Saudi Genome Program: Pioneering Initiative in Genetic Research

What is The Saudi Genome Program?

The Saudi Genome Program (SGP) is one of the most ambitious national health and research initiatives in the world. Launched under Vision 2030, it seeks to identify, map, and analyse the genetic variations within Saudi citizens to reduce hereditary diseases and enhance personalised medicine across the Kingdom.

The initiative was inaugurated by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz on November 5, 2018, marking a key milestone in Saudi Arabia’s drive toward a knowledge-based, innovation-led healthcare system.

Funded and managed by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the program combines genomic science, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics to tackle one of the country’s major public health challenges - the high prevalence of inherited diseases.

According to official studies, these hereditary conditions affect roughly 8% of births and 20% of the population, placing significant strain on the national healthcare system.

The Saudi Genome Program (SGP) aims to reduce these genetic diseases in the country by decoding the genetic makeup of its citizens. It focuses on identifying the genes that contribute to hereditary diseases in the local community. The Program was inaugurated by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, on November 5, 2018.

SGP is recognised as one of the world's top genomic programs and is also one of the ten countries in the GENOME CLUB 100K group. The program focuses on several key objectives of Vision 2030, including improving public health, advancing scientific research, and promoting innovation within the national healthcare system. 

Objectives of The SGP

The SGP aims to make Saudi Arabia a global hub for genomic research and precision medicine. Its primary objectives include:

• Limiting and preventing the spread of genetic diseases.

• Building a national genetic database accessible to researchers and healthcare professionals.

• Mapping genetic variants specific to the Saudi population.

• Developing advanced diagnostic and preventative tools.

• Reducing disease prevalence through early detection and genetic screening.

• Establishing a robust genomics and bioinformatics infrastructure.

• Improving treatment outcomes through gene-based, personalised care.

• Training local scientists and building national genomic expertise.

These goals directly support Vision 2030’s Health Sector Transformation Program, which seeks to improve life expectancy and healthcare quality through innovation and data-driven systems.

Scope of Work 

The SGP leverages next-generation sequencing (NGS) and high-performance computing to decode genetic information and identify disease-causing mutations.
Its work contributes to global medical science, particularly in understanding rare and region-specific hereditary disorders.

SGP 2.0, launched in 2022, represents the program’s next phase - expanding genomic data integration, cross-institutional collaboration, and international partnerships.

This phase aims to position the Kingdom as a leader in genomic medicine within the MENA region, fostering research cooperation and healthcare innovation.

With a high rate of consanguinity, Saudi Arabia faces a unique challenge in genetic diseases, making the Saudi Genome Program vital for public health.

Success and Progress of the Saudi Genome Program

The Saudi Genome Program has made substantial progress in mapping and cataloguing genetic data:

• 61,177 samples analysed nationwide.

• 7,500 genetic variants identified.
  3,000 variants linked to 1,230 rare hereditary diseases.

• 84 scientific studies completed.

• 134+ peer-reviewed research papers published internationally.

These results have already influenced diagnostic accuracy and helped reduce diagnostic turnaround times for genetic disorders.

The program’s success has earned it membership in the Genome Club 100K, placing Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading genomic research nations.

Laboratories Affiliated with the Saudi Genome Program

The Saudi Genome Program oversees eight peripheral laboratories in the Kingdom to support access for citizens. Four of these are located in Riyadh at:

1. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center

2. King Fahd Medical City

3. The National Guard Hospital, in collaboration with the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center

4.  The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. 

Apart from this, the other four affiliated universities are located at:

1. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Jeddah

2. Taibah University in al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah

3. Hail University

4. The King Fahd Specialist Hospital in the Eastern Province.

This distributed network enables fast sample collection, genetic screening, and integration of clinical data from across the Kingdom.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

A critical part of the SGP’s innovation strategy is the integration of AI and machine learning into genomic data analysis. These tools accelerate the identification of disease-linked genes, predict mutation risks, and improve precision diagnostics.

This convergence of genomics and AI aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of building a national AI infrastructure across healthcare, education, and research sectors -  a Vision 2030 priority area.

The Saudi Genome Program has been instrumental in integrating artificial intelligence into genetic data analysis, enhancing the precision of genomic research.

The Executive Centre in Riyadh: Supporting Innovation & Growth

Just as the Saudi Genome Program represents a bold step in scientific innovation, The Executive Centre (TEC) supports forward-thinking businesses driving change in Saudi Arabia’s evolving economy.

Located in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) - the heart of Riyadh’s innovation corridor - TEC provides:

• Serviced offices, enterprise suites, and coworking spaces designed for flexibility and growth.

• Meeting rooms and event spaces equipped with advanced technology.

• Sustainable workspace design that promotes well-being and productivity.

Whether your organisation is a startup in healthcare innovation or an established multinational, TEC offers the infrastructure and community to help you thrive.

For more details, you can request a personalised quote, call us at +966 11 500 6600, or WhatsApp at +966 556 510282.

Key Takeaways 

• The Saudi Genome Program is decoding the Kingdom’s genetic blueprint to combat hereditary diseases.

• Over 61,000 DNA samples have been analysed and 7,500 genetic variants identified.

• AI integration enhances research speed and diagnostic precision.

• Eight laboratories across Saudi Arabia support nationwide access.

• It builds a comprehensive national genetic database for researchers and scientists.

• The program develops advanced diagnostic and preventative tools.

• It enhances treatment outcomes through personalized, gene-based healthcare.

• The initiative drives Vision 2030’s goals for a sustainable, data-driven healthcare ecosystem.