Saudi Arabia – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Saudi Arabia?

Like many high-income nations that have undergone rapid urbanisation, Saudi Arabia has experienced a marked shift away from infectious disease as its dominant health concern. The Kingdom has largely brought infectious disease, infant mortality, and childhood death rates under control, but so-called lifestyle diseases have moved firmly to the foreground — ischaemic heart disease and road traffic injuries now rank among the leading contributors to both mortality and disability-adjusted life years lost.

According to the 2024 National Health Survey, 18.95% of adults aged 15 and above are living with a chronic condition. The most frequently reported conditions are diabetes (9.1%), hypertension (7.9%), high cholesterol (3.6%), cardiovascular disease (1.5%), and cancer (0.6%). These self-reported figures provide a useful snapshot of the non-communicable disease burden across the adult population.

Among children under the age of 15, 9.4% were found to have a chronic condition, with asthma (4.1%) being the most prevalent, followed by allergies (2.0%), skin diseases (1.6%), hyperactivity (0.8%), and autism (0.6%). The elevated rate of asthma in this age group is consistent with the environmental pressures characteristic of the region, including persistent dust exposure and intense heat.

The key risk factors driving disability-adjusted life years lost are obesity, poor dietary habits, elevated blood pressure, and high fasting plasma glucose. These are all closely tied to contemporary Saudi lifestyles, which are characterised by high-calorie food consumption, sedentary working environments, and limited outdoor physical activity during the months of extreme heat.

There is also meaningful geographic variation in health profiles within Saudi Arabia. Population-based research has found that the national prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 14.8% among males and 11.7% among females, while hypertension affected 17.7% of males and 12.5% of females as of 2013. Studies conducted in specific regions, such as the Northern Border Province, have identified local differences in conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease and psychological disorders, demonstrating that health patterns are not uniform across the Kingdom’s diverse territories.

Among infectious diseases, the most frequently reported viral cases have included hepatitis B and C, dengue fever, influenza, chickenpox, and measles. On the bacterial side, brucellosis has historically been prominent, driven in part by traditional food practices involving raw animal products.

Is Saudi Arabia considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Saudi Arabia has achieved meaningful improvements in core health indicators over recent decades, though the burden of non-communicable disease remains a substantial challenge. The Saudi Ministry of Health reports that average life expectancy climbed from 74 years in 2016 to 78.8 years in 2024 — a gain of almost five years in less than a decade, reflecting the large-scale investment in healthcare that forms a central pillar of the Vision 2030 reform agenda.

At approximately 79.2 years, Saudi Arabia’s life expectancy sits comfortably above the global average of around 73.7 years, placing the Kingdom well ahead of the worldwide norm. This figure is broadly comparable to that of several European countries, though it falls short of the highest-performing nations such as Japan and Switzerland, where life expectancy consistently surpasses 83 years.

While the overall trend in Saudi Arabia’s health outcomes is encouraging, the country continues to grapple with the management of non-communicable diseases. The scale of conditions like diabetes and obesity remains a priority concern, and tackling these issues sits at the heart of the government’s evolving health strategy.

As of 2024, 100% of Saudi citizens had basic healthcare coverage, with the total population coverage rate — including non-citizens — standing at 95.9%. Near-universal coverage for citizens is a significant measure of healthcare system maturity, though this protection does not automatically extend to expatriate residents, who are legally required to carry private health insurance.

It is worth noting that the WHO has raised some concerns about the quality of mortality data for Saudi Arabia, which means that international comparisons should be treated with a degree of caution. For the most current and authoritative figures, readers are encouraged to consult the WHO Saudi Arabia country data page or the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Saudi Arabia?

Compared with many countries in the wider region, Saudi Arabia’s infectious disease situation is generally well-managed, but specific risks exist that newcomers — particularly those relocating from countries where these conditions are rarely encountered — should understand and prepare for before making the move.

Dengue fever poses a risk in the provinces of Al Madinah, Jizan, and Makkah, which includes the cities of Mecca and Jeddah. This viral infection is transmitted by mosquitoes that are most active during daylight hours, and it typically produces a flu-like illness that can, in some cases, progress to a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Expats living or travelling in these areas should take consistent precautions against mosquito bites, particularly during the day.

Saudi Arabia is classified as having an intermediate to high prevalence of hepatitis B, a viral infection transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, including during sexual contact, blood-to-blood exposure from shared needles or contaminated medical and dental equipment, and tattooing or body piercing. Vaccination against hepatitis B is strongly advisable before arrival in the Kingdom.

Brucellosis was the most reported bacterial infectious disease in Saudi Arabia between 2018 and 2019, a pattern largely attributed to the cultural practice of consuming unpasteurised milk from sheep and camels, as well as direct contact with infected livestock. Expats should avoid consuming raw or unpasteurised dairy products throughout their time in the country.

