Saudi Arabia marked World Patient Safety Day 2026 on September 17, under the theme "Safe Care for Life," with indicators showing major gains: chronic disease mortality down 40%, average life expectancy up from 74 to 79.7 years, and the Healthcare Services Quality Index at 70.4% in 2025, above the 60% annual target.

The figures reflect a health system shifting toward prevention, early detection and safer, higher-quality care, with patients more involved in decisions, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. This year's theme focuses on safe care for people with noncommunicable diseases across their whole journey, from prevention and screening to treatment, long-term care and self-care.

The Saudi Patient Safety Center is leading awareness and education programmes with partners to make patient safety a community culture in which patients and families take an active part. With the National eLearning Center, it is holding a workshop titled "Co-Designing Patient and Family Engagement in Care Planning."

The center is also staging "A Journey of Continuous Awareness" at Sports Boulevard in Riyadh with Sports Boulevard, NUPCO Care and Al Riyadh Club, featuring family and physical activities on preventing noncommunicable diseases. Health facilities and landmarks are carrying awareness messages, and several buildings are being lit in orange.

Center Director General Dr. Ali bin Tala'a Asery said noncommunicable diseases call for continuous, integrated care throughout life. "Patient safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the boundaries of healthcare facilities to include patients, families, communities, and various relevant sectors," he said, adding that this partnership helps make safety a lasting practice that improves health outcomes.