Arabian Gulf University Signs Contract for the Completion of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Medical City Project

Arabian Gulf University Signs Contract for the Completion of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Medical City Project

Arabian Gulf University

10 May, 2025

His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University, and Mr. Mazen Matar, Group CEO of NASS Group, signed the contract to complete the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Medical City project, one of the most prominent health and developmental initiatives in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both sides, including His Excellency Dr. Yousif bin Abdullah Bunyan, Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia; His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Jumaa, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Higher Education Council of Bahrain; and Mr. Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al Murshed, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, among others. The project is valued at approximately SAR 0.5 billion.

The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Medical City project epitomises a key developmental milestone reflecting the deepening of brotherly ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Government of Saudi Arabia committed SAR 1.2 billion to support the project, while a one-million-square-metre land parcel was generously allocated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. This project serves as an exemplary model of Gulf cooperation in healthcare and academia, aiming to bridge gaps in specialised healthcare services across Bahrain and the Gulf region, thereby fostering integration with education and scientific research.

During the signing, Dr. Al Fuhaid expressed his deepest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, wishing them continued health and prosperity. He also extended his appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, for their unwavering support of this strategic project, which embodies the shared vision between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He commended the efforts of the Saudi Fund for Development throughout all phases of implementation.

Dr. Al Fuhaid highlighted that this day marks a significant milestone in the development of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Medical City, which will serve as a medical and educational landmark enhancing Bahrain’s position as a centre of medical innovation and scientific research in the region. He emphasised AGU’s commitment to ensuring the project’s realization according to the highest international standards, honouring the legacy of the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and supporting the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to elevate Bahrain’s healthcare sector. The project exemplifies the close brotherly cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

He further stated that upon completion, the project will achieve numerous objectives, including providing healthcare services aligned with the highest global standards. “This achievement is part of AGU’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare, medical education, and research, in line with the aspirations of both nations towards comprehensive, sustainable development,” he added. He reaffirmed AGU’s dedication to executing this vital project according to top-tier international quality standards, establishing it as a leading Gulf and regional centre for medical services, innovation, and scientific research in health.”

Mr. Bashar Samir Nass, Board Member of NASS Group, affirmed that the project will contribute to a transformative leap in healthcare and medical education standards across the Gulf. He stated, “Work is progressing rapidly to complete all project phases within the scheduled timelines and to the highest quality standards, creating an advanced medical and educational environment with state-of-the-art facilities that will serve Bahrain and the entire Gulf region. This reflects AGU’s proud and evolving position as a Gulf university committed to continuous development.”

The Medical City is among the largest projects funded through generous humanitarian donations. It has been designed to include an integrated teaching hospital, specialised centres, advanced research facilities, and the implementation of telemedicine, artificial intelligence applications, and digital transformation initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery. The city aims to be an integrated platform combining treatment, training, education, and research.

AGU views this project as a pioneering model in innovative healthcare, training, and transformative research. The university aspires for the Medical City to become a leading academic medical centre in the Middle East, featuring a university hospital with 300 beds, a clinical services building, outpatient clinics, and supporting facilities, including parking for 513 vehicles and mechanical services spanning 5,510 square metres.

Moreover, the project comprises an integrated suite of 77 outpatient clinics, 15 operating rooms for surgeries and minor procedures, 37 intensive care units, six isolation rooms, and a medical education centre. It will also host specialised clinical research centres dedicated to addressing prevalent health issues in the Gulf, such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.