Salmonellosis ranks among the most commonly reported bacterial illnesses in Saudi Arabia and tends to be especially prevalent during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, when enormous concentrations of pilgrims create conditions that are favourable for foodborne illness transmission. Careful attention to food hygiene is particularly important around these periods.

All residents and travellers should ensure their routine immunisations are current. Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal disease are commonly recommended. While yellow fever does not occur in Saudi Arabia, travellers aged nine months and over who are arriving from countries where yellow fever transmission occurs are required to present proof of vaccination. Current guidance should always be checked through your home country’s travel health authority — such as the UK’s TravelHealthPro, the US CDC, or an equivalent national agency — since requirements can change.

Environmental health hazards are also significant. Saudi Arabia’s desert climate produces scorching summer temperatures, with cities like Riyadh routinely recording readings above 40°C. Air quality can deteriorate severely during sandstorms — referred to locally as haboobs — which are common during spring and summer months. People with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions should make specific plans with their doctor before relocating and ensure they have ready access to appropriate medication. Waterborne and foodborne illnesses are also present in Saudi Arabia; medical attention should be sought promptly if you develop a fever, muscle pain, rash, or severe headache.

Is smoking common in Saudi Arabia, and what are the laws around it?

Tobacco use is a notable public health issue in Saudi Arabia and is more widespread than many newcomers might anticipate. As of 2022, 17.8% of Saudi Arabia’s population used tobacco products, with a pronounced gender disparity: 28.4% of males used tobacco compared to just 2.1% of females. The male rate is considerably higher than in many countries where sustained public health campaigns have driven overall tobacco prevalence down over recent decades.

Both the number of smokers and deaths attributable to smoking are increasing, with an estimated 70,000 Saudis dying annually from smoking-related illness. The Saudi government has treated this as a serious public health threat and has progressively strengthened its policy response.

A significant anti-smoking law was enacted in 2015, introducing restrictions on tobacco use in public spaces, government buildings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and enclosed workplaces. On 11 June 2017, a 100% excise duty was imposed on tobacco products, substantially raising the cost of cigarettes — an approach that mirrors tobacco control strategies employed in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom, where high tobacco taxation forms a central element of anti-smoking policy.

Both heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes are permitted and commercially available in Saudi Arabia, though they are subject to the same 100% tax rate applied to e-liquids and devices. Vaping is therefore legal but carries a significant cost premium. Expats who smoke or use e-cigarettes should bear in mind that while these products can be obtained, the high taxation makes them considerably more expensive than in many other countries.

An important restriction for expats to understand: it is illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan, and individuals who violate this rule may be detained or deported. Outside of Ramadan, some hospitality and restaurant venues have designated smoking areas, though an increasing number have gone fully non-smoking in compliance with the 2015 legislation.

Following the introduction of the tobacco excise duty, demand for smoking cessation services increased dramatically, with the number of people attending smoking cessation clinics rising by 213%, climbing to 302% during 2018. Smoking cessation support is offered through the Saudi Ministry of Health and a number of private healthcare providers.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Saudi Arabia?

Obesity represents one of the most pressing and rapidly worsening public health challenges in Saudi Arabia, having grown substantially over recent decades. The country ranks 13th globally by obesity prevalence (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), with rates rising steadily over four decades — from 10.8% in 1975, to 26.2% in 2000, and 35.4% in 2016. This trajectory places Saudi Arabia among the most heavily affected populations in the world, well above the OECD average of approximately 25%.

The underlying drivers of this trend are well established. The shift to urban, sedentary lifestyles, heavy dependence on private motor vehicles, summer heat that makes outdoor exercise impractical for much of the year, and a food culture featuring large portions, sweetened beverages, and significant quantities of refined carbohydrates and red meat have all played a role. Obesity, poor diet, elevated blood pressure, and high fasting plasma glucose consistently appear among the most important risk factors driving health burden in the Kingdom.

The Saudi government has responded with a series of policy interventions. In 2015, regulations were introduced to restrict trans fat consumption, and in 2017 a strategic plan for healthy nutrition was launched. Saudi Arabia has since been recognised as a best-practice example for trans fat policy in accordance with WHO recommendations and has put in place monitoring systems to ensure adherence to trans fat limits. These developments represent genuine policy progress, even as broader dietary patterns remain challenging to change at the population level.

Healthcare authorities have also increased the frequency and reach of public awareness campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging walking, and supporting healthy daily routines. Under Vision 2030, the government has channelled investment into public parks, cycling infrastructure, and sports facilities — particularly in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah — with the aim of making physical activity more accessible throughout the year.

For expatriates, Saudi Arabia’s generous food culture and deeply ingrained traditions of communal hospitality — where meals are often abundant and shared — can easily lead to higher calorie consumption than intended. Maintaining regular physical activity, especially during the more temperate months from October through to March when outdoor exercise is far more comfortable, is an important element of long-term health management for residents.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Saudi Arabia?

