Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso

Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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The Burkinabe twins at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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The Burkinabe twins at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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The Burkinabe twins at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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The Burkinabe twins at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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The Burkinabe twins at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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The Burkinabe twins at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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The Burkinabe twins at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah led the team in the separation of the Burkinabe conjoined twins. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah led the team in the separation of the Burkinabe conjoined twins. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah led the team in the separation of the Burkinabe conjoined twins. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Special Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
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Dr. Nezar Al-Zughaib, a member of the medical team in the separation of the Burkinabe conjoined twins. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
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Updated 03 March 2025
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Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso

Saudi doctors operate on conjoined twins from Burkina Faso
  • Kingdom’s leading program has separated 61 pairs of conjoined twins from around the world
  • Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah: I am optimistic that we will achieve the successful separation and we will also mark the continuation of this ambitious global program

RIYADH: The Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins began its 62nd operation this morning at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.

The twins, Awa (Hawa) and Kadidiata (Khadija) Dianda, first came to Riyadh on July 1 last year. They underwent diagnostic tests and screenings that revealed joining in the lower chest and abdomen, a shared pericardium (covering of the heart), liver and bowel.

A medical team of 26 specialists led by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser to the royal court and general supervisor of Saudi aid agency KSrelief, began the operation in accordance with directives from the Saudi leadership.

The Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins has been active for more than 34 years and has evaluated 146 cases of conjoined twins from 27 countries.

Speaking to Arab News, Al-Rabeeah said that in the case of the Diandas, extensive joining in the abdomen and chest convinced plastic surgeons to place tissue expanders (balloons under the skin) to expand the skin for three-and-a-half months before the operation.

The operation will be completed over five phases.

“I am optimistic that, God willing, we will be happy to achieve the successful separation with a success rate exceeding 80 percent and we will also mark the continuation of this ambitious and global program,” Al-Rabeeah said.

The case was brought to the Kingdom’s attention after the Dianda family contacted the Saudi Embassy in Burkina Faso.

“Every year we celebrate Nov. 24 as conjoined twin international day and this is because of what Saudi Arabia has done to care for those twins,” Al-Rabeeah said.

Each case of conjoined twins is different from the last; whichever organs or connected tissue are involved determines the difficulty of each case.

Al-Rabeeah classified the cases, generally, as either joined in the head (craniopagus), the chest (thoracopagus), abdomen (omphalopagus), pelvis (ischiopagus), or joined in the back (pygopagus).

Dr. Nezar Al-Zughaibi, one of the doctors on the Dianda medical team who has about 50 separation operations under his belt, spoke to Arab News about what goes through his mind before a procedure of this magnitude.

“It’s mixed feelings, between excitement, between anxiety. But the more you do of these cases, the more comfortable you feel,” he said.

“I’m working with a great team; Dr. Rabeeah is like our godfather. He just takes care of everybody on the team. We support each other.”

Once the children are separated, the hospital erupts into a cheerful and joyous atmosphere, especially after seeing the happy tears on the parents’ faces, Al-Zughaibi said.

Twins are cared for by the program before and after the operation, as Al-Rabeeah said that follow-up care can be just as, or more important, than the operation itself.

“The first set (of twins) that we have done, we are still following them … twins who have now exceeded 35 years of age,” he said.

“It is a lifelong follow-up.”

Al-Zughaibi said that sometimes — especially for those that stay longer — patients form long-term friendships and even familial bonds with the medical staff.

Physical and psychological rehabilitation are both required, including counseling for the families.

And in some cases, prosthetic fittings with the proper physical care and cosmetic surgeries could be needed.

Amid the wait for the results of the latest operation, Al-Zughaibi and the staff are hopeful of a positive result.

“I always say each case has its own identity and its own risks and surprises. But for now, this is going smoothly and we’ll keep our fingers crossed it will continue as is,” he said.


Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun
Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun
  • Tabletop games bring families together for unplugged fun and real connections

RIYADH: In a screen-saturated world where social interactions often shrink to notifications, analog fun is reshaping Saudi leisure. Board games, once dismissed as childish relics, are experiencing a revival across the Kingdom. Whether at home, in cafes, or at traditional majlis gatherings, Saudis are increasingly turning to tabletop games for fun, connection and cultural relevance.

