In an ambitious move aimed at establishing a unified global framework for human well-being in urban environments, the Saudi Media Forum 2026 will discuss the launch of a new international standard for measuring quality of life in cities. This initiative seeks to answer a pivotal question: How can quality of life be measured by a single, globally understood standard that ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment that goes beyond traditional economic indicators?

This step falls within a broader and more comprehensive context: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which places improving the quality of life for citizens and residents at the heart of its objectives. The Quality of Life Program is one of the most important programs for achieving this vision, working to develop infrastructure and services in Saudi cities to make them among the best cities to live in the world. Therefore, the launch of this standard is not seen as an isolated event, but rather as part of an integrated national strategy through which the Kingdom seeks to lead in the field of sustainable urban development and share its expertise with the world.

A comprehensive framework for human well-being

The proposed standard is based on an integrated conceptual and methodological framework that combines four key dimensions: economy, society, environment, and urban development. This approach aims to provide a holistic view of human well-being, where a city is assessed not only based on its GDP but also on the quality of its health and education services, the cleanliness of its environment, the availability of green spaces, accessibility to services, community safety, and cultural interaction. This comprehensive framework transforms the concept of “quality of life” from an abstract idea into a set of measurable and improveable indicators.

When measurement becomes understandable, the quality of life in cities becomes a subject that can be assessed and improved.

The importance of standardization and its global impact

Standardizing performance measurement criteria creates a fair comparison between cities worldwide, fostering healthy competitiveness. When cities use a common language to assess their performance, it becomes easier to identify strengths and weaknesses, share best practices, and develop more effective and sustainable urban policies. Locally, this standard will enable Saudi cities to accurately measure their progress toward achieving the goals of Vision 2030. Internationally, it positions the Kingdom as an influential participant in the global dialogue on the future of cities, making it a more attractive destination for global investment, talent, and expertise seeking a high-quality living and working environment.

Specialized session and future prospects

The Saudi Media Forum will dedicate a session titled “Towards a New Global Standard for Quality of Life in Cities” to discuss this topic in depth. Abdullah Al-Harbi, Director General of Performance Management at the Quality of Life Program Center, will participate in the session, lending a specialized, practical dimension to the discussion and bridging the gap between vision and implementation. The session will address the prospects for adopting this standard internationally, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with its application in diverse urban contexts. Thus, the forum's role extends beyond being merely a media platform; it transforms into a knowledge-based space that contributes to shaping a better future for cities and their inhabitants worldwide.

In a new achievement added to the record of Saudi excellence in international forums, a team of Saudi doctors achieved first place with distinction in the prestigious “Doctors Challenge” competition, which was held as part of the Qatar Health 2026 conference. The Saudi team outperformed an elite group of participating medical teams from various Gulf and Arab countries, confirming the leading position that medical competencies in the Kingdom have reached.

The winning team comprised a distinguished group of physicians from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre: Dr. Fahad Al Jaber, Dr. Renad Al Harbi, and Dr. Salman Al Shuaibi. The team demonstrated an exceptional level of profound medical knowledge, quick wit, and a remarkable ability for clinical analysis and making difficult medical decisions under pressure—essential skills tested in this prestigious international competition.

Background and importance of the competition

The Physicians Challenge, organized by the American College of Physicians (ACP) in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation, is one of the world's most prestigious competitive events in the medical field. Designed to test the clinical knowledge of physicians across various internal medicine specialties, winning the competition is a testament to academic and practical excellence. The challenge attracts the brightest minds in medicine, creating a high-level competitive environment that reflects the latest advancements and practices in the field.

A reflection of an ambitious national vision

This victory is not merely an individual achievement for the participating physicians, but a direct reflection of the significant investment Saudi Arabia is making in its healthcare sector and the development of its national workforce, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. The Vision aims to build an effective and sustainable healthcare system based on the highest international standards, placing human development at the heart of its priorities. This achievement underscores the competitiveness and leadership of medical education and training in the Kingdom on the international stage, and reinforces the reputation of Saudi medical institutions as centers of excellence and innovation.

Regional and international impact

Regionally and internationally, this achievement reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading force in healthcare in the region. It also highlights the quality of Saudi expertise, opening new avenues for international collaboration and knowledge exchange. The success of a Saudi team in such a prestigious competition sends a clear message that Saudi medical minds have become a force to be reckoned with in the global medical landscape, capable of leading the healthcare system towards a brighter and more innovative future.