Healthcare
KFSHRC and Cleveland Clinic Join Forces to Advance Innovation in Autism and Neuroscience
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic to accelerate breakthroughs in autism and neuroscience. This partnership marks a significant step in KFSHRC’s mission to expand global collaborations that elevate patient care and drive innovation in specialized healthcare.
The MoU was formalized at KFSHRC’s headquarters in Riyadh by H.E. Dr. Majid Alfayyadh, CEO of KFSHRC, and Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, CEO and President of the Cleveland Clinic. The agreement outlines a strategic framework for long-term collaboration, focusing on joint clinical, operational, educational, and research efforts in the fields of autism and neurosciences.
Through the formation of dedicated project teams, both institutions aim to identify and implement high-priority partnership opportunities that enhance the quality and reach of specialized medical services. This joint initiative reinforces KFSHRC’s leadership in the region and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its Health Sector Transformation Program, which prioritizes equitable access to high-quality, preventative healthcare.
Dr. Alfayyadh emphasized the significance of the alliance, stating:
“This collaboration is a milestone in our ongoing efforts to foster innovation and excellence in healthcare. By joining forces with the Cleveland Clinic, we strengthen our ability to address complex neurological conditions such as autism, while building capabilities across education, research, and patient services.”
Dr. Mihaljevic echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential global impact of the partnership:
“Our collaboration with KFSHRC represents a shared commitment to advancing care in the critical areas of autism and neuroscience. Together, we aim to set new standards for medical excellence, innovation, and knowledge exchange.”
KFSHRC continues to garner global recognition for its excellence. It was recently ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centres for the second consecutive year. It also holds the distinction of being the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, KFSHRC was included in Newsweek’s 2025 lists of the World’s Best Hospitals and World’s Best Smart Hospitals.
This strategic partnership with Cleveland Clinic reaffirms KFSHRC’s vision to remain at the forefront of medical innovation and to drive impactful outcomes in global healthcare delivery.