What began as a simple form of entertainment during family nights or holidays has grown into a social phenomenon, with games like Jackaroo, Sequence and locally designed options such as Saudi Deal, Elaab Bel Khames (Play With Five), La Tagool (Don’t say), and Ensan, Hayawan, Khashaabalan (Person, Animal, Nonsense) now staples in Saudi homes.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“It became a trend because people miss real-life connection,” said Roaa Al-Johani. “Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.”

This sentiment is echoed across Saudi homes, where board games have moved from being a once-in-a-while pastime to an essential part of gatherings.

I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way.

Wojoud Aziz

“Board games are a big part of our culture now,” Al-Johani added. “You see them in cafes — some cafes are fully built around them. Every Saudi home probably has either a Jackaroo or a Carrom board, especially after the (pandemic) era.”

During the pandemic, with more people spending time at home and looking for ways to unplug from screens, tabletop games offered a low-tech yet highly engaging alternative.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

Al-Johani shared how her own family embraced this shift: “I come from a family that loves board games to the point that my grandpa has a Jackaroo board in his majlis and invites his friends and neighbors to play. It’s kind of how we bond — when we play, age doesn’t really matter.”

The appeal lies in the shared experience. Unlike video games, which are often isolating or limited to a few players, board games bring people together physically and emotionally.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“Even though I’m a hardcore gamer, I still prefer board games sometimes,” she said. “It’s really about the people you’re with — not just the game. The vibes, the laughs, the face-to-face time … it just feels more real.”

Norah Shobili, who recently tried Jackaroo, was similarly surprised by how engaging it was. “I used to think it was a kid’s game because they were the only ones playing it, but once I learned it, it was genuinely fun!”

People miss real-life connection. Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.

Roaa Al-Johani

More than the gameplay itself, Shobili highlighted the intergenerational aspect of local games. “‏Back when Monopoly was the trend, kids wouldn’t play with elderly, because they’re kids they don’t know how to play, but with Jackaroo you see the elders team up with the young ones because they’re very good!”

Wojoud Aziz said that Saudi-made games resonate deeply with local culture: “They speak our language — literally. The humor, the names, the style — it all feels like home. You can tell they’re made by people who understand our culture and how we hang out.”

According to Aziz, board games are now a fixture in Saudi social life. “They weren’t always this big, but now? They’re part of the plan. I always see people playing them during family gatherings or chill hangouts.

“It gets super competitive but in a fun way, and everyone’s into it — even those who don’t usually play games.”

While most local games focus on fun, she believes there is more to them than meets the eye. “Some games really push you to focus, plan ahead and even read other players’ vibes. It’s low-key educational, too, but without making it feel like school, you know?”

The social value of these games is clear. “Board games have the advantage of being present with your family — if not verbally then at least physically,” Shobili said. “The whole family in one room, and as long as whoever you call will answer, that’s more than enough to spend quality time for me. It’s more about being there rather than doing something or talking.”

She also believes that Saudi game developers can take creative liberties, as long as they do not lose what matters most. “As long as they preserve the spirit of gatherings — being able to play as a big group regardless of age — they can develop however they want.”

That inclusivity is crucial. “Not all international games are translatable,” she said.

Looking ahead, both players and creators hope to see more storytelling and cultural depth in locally made games. “I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way,” Aziz said. “Something that mixes nostalgia with creativity — and hopefully goes global.”

As Saudis seek richer, more engaging ways to connect with friends and family, board games have become more than just entertainment — they are a bridge between generations, a spark for laughter, and a reason to put phones down and just be present.

 


The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans

The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans
Updated 19 April 2025
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The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans

The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans
  • As Saudi Arabia’s economy grew and diversified, many goldsmiths pivoted from hands-on crafting

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province has, historically, been a hub for the making of gold jewelry. Families in Al-Ahsa and Qatif have been passing down this intricate art for centuries, forging the region’s cultural identity and fueling its commerce.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid the Kingdom’s economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Mohammed Al-Hamad, former head of the Gold and Jewelry Committee at the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared insights into the historical development of this profession in an interview with the SPA.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid  economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft. (SPA)

Al-Hamad comes from a long line of jewelry manufacturers and gold traders. He described the traditional methods of shaping gold using rudimentary tools to create distinctive jewelry. He explained that the traditional goldsmithing process began with melting gold in a crucible over hot coals using a leather bellows, followed by shaping it with a hammer and anvil, the essential tools of the trade.

