Average life expectancy in Saudi Arabia rises to 78.8 years

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has announced a significant increase in average life expectancy in Saudi Arabia — from 74 years in 2016 to 78.8 years in 2024.

The announcement was made in a report released to mark World Health Day, observed annually on April 7. This year’s theme, “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,” underscores the importance of investing in health from early stages to ensure long-term well-being. 

The ministry attributed this milestone to the ongoing success of the Health Sector Transformation Programme, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. The programme is focused on enhancing healthcare quality, reducing health risks, and promoting a vibrant society that enjoys better health and longer lives.

Efforts include national campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, the widespread adoption of walking culture, and the encouragement of positive daily health habits.

These initiatives have yielded clear improvements in public health indicators and are helping pave the way toward the Kingdom’s goal of raising life expectancy to 80 years by 2030.

In partnership with various government bodies, the ministry has introduced important nutritional and health policies — such as banning hydrogenated oils, reducing salt in foods, and mandating calorie labelling in food products and restaurants — to curb chronic illnesses and foster better dietary habits.

The Kingdom continues to invest in preventive and therapeutic healthcare services, early detection programmes for diseases and tumours, and widespread health education initiatives. These sustained efforts aim to further boost life expectancy, reduce chronic disease prevalence, and build a healthier, more sustainable future for all.