18 academic teaching hospitals in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ranked among the top 250 Hospitals in Brand Finance’s “Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025” – a comprehensive annual survey to discover the most reputable Academic Medical Centres in the world. 18 GCC Hospitals in Top Global Rankings for Academic Medical Centres
Included in the top 250 are 7 academic teaching hospitals in Saudi Arabia, 6 in Qatar, 4 in the United Arab Emirates, and 1 in Bahrain.
What is the Global Top 250 Hospitals survey?
Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals is an annual survey that started in 2023. It claims to be the world’s most comprehensive research on perceptions of academic medical centers. Academic Medical Centres are large, multispecialty teaching hospitals. They do not only offer patient treatment but are also heavily involved in medical research. They also train medical students and specialist trainees. This project, now in its 3rd year, seeks to holistically understand what makes the world’s top academic medical centers leaders in their field.
How were the hospitals assessed?
This research seeks to understand the real perceptions of the largest academic medical centers among physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare providers. Interviews were conducted with 2,500 stakeholders of AMCs worldwide. It covered key areas of patient treatment, medical research, training, and education. For the first time this year, the survey examined the factors that drive healthcare professionals to consider employment at academic medical centers, such as patient care, research, and teaching. It also explored how professionals are motivated to recommend these hospitals to patients in need of treatment, individuals seeking to reference or collaborate on the AMC’s medical research, or those seeking to pursue medical training and education.
Some of the main criteria and important factors in the survey:
- Organisations that medical professionals are proud to have trained or worked
- Attracts the top medical student applications
- Leading medical training programs
- Strong research programs
- A strong culture of medical progress and innovation
- Integrating new technologies
- Integration between teaching, research, and patient care
- Internationally recognized with the relevant accreditations
- Well-managed and ethically governed organizations
- Environmental and social aspects of sustainability
GCC Academic Medical Centres in the Top 100
Six academic medical centers in Gulf countries made it into the top 100 globally. In order of ranking, these are:
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Leading the way as the top institution in the MENA region for the third year running, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) ranks in 15th place (up 5 places from 20th in 2024). KFSH&RC has a very strong reputation for research and pioneering treatments. In early January 2025, King Faisal Specialist Hospital achieved a milestone with the world’s first robotic-assisted implantation of an artificial heart pump. This accomplishment adds to a series of other world-first robotic surgeries performed at the hospital in recent years.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, is ranked 22nd (up 20 places from 2024) in this survey. This academic medical center is a unique and unparalleled extension of the US-based Cleveland Clinic’s model of care. Combining state-of-the-art amenities with world-class healthcare standards, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has over 50 medical and surgical specialties. It also has an active research department and residency training programs in many different specialties. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was ranked as the UAE and GCC’s number one hospital in Newsweek’s 2024 ‘World’s Best Hospitals’ and ‘World’s Best Smart Hospitals’ lists.
Hamad General Hospital (Hamad Medical Corporation) Qatar
The Hamad General Hospital in Doha provides highly specialized and complex care including trauma, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and critical care. It also provides specialized and sub-specialized surgery, specialized medicine, laboratory medicine, diagnostic imaging, and adult rehabilitation services. Hamad General Hospital ranked in 44th place, up from 82nd in 2024. Hamad Medical Corporation facilities collaborate with Weill Cornell Medical School – Qatar, Qatar University, the University of Calgary – Qatar, and other partners for residency training programs and research.
Al-Wakra Hospital (Hamad Medical Corporation) Qatar
Also part of the highly reputed Hamad Medical Corporation, Al-Wakra Hospital has climbed 53 places to rank 46th. Al-Wakra Hospital opened in 2012 to serve the rapidly growing towns of Al Wakra and Mesaieed in Qatar.
King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Fahad Medical City (KMFC), part of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health and one of the largest and most advanced medical complexes in the Middle East, has climbed from 32 placed to 63rd on the list. The KFMC complex consists of 4 hospitals with a total capacity of 1200 beds: The Main Hospital (460 beds), The Women’s Specialized Hospital, The Children’s Specialized Hospital, and The Rehabilitation Hospital. The complex includes one institute, 4 specialized centers, laboratories, & Primary Care Clinics. KMFC is known for pioneering treatments and is highly active in medical education, training, and research.
Heart Hospital (Hamad Medical Corporation) Qatar
The Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation’s specialist hospital for adult cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, is ranked 84th, up from 175th in 2024. Heart Hospital offers a range of dedicated, specialized care and cardiology services including cardiac and thoracic surgery, open heart surgery, and emergency cardiac services.
Other GCC Academic Medical Centres in the top 250
Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah Medical City
- King Fahd Hospital of the University
- King Saud University Medical City
- King Saud Medical City
- Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs
United Arab Emirates
- Dubai Medical University Hospital
- The College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS)
- University Hospital Sharjah
Qatar
- Al Khor Hospital
- Sidra Medicine
- Women’s Wellness and Research Center
Bahrain
- King Hamad University Hospital
Why are the rankings important?
The global hospital sector is competitive, with top institutions vying for patients, highly skilled staff, and research partnerships. Gaining recognition as a global leader in healthcare, medical education, and research is beneficial for academic medical centers. The top-ranking hospitals are internationally accredited. They provide quality assurance to patients and families and attract exceptional healthcare professionals, researchers, and medical student applications. They have also gained a reputation for dedicated employees, impactful research, and a strong network of partners around the world.
Healthcare, Medical Education and Research in the Gulf region
In recent decades, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other Gulf countries, have seen remarkable growth and development. They continuously enhance the capacity and quality of healthcare, medical education, and research. This has been due to the vision and strategic planning of their leadership, as well as investment from the private sector. Hospitals in the region provide access to world-class care in state-of-the-art medical facilities. They also employ highly qualified and skilled healthcare professionals. 18 GCC Hospitals in Top Global Rankings Academic medical centers are increasing the number of locally-trained doctors and specialist residency training programs. In addition, they promote research and innovation to improve patient care.
Are you a Western-trained, highly skilled, and motivated specialist doctor looking to work in the dynamic and growing healthcare sector?
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE offer promising career paths for Western-trained doctors. These doctors work in state-of-the-art hospitals with opportunities for teaching. They also work in a supportive environment for medical research and continuing professional development. In addition, these countries offer competitive tax-free salaries, a family-friendly lifestyle, and rich cultural experiences.
If you are ready to pursue new opportunities contact Allocation Assist Middle East today to find out how we can help you: https://www.allocationassist.com/
Check out more Articles:
