King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh

King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s leading tertiary and quaternary care hospital, globally recognized for excellence in complex medical care, research, and innovation. Established in 1970 on land donated by the late King Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in the capital city of Riyadh and officially opened in April 1975 by King Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh stands as the Kingdom’s flagship facility. Spanning 921,000 square meters, it has grown into a 1,519-bed academic medical powerhouse serving patients from over 107 countries.

As part of KFSH&RC — which employs over 16,000 staff from 63+ nationalities and operates a total network of more than 2,400 beds across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah — King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh is highly specialized in both inpatient and outpatient medical care and actively participates in many clinical trials and cutting-edge research programs. Renowned for its advanced Centres of Excellence, Renowned for its advanced Centres of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh holds top international accreditations including Joint Commission International (JCI), ANCC Magnet Recognition®, HIMSS Stage 7, and CAP. With more than 1,750 physicians and cutting-edge technology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh is the national referral centre of choice for cancer, organ transplants, heart surgery, neuroscience, and genomics medicine.

Key Highlights

• 2415 beds at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh
• #1 Best Hospital in Saudi Arabia – Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals 2025
• 65+ specialties and 1,750+ expert physicians
• JCI-accredited, ANCC Magnet-designated, HIMSS Stage 7, CAP-accredited
• Performs 33,000+ surgeries and millions of diagnostic procedures yearly
• World leader in robotic transplants, CAR-T therapy, and precision medicine at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh
• In-house cyclotron, advanced genomics lab, and dedicated research centre
• Dedicated Centres of Excellence serving both local and international patients at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh

Location & Accessibility

Address: Takhassusi Street 3354, Al Maather Al Shimali, Riyadh 11211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Travel Times:

• King Khalid International Airport (RUH): 42 km, 30–45 minutes by car/taxi
• Riyadh Metro: Accessible via King Fahad Library Station (approx. 1 hour with transfers)

Nearby Hotels (by category):

• Budget: Aber Al Takhassusi (1.2 km, from SAR 250/night)
• Mid-range: Grand Plaza Takhasosi / Voco Riyadh by IHG (4–6 km, from SAR 500/night)
• Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh or Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh (12–15 km, from SAR 1,500/night)

Awards & Recognitions

• #1 Best Hospital in Saudi Arabia – Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals 2025
• Newsweek Smart Hospitals 2026
• Brand Finance – Most Valuable Healthcare Brand in MENA 2026
• ANCC Magnet Recognition® (one of only six outside USA)
• HIMSS Stage 7
• Ranked #1 in MENA and top 20 globally among academic medical centres (2025)

Infrastructure & Facilities

King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh offers 1,519 beds with specialized ICUs, 23 robotic-ready operating theatres, 24/7 emergency & trauma services, and the 300-bed King Abdullah Center for Oncology and Liver Diseases. International patients enjoy private suites, family lounges, premium dining, prayer rooms, and full rehabilitation support.

Centres of Excellence & Main Specialties at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh

Cancer Centre of Excellence (King Abdullah Center for Oncology and Liver Diseases)

The Cancer Centre of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh is the largest and most advanced oncology facility in the Middle East and Gulf region, managing approximately 25% of all cancer cases in Saudi Arabia. Housed in the state-of-the-art 300-bed King Abdullah Center (inaugurated 2017) with smart rooms, 8 dedicated operating theatres, and a 96-bed infusion centre, it follows a patient-centered, research-driven philosophy that integrates precision medicine, multidisciplinary tumor boards, and seamless oncology-transplant care to achieve world-class survival rates and quality of life.

Conditions Treated: Breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, pediatric cancers (including brain tumors), gynecologic cancers, sarcomas, rare genetic tumors.

Treatment Options:

• CAR-T cell therapy with fully in-house manufacturing facility for personalized immunotherapy
• Bone marrow, stem cell, and cord blood transplantation (over 5,100 procedures performed)
• Precision radiation with CyberKnife VSI and TomoTherapy for non-invasive tumor targeting
• Advanced immunotherapy, targeted molecular therapies, and hormonal treatments
• Robotic and minimally invasive surgical oncology with rapid recovery protocols
• High-dose chemotherapy, proton therapy planning, and palliative integrated care

Department Highlights: First-in-region CAR-T program, integrated liver transplant-oncology services, active global clinical trials, and outcomes matching the world’s top cancer centers – making King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh the destination of choice for complex cancer care in the Middle East.

Neuroscience Centre of Excellence

The Neuroscience Centre of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh is a leading tertiary/quaternary referral hub delivering comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for complex neurological and neurosurgical disorders. With a philosophy of seamless integration of clinical excellence, education, and research, it offers board-certified specialists trained in leading Western institutions and pioneers the most advanced diagnostic, interventional, and therapeutic procedures in the region for both adult and pediatric patients.

Conditions Treated: Brain tumors, epilepsy and seizure disorders, stroke and cerebrovascular diseases, Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, spinal cord injuries and degenerative spine conditions, headaches and migraines, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular diseases, cognitive and memory disorders.

Treatment Options:

• Robotic-assisted neurosurgery and awake craniotomy for precise tumor removal
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) with directional leads for movement disorders
• Minimally invasive spine surgery and complex spinal reconstructions
• Laser interstitial thermal therapy and advanced epilepsy surgery
• Comprehensive epilepsy monitoring unit with intracranial EEG
• AI-powered Smart Neuroscience Ward (first in Middle East) for real-time monitoring

Department Highlights: Home to the Middle East’s first Smart Neuroscience Ward with cutting-edge AI and electromagnetic shielding; pioneering programs in functional neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, and stroke intervention at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh.

Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence

The Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh is globally recognized as one of the most comprehensive and innovative multi-organ transplant programs, offering end-to-end care from evaluation to lifelong follow-up with a strong focus on robotic innovation, research, and patient-family support. It includes specialized health centres for liver/small bowel, kidney/pancreas, lung, and abdominal transplant/HPB surgery. Conditions Treated: End-stage liver disease, kidney failure, heart failure, lung failure, intestinal failure, multi-organ failure, and metabolic/genetic disorders requiring transplantation.

Treatment Options:

• Living and deceased donor liver, kidney, heart, lung, pancreas, and combined organ transplants
• World-first fully robotic liver and heart transplants (donor and recipient)
• ABO-incompatible and highly sensitized transplants with desensitization protocols
• World’s highest-volume paired kidney exchange program
• Minimally invasive and robotic hepatobiliary surgery for complex tumors
• Advanced immunosuppression, infection control, and post-transplant rehabilitation

Department Highlights: Over 5,000 kidney transplants performed, 1,092 transplants in a single year (2024), national bone bank, and consistent top global rankings for outcomes at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh.

Heart Centre of Excellence

The Heart Centre of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh is the Gulf region’s premier cardiac facility and the only heart transplant program in the Kingdom, providing full-spectrum cardiovascular care for newborns to adults with international accreditations and a commitment to innovation and compassionate outcomes.

Conditions Treated: Coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects, heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and complex pediatric cardiac conditions.

Treatment Options:

• Fully robotic heart transplants and multi-valve repairs (world-first procedures)
• Mechanical circulatory support including HeartMate 3 and ECMO
• Minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery
• Advanced interventional cardiology and electrophysiology
• Pediatric and adult congenital heart surgery programs
• Comprehensive heart failure and transplant management

Department Highlights: Only heart transplant centre in the Gulf; thousands of specialized procedures annually with exceptional outcomes at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh.

Genomics Medicine Centre of Excellence

The Genomics Medicine Centre of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh leads precision medicine in the region through integrated clinical genomics, bioinformatics, and multi-omics technologies, focusing on rapid diagnosis of rare diseases, personalized treatment, and national genomic health initiatives.

Conditions Treated: Rare genetic disorders, hereditary cancers, pharmacogenomics-related drug responses, undiagnosed diseases, metabolic disorders, and prenatal genetic conditions.

Treatment Options:

• Whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing with rapid turnaround
• Pharmacogenomics testing for optimized medication safety
• Gene therapy clinical trials and targeted therapies
• Prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnosis
• Metagenomics for infectious disease diagnostics (nationally accredited)
• Multidisciplinary genetic counseling and family screening

Department Highlights: Nature Genetics-featured integrated model; Oxford Nanopore accredited for metagenomics; key partner in national and international newborn screening initiatives at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh.

Surgical Centre of Excellence

The Surgical Centre of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh delivers advanced minimally invasive, robotic, and image-guided surgery across all specialties with a focus on precision, safety, and faster recovery in a multidisciplinary environment.

Conditions Treated: Complex abdominal, thoracic, urologic, gynecologic, bariatric, and oncologic surgical cases.

Treatment Options:

• Da Vinci Xi robotic platform for complex procedures
• Laparoscopic, endoscopic, and hybrid surgical techniques
• Image-guided and intraoperative navigation surgery
• Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols

Medical Centre of Excellence

The Medical Centre of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh provides comprehensive internal medicine and subspecialty care for chronic and complex medical conditions with emphasis on coordinated, evidence-based multidisciplinary management.

