Al-Khobar Certified as a WHO Healthy City, Boosting Saudi Vision 2030

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified the Saudi city of Al-Khobar as a Healthy City, recognizing its adherence to rigorous standards in tourism, entertainment, and public health. The certification, announced by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on July 30, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the Eastern Province governorate, underscoring its commitment to sustainable urban development and community well-being.

Context and Background

Al-Khobar, a key urban center in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, has long been a hub for commerce and tourism along the Arabian Gulf coast. The WHO Healthy Cities initiative is a global effort to place health high on the social and political agenda of cities, promoting comprehensive local strategies for disease prevention and healthy living. The certification process involves a rigorous evaluation of a city’s health determinants, including environmental quality, access to green spaces, recreational facilities, and cross-sector collaboration. The achievement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals under Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving quality of life and fostering vibrant communities.

Key Details

Secretary of the Eastern Region, Eng. Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Jubeir, highlighted the certification’s importance, stating that it promotes community participation and inter-sector cooperation to address health determinants and development. He emphasized that the designation represents a commitment to further enhancing Al-Khobar’s status, boosting its economic, social, tourism, and health standing. The visiting WHO delegation was impressed by the city’s models and examples, which may be applied in evaluating other healthy cities. Al-Khobar Governorate boasts over 100 parks and gardens, green spaces covering over 2,250,000 square meters, 47 multi-use playgrounds, and 20 walkways spanning 52 kilometers. As part of the Al-Khobar Green Program, more than 150,000 trees have been planted. The municipality is also working on dedicating 15 kilometers of bike paths to improve quality of life and address the needs of the elderly.

Implications and Impact

The WHO certification enhances Al-Khobar’s profile as a destination for international tourism and business, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in urban health and sustainability in the Middle East. It sets a benchmark for other cities in the Kingdom and the region, encouraging the adoption of health-focused urban planning. The recognition also supports the Eastern Province’s economic diversification efforts, attracting investment and talent by signaling a high standard of living. Community pride and optimism are expected to rise, as the certification validates the city’s ongoing initiatives to create a healthier environment for residents and visitors alike.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The certification of Al-Khobar as a WHO Healthy City directly advances the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly the Quality of Life Program, which aims to improve the well-being of citizens and residents by developing recreational, cultural, and sports opportunities. By prioritizing green spaces, walkability, and sustainable infrastructure, Al-Khobar exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to building vibrant communities that support health and happiness. This achievement positions the city as a model for future urban development across Saudi Arabia, contributing to the nation’s long-term vision of a diverse, thriving, and globally integrated economy.

20 Questions

Q1. What major certification did Al-Khobar receive from the WHO?

A1. Al-Khobar was certified as a Healthy City by the World Health Organization for meeting tourism, entertainment, and health standards, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency on July 30, 2024.

Q2. Who announced the certification of Al-Khobar as a Healthy City?

A2. The certification was announced by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on July 30, 2024, based on the evaluation by the World Health Organization.

Q3. What does the WHO Healthy Cities initiative aim to do?

A3. The initiative aims to place health high on the social and political agenda of cities, promoting comprehensive local strategies for disease prevention and healthy living through cross-sector collaboration.

Q4. Who is the Secretary of the Eastern Region that commented on the certification?

A4. Eng. Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Jubeir, Secretary of the Eastern Region, highlighted the certification’s importance for community participation and inter-sector cooperation.

Q5. How many parks and gardens does Al-Khobar Governorate have?

A5. Al-Khobar Governorate boasts over 100 parks and gardens in residential areas, contributing to the city’s green and healthy environment.

Q6. What is the total area of green spaces in Al-Khobar?

A6. The city features green spaces covering over 2,250,000 square meters, as part of its commitment to environmental health and quality of life.

Q7. How many multi-use playgrounds are there in Al-Khobar?

A7. Al-Khobar has 47 multi-use playgrounds for recreational and sports activities, supporting active lifestyles for residents.

Q8. How many walkways does Al-Khobar have, and what is their total length?

A8. The city has 20 walkways spanning a total of 52 kilometers, promoting walking and physical activity among the community.

Q9. How many trees have been planted under the Al-Khobar Green Program?

A9. More than 150,000 trees have been planted throughout the city as part of the Al-Khobar Green Program to enhance green cover.

Q10. What new infrastructure is Al-Khobar Municipality working on for cyclists?

A10. The municipality is actively working on dedicating 15 kilometers of bike paths to improve quality of life and address the needs of the elderly.

Q11. How does the WHO certification benefit Al-Khobar’s tourism sector?

A11. The certification enhances Al-Khobar’s profile as a destination for international tourism, signaling a high standard of living and health-focused environment.

Q12. What is the economic impact of the Healthy City certification for Al-Khobar?

A12. The certification boosts the city’s economic standing by attracting investment and talent, supporting the Eastern Province’s economic diversification efforts.

Q13. How does the certification affect community morale in Al-Khobar?

A13. The designation elicits optimism and pride in the community, validating ongoing initiatives and encouraging further participation in healthy living.

Q14. What was the impression of the WHO delegation during their evaluation?

A14. The visiting WHO delegation was impressed by the city’s various models and examples, which may be applied in evaluating other healthy cities.

Q15. Which Saudi national agenda does the Healthy City certification support?

A15. The certification directly supports Saudi Vision 2030, particularly the Quality of Life Program, which aims to improve well-being through recreational and cultural opportunities.

Q16. What is the goal of the Quality of Life Program under Vision 2030?

A16. The program aims to improve the well-being of citizens and residents by developing recreational, cultural, and sports opportunities, creating vibrant communities.

Q17. How does Al-Khobar’s certification set a benchmark for other cities?

A17. It sets a benchmark for other Saudi and regional cities to adopt health-focused urban planning, encouraging sustainable development and community health initiatives.

Q18. What role does inter-sector cooperation play in the Healthy City initiative?

A18. Inter-sector cooperation helps address health determinants and development, fulfilling the standards and requirements associated with healthy cities as highlighted by the Secretary.

Q19. Which age group is specifically mentioned in Al-Khobar’s bike path project?

A19. The municipality is addressing the needs of the elderly by dedicating bike paths, showing inclusive planning for all age groups.

Q20. What is the significance of the WHO certification for Saudi Arabia’s global image?

A20. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in urban health and sustainability in the Middle East, showcasing the success of Vision 2030 initiatives to the world.

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