Mental health is an area where Saudi Arabia, in common with much of the broader region, faces both cultural and structural challenges. Stigma surrounding mental illness, limited resources, and the relatively low public profile of mental health as a policy priority continue to shape the landscape. Seeking professional help for psychological difficulties is less socially accepted in Saudi Arabia than in countries with well-established mental health awareness traditions, and this dynamic can create barriers for both local residents and expatriates.

The 2024 National Health Survey found that 1.8% of adults experience severe depression, with a higher rate among women (2.5%) than men (1.4%), while 0.2% of adults report severe anxiety. These self-reported figures almost certainly understate the true prevalence, given the social stigma that can deter people from acknowledging or disclosing mental health difficulties.

There are encouraging signs of progress at the systemic level. Saudi Arabia is among 14 countries where the WHO has been working to scale up community-based mental health and substance use treatment services through the Mental Health Gap Action Programme, which aims to strengthen the integration of mental health into primary care. While this represents a positive development, the pace of change means that services remain less comprehensive than the integrated public mental health systems available in countries such as those in Western Europe or Canada.

Private mental health services — including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counsellors — are accessible in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major urban centres, and many private clinics catering to expatriate communities provide care in multiple languages. However, costs can be substantial, and availability outside the main cities is sparse. Expats should confirm that their health insurance policy explicitly includes mental health consultations, since some policies in the region impose caps or exclusions on this type of cover.

It is also important to note that alcohol is entirely prohibited in Saudi Arabia, and there is no equivalent to the licensed substance dependence treatment services that exist in countries with regulated alcohol markets. Expats facing challenges with substance use should seek professional support through private healthcare providers or confidential international helplines, both before departing and after settling in the Kingdom.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Saudi Arabia?

While many health risks in Saudi Arabia affect the entire population, expatriates face a distinct set of challenges related to climate adaptation, insurance obligations, and adjusting to an unfamiliar disease environment. Thorough preparation before arrival can substantially reduce these risks.

The intense heat is likely to be the most immediately felt environmental challenge for those arriving from cooler climates. Summer temperatures in cities such as Riyadh and Dammam frequently surpass 40°C, and high coastal humidity — particularly in Jeddah — can make conditions feel even more oppressive. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are genuine dangers, especially for those yet to acclimatise or those required to work outdoors. Consistent hydration, avoiding physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day, and building up tolerance gradually are essential precautions.

Air quality is a further concern. Saudi Arabia experiences dust storms that can cause sharp and sudden deterioration in ambient air quality, while vehicle traffic in major cities contributes additional pollution. More than 120 cities across the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region have begun air quality monitoring programmes, but expats with respiratory conditions such as asthma should discuss a detailed management plan with a physician before relocating and ensure they have reliable access to their medication.

On the insurance front, private health coverage is a legal requirement for expatriate residents — Saudi Arabia’s public healthcare system provides free or subsidised care to citizens and GCC nationals, but non-GCC expatriates are excluded from this entitlement. Before committing to any employment or residency arrangement, expats should carefully review their insurance policy to confirm it covers pre-existing conditions, dental treatment, mental health care, and medical evacuation if required.

The following practical steps can help expats protect their health in Saudi Arabia:

1. Arrange comprehensive private health insurance before arrival, ensuring it covers hospitalisation, outpatient care, specialist consultations, and mental health treatment.
2. Visit a travel health clinic in your home country before departure to review and update vaccinations, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccines.
3. Register with a local private doctor or clinic in your city of residence as soon as possible after arrival, rather than waiting until you are unwell.
4. Request a pre-departure health screening to establish a baseline for blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol, particularly relevant given the high prevalence of these conditions in Saudi Arabia.
5. Prepare for the climate by stocking appropriate medications, carrying water at all times, and learning the warning signs of heat-related illness.
6. Be aware of Ramadan-specific restrictions, including the prohibition on eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours, which affects daily life including access to some healthcare services.
7. Identify mental health support resources in advance, including international helplines and private providers in your city, in case you need support adjusting to the cultural transition.

Hospitals and clinics in the major cities deliver high to very high-quality care, while facilities in smaller towns and rural areas are generally limited to routine procedures. Expats based outside major urban centres should account for this when planning their healthcare arrangements.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Saudi Arabia?

Getting to grips with a new country’s health system is considerably easier when you know which sources to trust. Saudi Arabia has several official bodies that publish health data and guidance in both English and Arabic.

The primary official resource is the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH), which publishes health news, statistical data, disease surveillance reports, and public health guidelines. The Ministry has an ongoing five-year collaboration with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington to build an integrated health information system for the Kingdom. This partnership means that data quality is on a consistent upward trajectory.

