Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences (FCMS) has achieved a significant international milestone with its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Programme receiving the prestigious ASPIRE-to-Excellence Award in Curriculum Development 2026, presented by the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE).
The ASPIRE-to-Excellence Award is one of the highest international recognitions in medical education, honoring institutions that demonstrate exceptional quality, innovation, and excellence in educational practices. This achievement reflects FCMS’s ongoing commitment to advancing medical education and preparing future healthcare professionals according to internationally recognized standards.
The award marks a historic accomplishment for the College, making FCMS the first MBBS programme in Saudi Arabia and the first institution in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to receive this distinction in the Curriculum Development category. Furthermore, FCMS joins a select group of institutions worldwide, becoming only the seventh medical school globally to earn this prestigious recognition.
The award follows a comprehensive international review conducted by a panel of distinguished medical education experts. The ASPIRE reviewers commended the College’s transformative curriculum development journey, highlighting its integrated curriculum design, early clinical exposure, student-centred learning strategies, innovative teaching methodologies, robust assessment framework, comprehensive quality assurance systems, and strong commitment to educational scholarship and continuous improvement.
Through this achievement, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences becomes part of the distinguished ASPIRE Academy Global Network, an international community of leading institutions recognized for excellence in medical education and educational innovation. Membership in this network further reinforces the College’s position as a regional and international reference point in curriculum development and academic excellence.
Commenting on the achievement, Professor Mohammed A. Ardawi, Dean of Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, stated:
"This prestigious international recognition represents a defining milestone in the College’s journey toward educational excellence. It reflects the collective dedication of our students, faculty members, staff, healthcare partners, and institutional leadership who have worked tirelessly to create a transformative learning environment. The award affirms that our MBBS curriculum meets the highest international standards and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position among the nations contributing to the future advancement of medical education."
This recognition also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting national efforts to enhance the quality of higher education, foster innovation in healthcare, and strengthen the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. It further demonstrates the growing international impact of Saudi institutions in shaping the future of medical education and healthcare workforce development.
As FCMS continues its pursuit of academic excellence, this achievement serves as a testament to the College’s commitment to innovation, quality, and the preparation of future physicians equipped to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems locally, regionally, and globally.