Saudi Arabia’s registered healthcare workforce crossed 801,000 in 2025, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing demand for skilled medical professionals.
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) said the total includes more than 460,000 Saudi practitioners. The workforce also includes healthcare professionals from 140 countries.
The figure marks a 4.5% increase from 2024, according to the latest data released by the authority.
Saudi Arabia expands healthcare training capacity
The growth in the healthcare workforce comes as Saudi Arabia expands professional training and develops national talent.
In 2025, 12,590 healthcare practitioners graduated from Saudi Board and health academy programmes. At the same time, health specialisation programmes offered 10,920 training seats, up 17% from the previous year.
The SCFHS also reported a record number of graduates during the year.
A total of 5,540 men and women graduated from SCFHS programmes in 2025. This was the largest graduating class in the commission’s history and an 8% increase from 2024.
Meanwhile, 25,880 trainees remain enrolled in SCFHS programmes.
Focus on national healthcare talent
The figures reflect Saudi Arabia’s wider push to strengthen its healthcare workforce and develop local skills.
The SCFHS works with educational institutions and healthcare authorities in Saudi Arabia and abroad. Its work includes professional training, academic programmes, examinations and specialist certification.
The commission also regulates healthcare professions and sets standards for professional practice.
Through these programmes, Saudi Arabia aims to build a stronger pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals. The approach also supports the Kingdom’s broader healthcare sector development goals.
International workforce remains a key part of healthcare
The presence of practitioners from 140 countries underlines the international nature of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare workforce.
At the same time, the rise in Saudi graduates points to growing investment in domestic talent. This balance could help the Kingdom meet rising demand while strengthening its pool of locally trained professionals.
As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its healthcare sector, workforce development is likely to remain a key priority.
