The College of Medicine was established by the Royal Decree No.3-B53278, dated Dhual-Qa'adah 19, 1424 (January 1, 2004), issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has experienced a sharp and steady improvement in its economic status and infrastructure.  Health services have been developed to a greater extent as witnessed by accessibility and coverage indicators. 

The National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA) provides remarkably comprehensive, accessible and universal healthcare services. There is an overriding sense of prosperity and well being at the National Guard healthcare facilities as they have consistently reported high quality patient care outcomes for the past several years.

Health care is a fundamental necessity; therefore, demand for health-related services naturally remains high. The health services are being eclipsed by a sociodemographic reality; the percentage of Saudi Nationals who are working in the healthcare sector is less than 20% Hence, the national health manpower development is not keeping pace with the development growth.  The need for expansion in health education to fill the big gap in health manpower is well justified. The NGHA has recognized this need and based on the sound reputation and sustained success of its large postgraduate Residency / fellowship Training Programs at King Abdulaziz Medical Cities in Riyadh and Jeddah as well as the successful experience of the recently established College of Nursing, this new College of Medicine was founded.

The College of Medicine in Riyadh is currently housed within the King Abdulaziz Medical City - Riyadh, which has a 900-bed tertiary – care hospital with highly qualified medical staff; this hospital will be the main teaching center for medical students.  Beginning in September of 2004, 30 students have had the opportunity to pursue a career in medicine. These students are university graduates with a bachelor degree from the College of Sciences, Applied Medical Sciences of Pharmacy.  The future Physical building of the College will accommodate 300 male students and 200 female students annually.