RIYADH: Healthcare professionals consider the Kingdom’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre to be the leading academic medical centre in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the brand evaluation consultancy.
The hospital has improved its ranking by five places to be placed 15th in the world’s top 250 establishments.
The research showed that a large proportion of healthcare professionals spoke highly of KFSH&RC, which also received high scores for research recommendations.
This strong reputation is likely driven by its pioneering leadership in robotic surgery innovations.
Andrew Campbell, the managing director of Brand Finance Middle East, said: “The Middle East is rapidly establishing itself as a global healthcare hub, attracting both medical professionals and international patients through thriving medical tourism.
“Significant investments by regional governments have led to the rise of world-class academic medical centers, many now recognized among the top 250 hospitals globally.
“With continued focus on innovation, infrastructure, and talent development, these institutions are poised to further enhance their global presence and build productive relationships locally and outside the region.”
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi — the only hospital in the UAE in the top 100 in the rankings — was placed 22nd. It benefits from its association with its US counterpart which ranks at eighth globally.
Hospitals from Qatar and Morocco showed impressive gains in the 2025 rankings, with three Moroccan hospitals entering the top 100, led by Mohammed VI University Hospital at 28th. Qatar also had four hospitals featuring, with Hamad General Hospital at 44th.
For the first time the study also highlighted what made a hospital attractive for employment and what drove healthcare professionals to recommend an establishment for patient care, research, or education.