Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, witnessed the signing of two agreements on November 4, 2026, aimed at establishing an endowment‑based oncology center within the Makkah Gate development. The contracts involve King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH), the General Authority for Awqaf, and the National Housing Company (NHC).
The first agreement pairs KFSH with the General Authority for Awqaf, outlining a grant of SAR 380 million to support the creation of an oncology facility that will deliver advanced radiation therapy services to the region. The second agreement sees KFSH and NHC committing a plot of land measuring roughly 15,000 square metres within the Makkah Gate development for the centre’s construction.
The ceremony was attended by several key officials: KFSH CEO Dr. Majid Al‑Fayyadh; Makkah Mayor and NHC Chairman Musaed Al‑Dawood; Governor of the General Authority for Awqaf Emad Al‑Kharashi; and NHC CEO Mohammad Albuty. These representatives underscored the collaboration across public, health, and housing sectors that underpins the project.
Located at the Makkah Gate, the centre will specialise in oncology care, especially radiation therapy. By bringing treatment closer to patients’ homes, it will reduce the need for frequent travel to other medical facilities and ease the workload on the western region’s existing hospitals.
The centre is expected to open its doors in 2029, with an initial capacity to serve approximately 1,200 patients annually. Its establishment is intended to enhance accessibility to cancer care for both local residents and the dense populations that annually visit for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Saudi Arabia’s population growth, increased demand for specialised healthcare services, and the influx of millions of pilgrims all contribute to the urgency of expanding regional oncology capacity. By providing a dedicated facility, the project seeks to meet current and projected needs for cancer treatment in the Makkah Region.
The initiative highlights how waqf (endowment) and non‑profit sectors can collaborate with public institutions to fund and establish critical healthcare infrastructure. The partnership model demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing patients’ needs through cross‑sector cooperation.
Aligned with the Health Sector Transformation Program, the project supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of improving access to specialised medical services across the kingdom. It embodies a national strategy to increase the availability of high‑quality treatment options for conditions such as cancer.
From a civic perspective, the centre’s development reflects public accountability and investment in long‑term health outcomes. The allocation of substantial grant funds, the use of donated land, and the involvement of multiple governing entities demonstrate a transparent commitment to enhancing public health infrastructure.
With its projected launch in 2029, the endowment‑based oncology centre will become a cornerstone of cancer care in the Makkah Region, offering patients an accessible, advanced treatment option where they reside and reinforcing the region’s capacity to serve residents and the global pilgrimage community alike.
