200 Saudis Honoured With King Abdulaziz Medal for Organ Donation

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has authorised the presentation of the King Abdulaziz Medal of Third Class to 200 Saudi citizens in recognition of their life-saving contributions to organ donation, either during their lifetime or following brain death. The decision reflects a national commitment to advancing organ transplantation and honouring those who play a critical role in saving lives.

According to the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SCOT), 1,706 organ donations were carried out in 2024, representing a 4.9% increase from the previous year. Of these, 1,284 were kidney transplants and 422 were liver transplants. The number of deceased donors also grew, with 393 organs transplanted from individuals after brain death—a 12.3% rise compared to 2023.

Public participation has also expanded significantly. The number of individuals who registered their intent to donate organs after death through the Tawakkalna app reached 540,346 by the end of 2024. The government continues to encourage citizens to join the donor registry, citing the transformative impact one donor can have on multiple lives.

The King Abdulaziz Medal, awarded by royal decree, is one of the Kingdom’s highest civilian honours. By bestowing it on organ donors, the Kingdom aims to promote a culture of medical generosity and raise awareness of the importance of posthumous and living organ donation.