According to Al-Hamad, early goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops, selling their creations, and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons.

Some even traveled extensively to trade in used gold, silver, and the gold embroidery of traditional cloaks (bisht), using scales and traditional weight measurements before the widespread adoption of the gram system.

FASTFACT

Early Saudi goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons.

Transactions were often based on trust, with gold frequently sold on credit or entrusted to the goldsmith for repair or modification.

Al-Hamad recalled that, as a child, he accompanied his father to purchase a 10-tola gold ingot —about 116 grams — for SR 600, a hefty sum back then.

He also mentioned a remarkable relic of the craft’s storied past — a legal document more than 200 years old recording the sale of a gold sandal, a testament to the artistry’s deep roots in the Eastern Province.

Artisans, he said, often crafted their own specialized tools and displayed their finished pieces in a traditional box known as a matbakah.

As Saudi Arabia’s economy grew and diversified, many goldsmiths pivoted from hands-on crafting. Some opened shops, workshops, or even factories, while others pursued opportunities in national companies or government positions.

Al-Hamad sees his generation as a bridge, connecting the days of pure handcrafting to a new era of gold trading and specialized workshops.

Jaafar Al-Nasser, a young electrical engineering graduate from the US, chose to carry forward his family’s goldsmithing legacy, the SPA reported.

He has built a factory packed with cutting-edge technology. Al-Nasser said that the gold and jewelry industry has transformed dramatically, shaped by economic, cultural, and social shifts, particularly greater exposure to international cultures.

This change has sparked customer demand for unique designs, encouraging jewelers to use advanced machinery to innovate.

Al-Nasser said soaring gold prices have hit the industry hard. Larger pieces are costlier to craft, pushing designers to create lightweight jewelry. This focus on minimal weight is a core goal for today’s manufacturers, he noted — a delicate balance of artistry and practicality driving this traditional craft forward.

 


Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation

Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation
Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation

Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation
  • The two sides discussed opportunities for developing partnerships in various transportation activities

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser met Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir recently in NEOM.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities for developing partnerships in various transportation activities, along with exchanging expertise in infrastructure, port connectivity and facilitating trade exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Egyptian minister’s visit included a series of meetings and sessions, along with a meeting with officials in NEOM, where future projects were reviewed, and cooperation opportunities in maritime transport and modern technologies were explored.

 


Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival

Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival
Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival

Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival
  • The commission’s goal is to promote Saudi films and local talent and demonstrate the growth of the Kingdom’s film industry, while fostering collaboration with Chinese and Asian film sectors

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission is taking part in the Beijing International Film Festival, being held in the Chinese capital from April 19-22.

Its presence reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding the global presence of Saudi cinema, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Launched in 2011, the Beijing International Film Festival is a leading event in Asia and globally, promoting cultural exchange and cinematic dialogue.

There is a Saudi pavilion for the commission and its partners, offering a platform to engage with visitors and filmmakers and emphasizing creative and investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

The program also features a special screening of “Norah,” which highlights local talent and the richness of Saudi Arabia’s artistic content.

The commission’s goal is to promote Saudi films and local talent and demonstrate the growth of the Kingdom’s film industry, while fostering collaboration with Chinese and Asian film sectors.

It also aims to position Saudi Arabia as a key destination for filmmakers and expand international partnerships, with the hope of cementing its place on the global cinema map.

 


Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis
Updated 19 April 2025
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Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis
  • The session included participation from several high school students
  • Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology

RIYADH: King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh hosted a scientific discussion featuring Japanese professor Sumio Iijima, the discoverer of carbon nanotubes and recipient of the 2025 King Faisal Prize in Science.
The session included participation from several high school students, along with various scientists and specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was part of the center’s initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between scientists and younger generations, and inspiring students to engage in scientific research and innovation.
During the session, Iijima shared his academic journey and the early challenges he faced, discussing the motivations that led him to discover carbon nanotubes using an electron microscope.
Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology. His efforts established a new field in solid-state physics and materials science.
The discussion also addressed the importance of nanomaterials for future applications and their use in diverse fields such as electronics, energy storage and biomedicine. His discovery laid the foundation for countless technological innovations in the 21st century.
Iijima answered numerous questions related to scientific research and offered advice and encouragement to those interested in science and technology.
King Salman Science Oasis is a leading national initiative dedicated to promoting scientific culture and stimulating creativity and innovation across all segments of society.