In a historic recognition for Saudi Arabia, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially accredited Jeddah and Madinah as “Healthy Cities,” making them the first in the Middle East with populations of over two million to achieve this milestone. The designation reflects years of dedicated efforts to enhance urban health, sustainability, and quality of life in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Both Jeddah and Madinah underwent rigorous evaluations, meeting more than 80 international criteria across health, development, and environmental sustainability. These standards cover areas such as access to healthcare, food safety, water and sanitation, public participation, local development, education, and emergency readiness. Madinah’s recognition is especially notable as it marks the second time the city has achieved WHO Healthy City status, having first been accredited in 2019.

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This joint achievement highlights the Kingdom’s growing focus on wellness, innovation, and community well-being. It also underscores the strong collaboration between local authorities, public health agencies, and residents, who have collectively contributed to creating environments that support healthier living. With this recognition, Jeddah and Madinah now stand as models for other cities in the region, further positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in promoting sustainable urban development and healthier communities.