WHO Re-Certifies Madinah as a ‘Healthy City’ with High Score
MADINAH — The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again recognized Madinah as a “Healthy City,” awarding it a remarkable score of 80 points, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
The official certification was presented during a ceremony on Thursday, where Prince Salman bin Sultan, Governor of the Madinah Region, received the accolade from Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel.
Prince Salman emphasized that the honor reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance quality of life, noting that Madinah continues to grow as a regional and international benchmark for sustainable urban development—aligned with the Vision 2030 goals.
A Leading Example in the Region
With this recognition, Madinah becomes the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, just behind Jeddah. The WHO’s Healthy Cities Program evaluates urban areas based on 80 critical criteria, including:
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Availability of green spaces
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Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
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Access to primary healthcare services
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Health education in schools
Madinah met or exceeded these benchmarks, further solidifying its status as a model city for public health and livability.
More Saudi Cities Join the List
According to Leaders MENA Magazine, 14 other cities in the Kingdom have also earned the “Healthy City” title from WHO. These include:
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Taif
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Tabuk
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Diriyah
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Unaizah
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Jalajel
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Al-Mandaq
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Al-Jumum
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Riyadh Al-Khubra
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Sharurah
This growing list highlights Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to building healthier and more sustainable urban environments across the nation.
