More than 20,000 people participated in the Alkhobar carnival on Saturday for its "Let's keep it on" or "Kllona Noheeha" campaign, which aims to increase the prevalence of organ donations. The campaign has been lauded by the Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif, who has ordered that it be launched in all parts of the province. The campaign was organized by the organ donation organization Ithar in cooperation with the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation in Riyadh.

Arab News attended the campaign and witnessed many visitors from different places, noting the presence of not only Saudis but also expatriates. However, some foreign residents did not appear to know what was going on. Speaking to Arab News, Waheed from Pakistan said: " I don't know what is this gathering all about but I think there are some celebrations going on."

Arab News briefed such foreigners about the meaning of the carnival. After one expatriate realized what the event was about, he said: "Wow, this is amazing. I would like to register my name and donate my organs."

Another expatriate said that "there should be signs and literature in English. This will help even more people to register.”

Sixty government agencies participated in the campaign and helped organize the carnival. These included the Eastern Province police and traffic police, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, the Civil Defense, local hospitals, the National Guard. Over 400 volunteer students paticipated.

Abdulaziz Al-Turki, chairman of donation organization and supervisor of the campaign, said the the campaign will run for 20 days and will be organized in all parts of the Eastern Province. He added: “We appreciate the efforts of government agencies who participated in the event to make it a success."

Dr. Hassan Alknani, coordinator for the Saudi Centre for Organ Transplantation, said that there are 15,000 people who need organ transplantation in the Kingdom today, and he lauded Ithar for its awareness-raising efforts and support in reaching people who are suffering.