expenditure; government; healthcare insurance; healthcare economy; investment opportunities; healthcare structure; Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia was a poor and isolated country prior to the discovery of oil within its borders. The Saudi healthcare sector has seen major progress in recent decades, with local hospitals receiving international recognition. The Public Health Department was established in 1925 following a royal decree by King Abdulaziz. The department became responsible for free healthcare for citizens. The private healthcare sector is growing quickly. In Saudi Arabia, people are increasingly relying on private health care organizations to manage their healthcare needs. This trend will persist because of the essentials that drive demand, such as increased life expectancy, population growth, and patients need for treatment. Therefore, the private sector in Saudi Arabia offers attractive incentives to investors from commercial and social perspectives. The government is the dominant force in the healthcare sector. The increasing population and health expenditures are forcing the government to enact considerable changes in the healthcare system. The private sector offers healthcare services in a number of cities and large towns. The key players in private sector healthcare in Saudi Arabia are the Almanac Healthcare Group, the Saudi German Hospital Group, and the Al-Hammadi Hospital.