UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center

The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visited the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visited the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
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Updated 18 February 2025
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UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center

UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center
  • Peter Kyle meets medical team responsible for world’s first fully robotic heart transplant
  • Visit follows global recognition of KFSHRC’s medical standing, groundbreaking innovations

RIYADH: The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visited the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Peter Kyle was shown the hospital’s cardiac facilities, which have pioneered advancements in cardiac care and medical innovation.

Kyle visited the Heart Center of Excellence, where he observed cutting-edge technologies and medical breakthroughs that have positioned KFSHRC as a global leader in specialized healthcare.

He was received by Dr. Hani Al-Sergani, the center's executive director, and his deputy, Prof. Feras Khaliel.

The British official met with the medical team responsible for the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, a landmark achievement led by Khaliel.

Kyle also reviewed the latest advancements in minimally invasive organ transplantation, which reduce surgical risks and improve patient recovery times.

His visit follows the international recognition of KFSHRC’s medical milestones, particularly after the groundbreaking robotic heart transplant.

KFSHRC ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region and 15th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for the second consecutive year.

It was also named the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance 2025, and was included in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025 list.


Saudi attorney general OKs inclusion of meth among major crimes that warrant arrest

Saudi attorney general OKs inclusion of meth among major crimes that warrant arrest
Updated 14 March 2025
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Saudi attorney general OKs inclusion of meth among major crimes that warrant arrest

Saudi attorney general OKs inclusion of meth among major crimes that warrant arrest
  • The criminal descriptions mean the crime of using crystal meth and crimes related to it, including possession, smuggling, bringing, receiving, obtaining, purchasing, or transporting

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s attorney general, Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib, has approved the inclusion of all criminal descriptions related to the substance methamphetamine among the major crimes in the Kingdom that warrant arrest.

Sheikh Saud’s decision, dated March 1, 2025, comes within the framework of national efforts to combat drugs and limit their spread, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The criminal descriptions referred to in the decision mean the crime of using crystal meth and crimes related to it, including possession, smuggling, bringing, receiving, obtaining, purchasing, or transporting, if the intent is for personal use or consumption, as well as the crime of attempting to manufacture the banned substance, said the report.

Methamphetamine — also known as shabu, crystal meth, or “poor man’s cocaine” —  has been found to be harmful to health, causing serious psychological and behavioral disorders and contributing to the rise in crime and violence rates.

As such, the scourge has to be dealt with firmly in accordance with deterrent legislation and decisions, the report said. 

While the law against drug trafficking and drug abuse is harsh, it also allows for reform and rehabilitation.

Article 42 of the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law stipulates that “the user of narcotic or psychotropic substances shall be granted the opportunity to receive treatment without legal accountability, by not filing a lawsuit against the user, user, or addict, if he or one of his relatives comes forward intending to receive treatment, provided that he hands over the narcotic or psychotropic substances in his possession, if any, or provides information about their location,” the report noted.


Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally
Updated 14 March 2025
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Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Yazeed Al Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia, at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

After winning the title in the cars category, Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi to accomplish the feat in the rally, one of the world's most prestigious motorsports championship.

The Crown Prince congratulated Al-Rajhi on winning a tough competition, featuring a number of prominent international competitors. He emphasized that the achievement should serve as motivation for Saudi athletes to continue developing their skills for future success.

Al-Rajhi thanked the Crown Prince for the gesture.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, attended the reception.

Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.


Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 
Updated 14 March 2025
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Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on behalf King Salman, received newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors to a number of countries.

The ambassadors took oath of office before the crown prince at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, attended the ceremony.


Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 
Updated 14 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency said early Friday.

The crown prince affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting all efforts to facilitate dialogue and achieve a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

President Putin renewed his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom for its constructive efforts and endeavors.

The two leaders also reviewed ways to boost bilateral cooperation.


Masjid Al-Fas’h in Madinah meticulously restored

Masjid Al-Fas’h in Madinah meticulously restored
Updated 14 March 2025
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Masjid Al-Fas’h in Madinah meticulously restored

Masjid Al-Fas’h in Madinah meticulously restored
  • Believed to be where Prophet Muhammad prayed
  • Revamped under King Salman restoration project

RIYADH: A historical gem nestled at the foot of Mount Uhud, north of Madinah, Al-Fas’h Mosque stands as a reminder of the Battle of Uhud, a pivotal moment in Islamic history.

This has a special place in the history of Islam because it is also where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have prayed, and attracts visitors from around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Historian Dr. Fouad Al-Maghamsi highlighted Al-Fas’h Mosque’s significance within the wider historical landscape of Uhud, which includes Jabal Al-Rumah and Wadi Qanat.

Al-Fas’h Mosque’s proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah. (Photo courtesy: welcomesaudi.com) 

Known as Uhud Mosque or Sha’b Al-Jerar Mosque, Al-Fas’h has been meticulously preserved and restored.

“The remnants of Al-Fas’h Mosque, enclosed by a roughly 1-meter-high stone wall on three sides, measure 6 meters in length and 4 meters in width,” said Al-Maghamsi.

He added that this landmark, constructed with resilient black stones, has endured through centuries and undergone numerous restorations, most recently under the reign of King Salman, as part of a broader initiative to revitalize historical sites.

The mosque’s simple yet distinctive architecture features a rectangular prayer space and a mihrab crafted from red bricks.

Al-Fas’h Mosque’s proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah. (Photo courtesy: welcomesaudi.com)

Recent restoration efforts, overseen by the Saudi Heritage Commission, have introduced a wooden roof, a floor of artistically arranged yellow natural stones, paved surrounding areas, seating, and informative signage.

The mosque’s location, approximately 4.5 km north of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi or the Prophet’s Mosque, places it in the heart of an area rich with Islamic heritage.

Its proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah.