional Security and Stability

A file photo of Saudi Arabia's flag (SPA)
A file photo of Saudi Arabia's flag (SPA)
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Discuss Efforts to Restore Regional Security and Stability

A file photo of Saudi Arabia's flag (SPA)
A file photo of Saudi Arabia's flag (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call Thursday from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar.

During the call, the two ministers reviewed regional developments and efforts to restore security and stability in the region.


GCC General Secretariat Welcomes Announcement of Ceasefire between US, Iran

GCC General Secretariat Welcomes Announcement of Ceasefire between US, Iran
TT

GCC General Secretariat Welcomes Announcement of Ceasefire between US, Iran

GCC General Secretariat Welcomes Announcement of Ceasefire between US, Iran

The General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expressed its welcome for the announcement of a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

It praised the significant efforts exerted by Pakistan in this regard, as well as those of other regional and international parties calling for an end to the ongoing conflict, SPA reported.

The GCC general secretariat underlines the significance of concerted regional and international efforts to reach a permanent solution to end this crisis in order to ensure the security and stability in the region and the world.