Saudi Arabia’s life expectancy rises to nearly 80 years, up from 74 in 2016/Image: Getty Images
Saudi Arabia’s life expectancy has increased significantly over the past decade, reaching 79.9 years by the end of 2025, up from 74 years in 2016, bringing the country close to its Vision 2030 target of 80 years.The update was shared by the Health Sector Transformation Program to coincide with World Health Day on April 7, highlighting progress in the Kingdom’s healthcare system and ongoing reforms.A key factor behind this improvement has been the rapid expansion of clinical trials. Between 2023 and 2025, the number of trials grew by 51.4%, while the average time required to initiate them dropped by 48%. This has helped speed up the development of new treatments and improved the overall impact of scientific research.The research ecosystem has also expanded during this period. The number of companies sponsoring clinical trials increased by 36%, and the number of trial sites reached 13. Officials say this reflects the Kingdom’s growing ability to attract investment and strengthen partnerships with both local and international research organisations.Dr Khalid Al Shaibani, CEO of the Health Sector Transformation Program, said the progress shows how the Kingdom is positioning itself in the global health space. “The rapid expansion of clinical trials underscores the Kingdom’s emergence as a regional hub for health innovation,” he said.He added that continued investment in science and research is translating into measurable improvements. “Investment in science and research is yielding tangible improvements in human health, enhancing quality of life, and advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for the health sector,” he said.The developments are part of broader efforts to modernise healthcare services and improve long-term health outcomes across the country.