Conditions Treated: Diabetes and endocrinology disorders, infectious diseases, rheumatology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, nephrology, and hematology (non-malignant).

Pediatrics & Women’s Centre of Excellence

The Pediatrics & Women’s Centre of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh offers specialized, family-centered care for children and women, including high-risk maternal-fetal medicine, pediatric oncology, and comprehensive reproductive health services within a dedicated children’s and women’s health environment.

Conditions Treated: Pediatric cancers and blood disorders, congenital anomalies, high-risk pregnancies, infertility, gynecologic oncology, and neonatal intensive care needs.

Treatment Options:

• Pediatric bone marrow transplantation and specialized cancer care
• In-vitro fertilization and advanced reproductive technologies
• Fetal therapy and high-risk maternal-fetal medicine
• Advanced neonatal and pediatric intensive care units
• Comprehensive women’s health and urogynecology services

Top Doctors – Department Wise at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh

Cancer Centre:

• Dr. Shouki Bazarbashi, Head of Section Medical Oncology, Medical Oncologist
• Dr. Ibraheem Abosoudah, Consultant Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Neuroscience Centre:

• Dr. Najeeb Qadi, Executive Director, Neuroscience Centre of Excellence
• Dr. Faisal Alotaibi, Professor of Neurological Surgery & Consultant Neurosurgeon

Organ Transplant Centre:

• Dr. Dieter Broering, Executive Director, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence
• Dr. Yasser Elsheikh, Consultant Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon

Heart Centre:

• Dr. Feras Khaliel, Head of Cardiac Surgery & Director Robotics Program
• Dr. Felix W. Tsai, Section Head Pediatric & Adult Congenital Heart Surgery

Genomics Medicine Centre:

• Dr. Salah Baz, Executive Director, Genomics Medicine Centre
• Dr. Ahmed Alfares, Deputy Executive Director, Centre for Genomic Medicine

Advanced Medical Technology

• CyberKnife VSI & TomoTherapy – precise tumor radiation
• Da Vinci Xi Robotic System – world-first robotic transplants and surgeries
• CAR-T Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility – personalized cancer treatment
• Cyclotron & Radiopharmaceutical Production – on-site advanced imaging
• AI-powered Smart Wards – first in Middle East at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh
• 3T MRI, PET-CT, advanced genomics sequencers

Diagnostics

• Radiology: MRI, CT, PET-CT, interventional procedures.
• Pathology: Molecular diagnostics, next-generation sequencing.
• Cardiac & Genomics: Full range of specialized testing available at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh.

International Patient Services (via Cancer Rounds)

King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh is a highly preferred destination for Arabic-speaking patients from across the Middle East and Africa. Thousands of families from Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Nigeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman travel to King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh every year seeking advanced treatment in cancer, organ transplant, heart, neuroscience, and genomics. In 2024, 77% of all international patients came from GCC countries, with Kuwait and Bahrain leading the numbers – a clear testament to the trust placed by Arabic-speaking communities in King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh.

Cancer Rounds provides complete, culturally sensitive, end-to-end support specially designed for patients and families from these Arabic-speaking countries:

• Dedicated Arabic-speaking patient coordinators and professional medical interpreters (full Arabic support throughout your journey)
• Fast-track medical visa assistance tailored for citizens of Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Nigeria, and all GCC nations
• VIP airport meet-and-greet, private ground transfers, and comfortable accommodation arrangements
• Halal-certified meals, spacious family suites, unrestricted family visiting hours, and dedicated prayer rooms
• Seamless integration of spiritual wellness (including planning around Umrah or Hajj when possible)
• Full coordination of admission, treatment, discharge, follow-up, and return travel

Whether you are coming from Cairo, Tripoli, Khartoum, Lagos, Manama, Kuwait City, Doha, or Muscat, Cancer Rounds ensures your experience at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh feels like home – with complete respect for your language, culture, and family needs.

Appointment Booking at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh

Book your consultation or second opinion at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh – Best Hospital in Saudi Arabia exclusively through Cancer Rounds:

1. Submit medical records online
2. Receive specialist review within 48 hours
3. Get detailed treatment plan and cost estimate

Patient Feedback

Patients praise “world-class technology and robotic precision at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Riyadh,” “highly experienced and compassionate doctors,” and “immaculate cleanliness and outstanding care.”

Recent Advancements

• World’s first fully robotic heart transplant (2024)
• World’s first fully robotic living-donor liver transplant (2026)
• Expanded CAR-T cell therapy program
• Middle East’s first Smart Neuroscience Ward (2025)
• Integrated genomic medicine model featured in Nature Genetics

FAQs