黑料社区

黑料社区 hosts international conference to mark 3 decades of conjoined twins program

黑料社区 hosts international conference to mark 3 decades of conjoined twins program
Accompanied by their mother, Khadijah and Hawaa were airlifted from Burkina Faso to Riyadh in July 2024 following the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.(KSrelief/File photo)
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Updated 19 November 2024

黑料社区 hosts international conference to mark 3 decades of conjoined twins program

黑料社区 hosts international conference to mark 3 decades of conjoined twins program
  • Families of separated twins will also attend the event
  • An exhibition will also be organized to showcase the program鈥檚 achievements

Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief will host an international conference in Riyadh on Nov. 24-25 marking three decades of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Separation Program.

It will bring together the Saudi ministries of health, national guard, defense, foreign affairs, education and media, and representatives from international humanitarian and health organizations, institutions, specialists and researchers from various countries.

Families of separated twins will also attend the event.

The conference will witness humanitarian and scientific sessions where experts聽will discuss advances in conjoined twin separation and related humanitarian efforts.

An exhibition will also be organized to showcase the program鈥檚 achievements as well as the Kingdom鈥檚 leadership in humanitarian and medical fields, especially excellence through the conjoined twins program.

鈥淭his comes in order to achieve the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at developing the health and humanitarian sector in the Kingdom and raising its quality and efficiency,鈥 said KSrelief in a statement to Arab News.

On the sidelines of the conference, a number of agreements will be signed with international and UN organizations concerned with children around the world as part of the humanitarian efforts of 黑料社区 to care for the most vulnerable groups, namely children, as well as reviewing the Kingdom鈥檚 distinguished experience in this field, as it has the most experience in twins separation in the world.

The conference at the culmination will issue important recommendations that will enrich medical and humanitarian libraries and be a reference for specialists and those interested in the field of separating conjoined twins and the humanitarian field.

The pioneering initiative makes the Kingdom a world leader in one of the most complex surgical procedures in modern medicine. Since its launch in 1990, the conjoined twins program has treated about 139 cases from countries around the world. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who heads the medical team, has conducted 61 operations on conjoined twins born to poor families from 26 countries.

Conjoined twins Khadijah and Hawaa were airlifted from Burkina Faso to Riyadh in July this year by the Defense Ministry鈥檚 medevac, following the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and underwent the operation.

In June, the Saudi team led by Al-Rabeeah, separated Filipino conjoined twins Akiza and Aisha in at King Abdullah Specialist Children鈥檚 Hospital, which plays a crucial role in the program.

Equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and advanced technology, the hospital is staffed by a highly skilled team specializing in complex pediatric care. Operations carried out under the program are fully sponsored by the Saudi government.


Al-Baha鈥檚 distinct architectural style a tourist draw, says expert

Al-Baha鈥檚 distinct architectural style a tourist draw, says expert
Updated 11 sec ago

Al-Baha鈥檚 distinct architectural style a tourist draw, says expert

Al-Baha鈥檚 distinct architectural style a tourist draw, says expert
  • Traditional buildings are designed in ways that take into account environmental conditions such as terrain and climate
  • It intends to help modernize the Saudi urban landscape, while keeping the character and tradition of the country鈥檚 architecture alive

RIYADH: The distinctive architectural style of 黑料社区鈥檚 Al-Baha region, included earlier this year in the national Saudi Architecture Characters Map, is one of the region鈥檚 draws for tourism, an expert told the Saudi Press Agency.

Abdullah bin Abdulqader Haridi, associate professor of architecture and building technology at Al-Baha University, said that the region鈥檚 style, influenced by its natural mountainous features, also contributes to energy efficiency.

Haridi said there were three main styles in the region: traditional, transitional, and contemporary.

Al-Baha鈥檚 architecture has distinctive features, including forts, external staircases, patterned doors and windows and the Zafir column style.

The architectural style of Al-Baha is inspired by the mountainous features of the region. (SPA)

Traditional buildings are designed in ways that take into account environmental conditions such as terrain and climate, as well as regional customs that encourage gathering in designated spaces.

Adhering to traditional styles allows for the development of real estate projects that complement local identity, motivating investors to adopt these standards, Haridi added.

The Saudi Architecture Characters Map was introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March, designating 19 architectural styles unique to the Kingdom鈥檚 regions.

It intends to help modernize the Saudi urban landscape, while keeping the character and tradition of the country鈥檚 architecture alive.

Haridi said that the Al-Baha architectural style is energy-efficient, using natural building materials available locally.

The architectural style of Al-Baha is inspired by the mountainous features of the region. (SPA)

Mohammed bin Salem Al-Ghamdi, 73, has worked building stone houses in the region for decades.

He told the SPA that the difference in climate and terrain between the areas of Sarat and Tihama led to a difference in building styles due to the construction materials available.

Al-Ghamdi said that the ancient architecture in Al-Baha was characterized by its  reliance on nature, as the houses were built from local stones such as granite and basalt rocks decorated with myrrh stones, and roofed with juniper woods covered with clay, in harmony with the surrounding environment.

In recent years, ancient architecture in Al-Baha has witnessed a resurgence of interest from people who have taken the initiative to restore and revive their heritage houses.

Many have also been inspired by the old style in the construction of new houses, using stones, patterns and decorations inspired by the history of the place.


Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan for official visit聽

Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan for official visit聽
Updated 27 min 47 sec ago

Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan for official visit聽

Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan for official visit聽
  • Al-Sheikh was met at Islamabad International Airport by Sadiq
  • The visit was arranged in response to an invitation from Sadiq following the signing of the defense pact between the two countries

RIYADH: Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, arrived in Islamabad at the start of an official visit to Pakistan following the signing of a landmark defense pact last month, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

He is heading a delegation from the council in response to an invitation extended by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Al-Sheikh was met at Islamabad International Airport by Sadiq. Also present to receive him were the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, along with several senior officials from the Pakistani National Assembly.

During the visit, Al-Sheikh will hold an official session of talks with Sadiq and meet with several senior Pakistani officials to review relations and discuss ways to strengthen ties.

The visit was arranged in response to an invitation from Sadiq following the signing of the defense pact between the two countries in September during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif鈥檚 state visit to 黑料社区.

The pact states that any aggression against either country would be treated as an attack on both, and it comes at a time of heightened tension in the region.

The relationship between the countries, which was established in 1947, has evolved into a comprehensive partnership spanning diplomatic, economic, and military spheres.

The foundation of this bond was laid in September 1947, when 黑料社区 became one of the first countries to recognize Pakistan following its independence. This recognition was quickly followed by the signing of a Treaty of Friendship in 1951, which formally cemented bilateral ties.

The delegation accompanying Al-Sheikh includes council members Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Buraik, Ibtisam bint Abdullah Al-Jubeir, Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al-Wardi, as well as other council officials.


Bahraini crown prince meets Saudi FM to discuss bilateral relations

Bahraini crown prince meets Saudi FM to discuss bilateral relations
Updated 54 min 57 sec ago

Bahraini crown prince meets Saudi FM to discuss bilateral relations

Bahraini crown prince meets Saudi FM to discuss bilateral relations

DUBAI: Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, received Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of 黑料社区, in Manama on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the close relations between their countries and discussed ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors to serve the aspirations of their leaderships and peoples. They also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments.

Earlier, Prince Faisal arrived in Manama to chair the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council. He was received by Bahrain鈥檚 Foreign Minister, Abdullatif Al-Zayani, and the Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain, Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairy.

The meeting was attended by senior Saudi officials, including Walid Al-Samaeel, Director General of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Al-Yahya, Advisor to the Minister, and Engineer Fahad Al-Harthi, Head of the Working Groups of the General Secretariat of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council.


Saudi initiative dismantles 1,319 mines in Yemen during past week

Saudi initiative dismantles 1,319 mines in Yemen during past week
Updated 06 October 2025

Saudi initiative dismantles 1,319 mines in Yemen during past week

Saudi initiative dismantles 1,319 mines in Yemen during past week
  • Since 2014, Project Masam has removed 517,818 mines and other explosive devices deployed in the country by the Houthis and other militants

LONDON: During the first week of October, Project Masam, 黑料社区鈥檚 effort to clear mines in Yemen, dismantled 1,319 explosive devices planted by the Houthis and other militant groups.

The initiative, launched by Saudi aid agency KSrelief in 2014 to prevent deaths and injuries among innocent civilians in the country, has now cleared a total of 517,818 mines and other explosive devices, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The project also provides mine-removal training and equipment for local engineers, as well as support for Yemenis who have been injured by such devices.

The clearing of mines from villages, roads and areas around schools facilitates the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid, the agency added.


All visa holders now eligible to perform Umrah: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

All visa holders now eligible to perform Umrah: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Updated 06 October 2025

All visa holders now eligible to perform Umrah: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

All visa holders now eligible to perform Umrah: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

RIYADH: All Muslims holding a valid visa for 黑料社区 can now perform Umrah, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

鈥淧lanning to visit 黑料社区 and perform Umrah? You can perform Umrah rituals with any type of entry visa,鈥 the ministry said on X.

鈥淭o facilitate the performance of Umrah for the guests of Allah, all visa holders are allowed to perform the rituals. This includes: personal and family visit visas, transit/stopover visa, work visa, tourist evisa, and other visa types,鈥 it said.

鈥淔or a smooth Umrah journey, visit the Nusuk Umrah platform, choose the suitable package, and get your Umrah visa instantly,鈥 it added.

The decision reinforces 黑料社区鈥檚 efforts to make pilgrimage travel simpler and inclusive for all.

It also highlights a significant step in simplifying procedures for pilgrims and broadening access to Umrah services, fulfilling the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Muslim worshippers reach to touch the golden doors of the Kaaba, Islam鈥檚 holiest shrine, while performing the Umrah pilgrimage circumambulation, or tawaf, circling seven times around it at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Sep. 6, 2023. (AFP/File Photo)

The ministry noted that this step reflects the Kingdom鈥檚 ongoing commitment to facilitating the arrival of Muslims from around the world to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.

It recently launched the Nusuk Umrah platform for those wishing to perform Umrah directly, enabling users to select a suitable package and obtain Umrah permits electronically with ease.

The integrated digital platform also allows beneficiaries to book services and choose timings flexibly.

Praising the announcement Ahmed Peshkar, an Indian businessman in Riyadh, told Arab News: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a welcome decision which reflect(s) the keenness of the Saudi government to enable Muslims holding all types of visa(s) to visit the Holy Mosque and perform their rituals in a safe and spiritual environment, while providing high-quality services that enrich the Umrah performers鈥 experience and ease their faith journey.

鈥淚t also underscores the Kingdom鈥檚 commitment to enabling Muslims from all over the world to perform their Umrah with ease. It is designed to make Umrah more accessible and to support the Kingdom鈥檚 long-term vision of positioning itself as a global destination for spiritual tourism.鈥