The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has approved the conferment of the King Abdulaziz Medal (Third Class) upon 200 male and female citizens in recognition of their significant humanitarian act.

The honour shall be bestowed upon individuals who donated their organs either during their lifetime or after brain death.

The latest Royal Order forms part of continuing national measures under which citizens who grant the gift of life receive tribute. Over the past four years, King Salman has conferred the prestigious decoration upon more than 2,500 citizens for their life-saving services.

A recently broadcast television report highlighted the ongoing national campaign, illustrating how the Kingdom commends the exceptional sacrifices of citizens and bereaved families, while promoting a culture of organ donation across the country.

A marked rise in public participation and awareness in Saudi Arabia’s organ donation programme was recorded in May 2021, when King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formally registered themselves as organ donors.

The National Donor Programme operates under the Saudi Centre for Organ Transplantation. King Salman played a pivotal role in 1984 in establishing its predecessor to alleviate the suffering of patients afflicted with kidney disease. The programme was subsequently expanded to include heart, liver, lung and other organ transplants, providing renewed hope to patients facing end-stage organ failure.

To further encourage participation, Saudi Arabia’s national application, Tawakkalna, incorporates a digital recognition system. Registered donors display gold, silver or bronze badges on their profiles, offering moral support and public acknowledgement of their contribution.