In a humanitarian scene that embodies the sustainability of care and attention that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gives to its patients, the Advisor to the Royal Court, General Supervisor of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid, and Head of the Medical and Surgical Team for Siamese Twin Separation Operations, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, met today (Monday) with the Polish twins “Olga and Daria”, at the center’s headquarters in the capital, Riyadh, 21 years after the success of their separation operation.

The story of the Polish twins dates back more than two decades, when they underwent a delicate and complex separation surgery at King Abdulaziz Medical City of the National Guard in Riyadh. The surgery was a complete success, transforming their lives from conjoined and suffering to independence and a normal life. This meeting underscores the deep human bonds that develop between the Kingdom and the beneficiaries of its pioneering medical program, bonds that do not end with the completion of treatment.

During the meeting, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah stressed that the successive successes and prestigious global reputation achieved by the Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins would not have been possible without God’s grace and the generous and unlimited support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who give great attention to humanitarian and medical work.

During his speech, Al-Rabeeah reviewed the program's impressive track record, noting that over the past 35 years, it has become an international benchmark and a destination for all those seeking hope in treatment, both within the Kingdom and abroad. The program has cared for 155 sets of conjoined twins and performed 67 successful separation surgeries for twins from 28 countries around the world, reflecting the Kingdom's noble mission that transcends geographical boundaries and ethnic differences to reach humanity wherever it may be.

For their part, Olga and Daria expressed their deep gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, government and people, and to Dr. Al-Rabeeah and the specialized medical team, stressing that this surgical operation was like a new birth for them, and a fundamental turning point that enabled them to live with complete independence and achieve their personal ambitions, noting that the Kingdom will always remain in their memory as a second homeland that gave them life and hope.

This event is tangible evidence of the Kingdom’s leadership in the medical and humanitarian field, as Riyadh has become a global capital for twin separation operations, which enhances the Kingdom’s soft power and highlights its pivotal role in alleviating human suffering and its leading position in the international humanitarian scene according to the highest global standards and classifications.

As part of the extensive preparations to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan, the General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina has announced the official schedule for Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers at the Two Holy Mosques during the holy month of Ramadan this year, 1447 AH. This announcement comes in response to the aspirations of millions of Muslims worldwide who eagerly anticipate and yearn for the spiritual atmosphere of the Two Holy Mosques during this blessed month.

List of Imams of the Grand Mosque in Ramadan 1447 AH

The approved schedule for the Grand Mosque included a selection of reciters and sheikhs whose voices are deeply ingrained in the memories and devotion of worshippers. The list included:

• His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais.
• His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Juhaini.
• His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Yasser Al-Dosari.
• His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Bandar Balila.
• Sheikh Badr Al-Turki.

Their Eminences will take turns leading the worshippers in the Tarawih and Tahajjud prayers according to the schedule set by the Presidency, to ensure a humble and spiritual experience for the worshippers.

Imams of the Prophet's Mosque

Within the precincts of the Prophet's Mosque (peace and blessings be upon him), the Presidency approved a schedule that includes a group of distinguished sheikhs to lead the prayers, namely:

• His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Qasim.
• Sheikh Salah Al-Budair.
• Sheikh Abdullah Al-Qarafi.
• Sheikh Khalid Al-Hana.
• Sheikh Muhammad Barhaji.

In addition to a number of other sheikhs who will participate in reviving the nights of the holy month in Medina.

Operational plan: 7 strategic objectives to serve visitors

The General Presidency for Religious Affairs' preparations are not limited to scheduling; they are based on a comprehensive operational plan announced last Thursday. This plan for Ramadan 1447 AH rests on seven key strategic objectives, all aimed at enhancing the message of the Two Holy Mosques.

These objectives revolve around enhancing and enriching the religious and spiritual experience of pilgrims, with a focus on disseminating and teaching the Holy Quran and the purified Sunnah of the Prophet. The plan also places great emphasis on consolidating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's religious standing and its global leadership in serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.

Digital transformation and the global message

In light of rapid technological advancements, the Presidency, as part of its plan, emphasized the importance of harnessing modern technologies and digital transformation to spread guidance and enhance communication with Muslims across the globe. This includes leadership in translation and language services to ensure that the tolerant message of Islam, based on moderation and balance, reaches all visitors and pilgrims in their various languages.

This great and meticulous attention to the details of the schedule and operational plan reflects the keenness of the wise leadership and concerned authorities to provide the utmost comfort and reassurance to the guests of God, so that they may perform their rituals in an atmosphere full of tranquility and reverence during the holy month.