For population-level health statistics, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) publishes annual healthcare statistics, including the National Health Survey, which covers chronic disease prevalence, healthcare coverage rates, and mental health indicators. The Health Status Statistics Publication draws on self-reported data from the 2024 National Health Survey and the 2024 Women and Child Health Survey, together with population estimates from GASTAT.

For broader international context and supplementary health data, the WHO Saudi Arabia country profile is a valuable reference. The WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) also produces region-specific guidance relevant to health conditions across Saudi Arabia.

Before relocating, expats should consult the travel health guidance issued by their home country’s official health or foreign affairs authority — for example, TravelHealthPro (UK), the CDC Traveler’s Health pages (USA), Smartraveller (Australia), or equivalent national bodies — for current vaccination recommendations and disease alerts. These sources are regularly updated to reflect emerging outbreaks and changing requirements that broader guides may not capture in a timely manner.

Once in Saudi Arabia, private hospitals in the major cities — including King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, and various international hospital groups — offer services tailored to expatriate patients and typically have multilingual staff. Many large corporate employers operating in the Kingdom also provide occupational health programmes that include baseline health screenings and ongoing monitoring for their international workforce.

Health guidelines, vaccination requirements, and public health regulations in Saudi Arabia are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with official sources before and after relocating, rather than relying solely on third-party guides, including this one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Saudi Arabia

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to Saudi Arabia?

There is no single mandatory vaccination schedule for all residents, but a number of vaccines are strongly recommended. These typically include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccine. If you are travelling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required under international health regulations for arrivals aged nine months and over. Always seek advice from your home country’s travel health authority and your own doctor well ahead of departure, as recommendations are subject to change.

Is the water safe to drink in Saudi Arabia?

Tap water in Saudi Arabia undergoes treatment and meets safety standards in most urban areas, but the taste is often affected by desalination processes and ageing pipe infrastructure, so most residents — both local and expatriate — opt for bottled water for drinking purposes. When in doubt, particularly outside major urban areas, bottled or filtered water is advisable. Exercise caution with ice and raw food rinsed in tap water when dining out.

How serious is the heat as a health risk for newcomers?

Extremely serious, particularly during the summer months from May to September. Temperatures in inland cities such as Riyadh and Hail regularly exceed 40°C, while high coastal humidity makes conditions feel even more intense. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real dangers for those who have not yet adjusted to the climate. Newly arrived residents should drink water consistently, avoid strenuous outdoor activity between 11am and 4pm during summer, choose loose and lightweight clothing, and allow a number of weeks for gradual acclimatisation.

Is there a risk of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) in Saudi Arabia?

MERS-CoV, a coronavirus first identified in 2012, was originally detected in Saudi Arabia, and the majority of all global cases have occurred on the Arabian Peninsula. Transmission is associated with contact with dromedary camels or with infected individuals in healthcare settings. For expatriates living and working in urban environments, the general risk is low, but those with occupational exposure to camels or working within healthcare facilities should observe appropriate precautions. The Saudi Ministry of Health and the WHO provide current guidance on the status of MERS.

Can expats access mental health services in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, though access is largely confined to private providers. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselling services operate in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities, and many practitioners serving expatriate communities offer consultations in English and other languages. Availability outside the main urban areas is limited. It is important to verify before relocating that your health insurance policy explicitly covers mental health consultations, as some policies in this region impose limits or exclude this type of care entirely.

How does Saudi Arabia’s healthcare compare to systems with universal coverage?

Saudi citizens have access to government-funded healthcare that provides broad entitlements. However, unlike systems with genuine universal coverage that automatically include all residents — such as Canada’s provincial health plans or Germany’s statutory insurance scheme — expatriates in Saudi Arabia are excluded from public healthcare and must hold private insurance as a condition of their residency. The quality of care in major city hospitals is high, but the system operates on a different basis for expats, for whom healthcare is not free at the point of use.

Is dengue fever a serious risk across all of Saudi Arabia?

Dengue fever is present in Saudi Arabia but is geographically concentrated. The highest risk areas are the western and southwestern parts of the country, particularly Makkah, Al Madinah, and Jizan provinces, encompassing the cities of Jeddah and Mecca. Expatriates based in Riyadh and other central or eastern locations face a substantially lower risk. Protecting against mosquito bites — using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and limiting outdoor exposure during daytime hours — remains the most effective preventive measure.

What should I do if I have a pre-existing medical condition and am moving to Saudi Arabia?

Consult both your current physician and a travel medicine specialist well before the move. Bring a sufficient supply of any regular medications and confirm whether those medications are legally importable and available in Saudi Arabia — substances that are unrestricted or prescription-only in other countries may be controlled or prohibited there. Assemble comprehensive medical records and obtain official translations where they may be needed. Before signing any employment or residency contract, confirm that your health insurance policy will cover your pre-existing condition without significant limitations.