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ALKHOBAR: ��������’s nationwide blood donation campaign, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has drawn wide participation from ministries, health clusters and citizens across the Kingdom, while winning praise from the World Health Organization for its impact and scale.

The campaign reflects the crown prince’s commitment to embedding humanitarian values, promoting voluntary donation and achieving Vision 2030’s goal of a vibrant society with sustainable health systems.

In Riyadh, the Ministry of National Guard rolled out a major internal drive involving staff across all regions, highlighting its role in meeting the Kingdom’s healthcare needs. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism joined the effort, with Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb personally donating blood alongside his staff, setting what officials called “an inspiring example of leadership in service.”

The Ministry of Health also took part, with Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel donating blood and highlighting the surge in participation since the launch of the campaign. “National donation statistics have risen more than four-fold compared to the first day of the campaign,” he said, adding that the initiative has improved blood bank readiness and strengthened community solidarity. Since 2005, more than 22,000 citizens have been awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal, third class, for their repeated donations, Al-Jalajel said.

Health clusters are making the process easier for citizens. In Madinah, five donation sites were activated throughout the week, including King Salman Medical City and Yanbu General Hospital. Officials highlighted the vital role of blood transfusion in saving mothers during childbirth, supporting cancer patients and enabling complex surgeries. The Makkah Health Cluster extended hours at donation centers in Makkah and Al-Qunfudhah, encouraging citizens to donate even on weekends.

Beyond official participation, ordinary Saudis are seizing the chance to give. “I always wanted to contribute to something bigger than myself,” said Sarah Ibrahim, 24, who donated in Alkhobar. “When I saw the crown prince launch this campaign, I felt proud. Knowing my blood could save a life is an honor.”

For Mohammed Al-Dosari, 33, donating in Riyadh was about embodying the values he grew up with. “We were raised to believe generosity is a Saudi trait,” he said. “This is one of the simplest ways to live it.”

The global community has taken note. According to Al-Ekhbariya News, the World Health Organization publicly commended ��������’s initiative, praising its scale and the crown prince’s leadership in fostering a culture of voluntary blood donation.

With donation centers across the Kingdom continuing to receive volunteers, health leaders say the campaign has already proved that when leadership and citizens unite, the outcome is measured not in numbers, but in lives saved.

RIYADH: ��������’s National Curriculum Center has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of educational content for the upcoming academic year, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. 

The update introduces new subjects including Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; Tourism and Hospitality; Fashion, Art and Design’ and First Aid — a “strategic modernization effort aligning with Saudi Vision 2030,” according to the SPA.

The new curricula were developed through partnerships with key ministries and authorities, and “prioritize critical thinking and technical competencies while integrating innovative teaching methods.” 

The framework extends learning beyond classrooms into daily school activities including assemblies and national celebrations, “creating a holistic educational ecosystem,” the SPA wrote.  

Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, CEO of the NCC, told the SPA that these changes represent a fundamental shift. 

He said: “The curriculum is no longer confined to textbooks, but encompasses all student experiences, positioning books as just one tool within a broader educational environment.”

The AI curriculum for secondary electives, developed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies along with the Saudi Data and AI Authority, “employs self-learning to build digital-era skills.” 

The Cybersecurity elective — created with the National Cybersecurity Authority — trains students in digital protection for themselves and their devices.  

Tourism studies, developed with the Ministry of Tourism, now teach sustainable tourism principles and event management. 

For female secondary students, the Fashion Art and Design elective covers global design fundamentals while developing practical marketing and supplier-engagement skills.  

A new First Aid curriculum developed with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority prepares students to handle medical emergencies including burns and cardiac events.  

Chinese instruction will expand to the second intermediate grade after last year’s rollout, with more than 70 private schools joining the program, which will expand in phases through to 2029. 

English courses for grades five and six now feature interactive stories to develop language skills alongside critical thinking.  

New teaching guides include a structured Qur’anic studies manual compatible with the Madrasati platform and a Nursery Stage guide promoting play-based learning. The latter includes family engagement manuals, recognizing parents as active partners in early education.  

Student activities now formally integrate citizenship programs, science competitions (including AI challenges), sports, and cultural arts such as heritage design during non-instructional time.  

The NCC will continue to set up private-sector collaborations to “license international content and ensure timely textbook distribution,” the SPA added.