Riyadh hospital receives rare certification placing it among top hospitals worldwide in stroke care

KFSHRC in Riyadh has been awarded the Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification by the American Heart Association and the Middle East and North Africa Stroke Organization. (SPA)
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Updated 07 January 2026
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Riyadh hospital receives rare certification placing it among top hospitals worldwide in stroke care

  • Certification reflects KFSHRC’s ability to provide fully integrated stroke servicescertification reflects KFSHRC’s ability to provide fully integrated stroke services
  • KFSHRC has strengthened its emergency response capabilities through the launch of the region’s first Mobile Stroke Unit

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has been awarded the Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification by the American Heart Association and the Middle East and North Africa Stroke Organization, placing it among a select group of leading hospitals worldwide to achieve the highest level of recognition in stroke care.

This certification reflects KFSHRC’s ability to provide fully integrated stroke services, including rapid diagnosis, advanced interventional treatments, and comprehensive round-the-clock rehabilitation programs, all contributing to improved survival rates and reduced complications, according to a press release issued by KFSHRC.

KFSHRC has strengthened its emergency response capabilities through the launch of the region’s first Mobile Stroke Unit, equipped with a CT scanner and a specialized medical team capable of initiating diagnosis and treatment at the patient’s location within minutes, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The unit has saved numerous lives through rapid intervention and played a significant role during the Hajj season.

The release added that this achievement contributes to the hospital’s growing record of international accomplishments and underscores its commitment to enhancing healthcare quality, developing national expertise, and advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in specialized healthcare.

KFSHRC was ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally among the top 250 academic medical centers worldwide in 2025. 

It also holds the highest-valued healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East according to Brand Finance 2025 and was listed by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026.


Syrian foreign minister congratulates Saudi counterpart on Founding Day

Updated 24 February 2026
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Syrian foreign minister congratulates Saudi counterpart on Founding Day

  • Asaad Al-Shaibani and Prince Faisal bin Farhan also discuss developments in Syria and the wider region, as well as bilateral cooperation
  • This year’s Founding Day marked the 299th anniversary of the establishment of the First Saudi State

RIYADH: Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, on Monday congratulated his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, on Founding Day, which this year marked the 299th anniversary of the establishment of the First Saudi State.

During their telephone conversation the ministers also discussed the latest developments in Syria and the wider region, along with ways in which they might strengthen bilateral relations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and highlighted the need for regional stability and security, the Syrian Arab News Agency said.

Founding Day, which was introduced in 2022, is celebrated each year on Feb. 22 and marks the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727.