Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Jeddah has officially earned World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy City status. The certification was granted in late 2024. The city now undergoes annual evaluations to maintain compliance with global health and environmental standards.
The Jeddah Municipality leads the initiative. It works through the Environmental Sanitation Committee, alongside the National Center for Environmental Compliance. Several public and private partners also support the effort. The program reflects Vision 2030’s focus on public health and sustainable cities.
“This evaluation reflects our long-term commitment to environmental quality and healthy urban living,” said Mohammed Al-Buqami, spokesperson for the Jeddah Municipality.
Key elements include air quality monitoring, clean water and food safety, anti-smoking policies, and pollution control. A digital system now tracks neighborhood compliance with WHO standards. This tool allows for continuous measurement and regular updates.
Urban Health in Action: Jeddah’s Local Impact
Four pilot neighborhoods — Al-Nahda, Al-Hamra, Al-Shati, and King Abdulaziz University Housing — met 98% of WHO’s 80 health criteria. This achievement secured the city’s certification. It also highlighted the success of community-led health governance.
The city hosted an exhibition titled “How Jeddah Became a Healthy City.” It outlined each step in the journey to recognition. Musa Bin Yahya, regional coordinator for the Healthy Cities Program, confirmed WHO teams performed in-person field assessments.
Expanding the Model: Makkah Province and Beyond
Following Jeddah’s success, other cities in Makkah Province—such as Lith, Adham, and Rabigh—are adopting the model. This move signals Saudi Arabia’s wider commitment to urban health reform.
Nine more neighborhoods in Jeddah are preparing for WHO certification. These include Al-Adl 3, Al-Fayha, Al-Wurud, Al-Naseem Al-Jadeed, Al-Safa, Al-Khalidiyah, Al-Naeem, Al-Muhammadiyah, and Al-Basateen. Each has been endorsed by the Governor of Jeddah. Final WHO evaluations will occur in September.
Saudi Arabia’s Healthy City efforts show steady alignment with Vision 2030. The national focus remains clear: safer cities, stronger infrastructure, and global public health leadership.
