# Eastern Province Governor Reviews Academic Medical City Progress Prince Saud bin Nayef evaluates strategic development projects at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University. - **Source:** [Okaz](https://www.okaz.com.sa) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fe1bc345-a496-484e-b845-c4c7fc380ce3 ## High-Level Review of Progress Prince Saud bin Nayef, Governor of the Eastern Province, recently reviewed the achievements and future plans of the Academic Medical City at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University. Accompanied by Deputy Governor Prince Saud bin Bandar, the meeting focused on the institution's role in advancing specialized medical services and national development goals. ## National Leadership in Medicine The Governor highlighted Saudi Arabia's global leadership in specialized medical fields, specifically citing the successful separation of conjoined twins. He emphasized that human development remains the core priority of the national leadership, which consistently invests in high-quality healthcare and education to ensure the well-being of all citizens across the kingdom. ## Four Decades of Evolution Dr. Fahd Al-Harbi, President of the University, traced the institution's history back to the 1981 opening of King Fahd Hospital. Over four decades, the facility has evolved into an integrated academic health system that combines advanced clinical care with rigorous medical training, scientific research, and continuous innovation for the community. ## Comprehensive Medical Ecosystem The Academic Medical City currently encompasses several key facilities, including King Fahd Hospital in Al-Khobar and the Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal Hospital in Al-Rakah. The network also features a specialized dental hospital, a family and community medicine center, and a dedicated institute for medical research and consultancy to support national needs. ## Strategic Healthcare Governance The university is currently implementing a new model of care focused on institutional and clinical governance. By prioritizing patient safety and service efficiency, the administration aims to elevate quality standards. This strategic shift involves expanding clinical research and integrating modern technologies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the entire health system. ## Focus on National Talent A primary objective of the medical city is the preparation and qualification of national medical professionals. By providing hands-on training and research opportunities, the university ensures that local graduates are equipped to lead in the healthcare sector, thereby reducing reliance on external expertise and strengthening the domestic medical workforce capabilities. ## Vision for Future Impact The leadership aims to transition the medical city from simple operational integration to achieving a broader, systemic impact. By moving beyond service excellence toward a pioneering model of care, the university intends to become a primary reference point for health research, significantly boosting the competitiveness of the Eastern Province region. ## Role in National Transformation As a key partner in the national health transformation, the Academic Medical City aligns its institutional identity with the broader goals of quality of life. By fostering innovation and academic rigor, the university positions itself as a vital contributor to the kingdom's long-term vision for a robust, sustainable, and world-class healthcare infrastructure. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.okaz.com.sa/local/na/2274882 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._