Saudi court orders government to pay bills after illegal resident dies in private hospital

Judges rule that emergency patients must be treated without discrimination

Last updated: December 11, 2025 | 12:10

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

1 MIN READ

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Dubai: A Saudi court has ruled that a government body must cover the medical costs incurred by a private hospital after an illegal resident, admitted in a critical emergency, later died while receiving treatment.

The court found that the hospital fully complied with medical regulations by providing urgent care and could not be penalised financially because the patient was not legally registered.

According to the case details, the private hospital received the man in a life-threatening condition and provided immediate treatment, Saudi News 50 reported.

Also Read: Dubai court orders man to pay Dh1.17 million hospital bill after father’s death

The man, however, died before procedures could be completed to transfer him to a government facility. The hospital contacted the relevant authority requesting either coverage of the costs or an immediate transfer, but the request was rejected on grounds that the patient was an illegal resident.

The court determined that emergency cases must be treated without discrimination and ordered the authority to settle the hospital’s bills based on submitted invoices and medical records.

Also Read: Ask Gulf News: Who pays hospital bills when a patient dies

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.