In a major milestone for the Middle East’s healthcare leadership, the International Finance Magazine honoured Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Khalid Al Faraidy, MBA, MD, FRCPC, FSCAI, CERT.DIR., as the “Best Emerging CEO – Healthcare – Saudi Arabia 2025.”
This prestigious honour celebrates his transformative leadership, innovative contributions to healthcare advancement, and unwavering commitment to elevating medical systems in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious socio-economic diversification agenda, Vision 2030.
With over 26 years of distinguished experience, Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Al Faraidy has emerged as a pioneering force in healthcare transformation. His unique combination of clinical excellence in interventional cardiology and strategic executive leadership has enabled him to guide major healthcare institutions through meaningful change and sustainable progress.
As CEO of King Fahd Military Medical Complex and a board member of key national institutions, including the Health Holding Company, he plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia and influencing broader regional advancements.
Global Recognition And Academic Excellence
Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Al Faraidy’s influence extends far beyond national boundaries. In 2025, he was honoured as one of the “Top 100 Global Power Leaders” and the “Global 200 Inspirational Leaders” by global marketing giant White Page International. He also received the Stevie Award for “Thought Leader of the Year” and the Tribute Award for “Outstanding Contribution in Serving the Nation in Medicine.”
The veteran doctor’s academic credentials reflect a lifelong pursuit of excellence. He holds a Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has completed prestigious executive programmes at Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan School of Management, and London Business School. His keen knowledge and interest in artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare, crisis management, and digital transformation have positioned him at the forefront of global health innovation.
A Vision Aligned With National Transformation
Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Khalid Al Faraidy’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of Saudi Vision 2030, which positions healthcare as a cornerstone of national development. As Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Board Member of the Founding Board Council and Executive Committee in the Eastern Cluster at the Health Holding Company, he has been instrumental in shaping the Kingdom’s healthcare strategy and governance frameworks.
His initiatives aim to advance value-based care models, speed up digital health transformation, and reinforce regulatory standards to ensure that healthcare delivery is effective and centred on patients.
Beyond his role at HHC, Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Al Faraidy has held influential positions within the Eastern Health Clusters, leading critical committees responsible for audit, risk management, compensation, and regional development. These appointments highlight the confidence placed in his strategic vision and his proven ability to navigate complex healthcare systems toward enhanced performance and improved health outcomes.
Career Defined By Service And Impact
Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Khalid Al Faraidy’s career uniquely combines clinical expertise with executive skills. He has served as President of the Saudi Arabian Cardiac Interventional Society. His leadership of the Strategic Cardiac Hajj Interventional Programme (SCHIP) demonstrated his ability to manage high-stakes, mission-critical operations with precision and compassion. This reflects his enduring commitment to community service, professional development, and ethical leadership.
Transforming institutions through innovation
A perfect example of Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Khalid Al Faraidy’s capacity to drive institutional excellence is his leadership at King Fahd Military Medical Complex (KFMMC). The facility achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first military hospital outside the United States to receive MAGNET Recognition for Nursing Excellence, a testament to its commitment to clinical quality and workforce empowerment.
He pioneered the establishment of the C.A.R.E. Office (Clinical Allocation and Resource Excellence), revolutionising clinical operations, staff deployment, and resource optimisation. Through the innovative TELL ME Project, he fostered transparent communication channels between employees and leadership, cultivating a culture of trust, engagement, and continuous improvement.
During his leadership, KFMMC successfully earned its fourth Joint Commission International (JCI) re-accreditation, reinforcing adherence to global standards in patient safety and care quality. Comprehensive facility renovations were also completed, significantly enhancing both patient experience and staff satisfaction while modernising the healthcare environment.
Empowering Change Through Medical Excellence
International Finance recognises Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Khalid Al Faraidy is not merely a leader of today, but also a visionary architect of tomorrow’s healthcare landscape, where innovation is guided by compassion and excellence becomes the standard. His career embodies more than a collection of achievements; it represents a narrative of purpose, resilience, and tireless dedication to improving health outcomes for all.
At a time when healthcare systems worldwide face unprecedented challenges, Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Khalid Al Faraidy stands for transformative leadership. His approach, grounded in integrity, strategic foresight, and measurable impact, offers a compelling blueprint for the future. The honour at the IFM Awards testifies to his management style, showing what is possible when medical expertise and visionary leadership unite in service to society.