Saudi Arabia's healthcare workforce surpasses 800,000 practitioners from 140 countries

Saudi Arabia's healthcare workforce exceeded 801,000 registered practitioners in 2025, reflecting continued growth in the Kingdom's healthcare sector and its efforts to expand and strengthen medical talent.

According to figures released by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), the number of registered healthcare professionals increased by 4.5% compared with 2024.

The healthcare workforce includes 460,000 Saudi practitioners alongside healthcare professionals representing 140 countries, highlighting the sector's diverse talent base.

The commission also reported significant growth in healthcare education and training programmes. During 2025, 12,590 healthcare practitioners graduated from Saudi Board programmes and health academy initiatives.

Training capacity also expanded, with 10,920 seats made available in health specialisation programmes, representing a 17% increase from the previous year.

The commission reported that 5,540 healthcare professionals graduated in 2025, making it the largest graduating class in the organisation's history. The figure represents an 8% increase compared with 2024.

In addition, 25,880 trainees remain enrolled in programmes administered by the commission, reflecting ongoing efforts to build a sustainable healthcare talent pipeline.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties plays a central role in regulating healthcare professions across the Kingdom through professional licensing, competency development, specialised training, certification and academic programme management.

The organisation said it continues to work with educational institutions and local and international healthcare authorities to strengthen training standards and improve professional practice.

The latest figures align with Saudi Arabia's broader healthcare transformation agenda, which focuses on expanding the healthcare workforce, improving the quality of medical services and increasing the participation of Saudi nationals in the sector.

The continued growth in practitioner registrations and training programmes underscores the Kingdom's efforts to develop a highly skilled healthcare workforce capable of supporting the country's long-term health sector objectives.