The procedure took place at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, which operates under the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. The medical achievement marks another milestone for the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has gained international recognition for its humanitarian medical work.

According to the official statement, the surgery duration was reduced to five hours due to the absence of shared intestines between the twins. The medical team decided to expedite the procedure because of Azura’s critical heart condition, which required immediate and precise medical attention.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who headed the surgical team, confirmed that the twins arrived in Saudi Arabia on July 28 for evaluation and treatment. Al-Rabeeah, an adviser at the royal court and head of the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, said that the surgery was carefully planned after detailed medical assessments and consultations.

The twins were joined at the lower chest, abdomen, and liver, with possible sharing of intestines and the pericardium. These factors made the operation highly complex and required advanced medical coordination across several specialties.

One of the twins, Azura, had significant congenital heart defects, with her heart muscle functioning at only 20 percent capacity. This presented a major surgical challenge and heightened the risks associated with the operation.

Before the procedure, Dr. Al-Rabeeah explained the risks to the twins’ mother, who consented to the surgery after understanding the medical details and potential outcomes.

The operation was originally estimated to take about nine hours, divided into six major surgical stages. It involved a team of 25 specialized staff members, including experts in pediatric surgery, anesthesia, plastic surgery, and nursing. However, due to efficient coordination and the absence of shared intestines, the surgery was completed faster than anticipated.

Following the successful separation, both children were placed under intensive post-operative care to monitor their recovery and organ function. The medical team continues to assess their condition closely, ensuring that both twins remain stable and respond positively to treatment.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah noted that this operation was the 67th successful separation conducted by the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program since its establishment more than 35 years ago. Over this period, the program has provided medical care and surgical interventions for 152 pairs of twins from 28 countries across different regions of the world.

He emphasized that the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian medical work continues to strengthen global health cooperation. The program not only demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s advanced medical capabilities but also its role in offering hope and life-saving support to families in need worldwide.

The family of Azaria and Azura expressed their gratitude to King Salman and the Kingdom’s leadership for the care and hospitality provided throughout their stay. They also extended appreciation to KSrelief for facilitating the process and to the entire medical team for their skill, compassion, and dedication.

The successful surgery highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing medical expertise in complex pediatric operations and its leading position in specialized healthcare programs. It also underscores the Kingdom’s humanitarian mission to support families regardless of nationality, reinforcing its reputation as a global center for advanced medical excellence and charity-driven healthcare.

The twins are now in recovery under continuous medical supervision. The Saudi medical team remains optimistic about their rehabilitation and long-term health outcomes, marking another milestone in the Kingdom’s ongoing contributions to global humanitarian medicine.

The campaigns, spearheaded by the Ebsar Foundation, aim to promote public awareness about eye health, encourage early detection of vision problems, and empower individuals with visual impairments to live independently and confidently.

Amal Al-Hunaiti, CEO of the Ebsar Foundation, emphasized that the organization is working tirelessly to educate the public on the importance of regular eye check-ups, preventive care, and early treatment.

“Our goal is not just to treat vision loss, but to foster understanding, compassion, and inclusion for those who are visually impaired,” she said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Empowering Families and Building Awareness

As part of its October initiatives, Ebsar launched a special training program for mothers of visually impaired children, recognizing their vital role in nurturing confidence, education, and independence among their children.

The program equips parents with the knowledge and tools needed to better understand visual disabilities and support their children’s personal development from an early age.

Al-Hunaiti highlighted that empowering families is a cornerstone of sustainable inclusion. “When parents are informed and supported, children grow up feeling capable and valued. This is the foundation of an inclusive society,” she said.

Inclusion Through Community Engagement

Beyond education, the foundation has organized recreational outings and public engagement events for young blind people across the Kingdom.

These activities aim to build community bonds while teaching the wider public how to interact respectfully and confidently with visually impaired individuals.

Such initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of creating a society that welcomes all abilities, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for social inclusion and accessibility.

Participants have described these experiences as both enjoyable and transformative.

Through sports, cultural visits, and community activities, blind youth gain a sense of belonging and empowerment, while the public learns to see beyond disability — focusing instead on talent, capability, and shared humanity.

Health Awareness and Global Engagement

In addition to community programs, Ebsar Foundation will represent Saudi Arabia at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh later this month.

This participation reaffirms the Kingdom’s growing role as a regional leader in eye health advocacy, promoting innovation, education, and access to quality care for all.

Experts at the foundation emphasize that most causes of blindness are preventable if detected early.

Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts can often be managed effectively with timely diagnosis and treatment. Ebsar’s campaigns encourage routine eye screenings, especially for older adults and individuals with chronic conditions.

Saudi Vision 2030 and Humanitarian Commitment

These awareness efforts align closely with the Vision 2030 National Transformation Program, which prioritizes the health, well-being, and inclusion of all citizens.

Through partnerships with government health authorities, schools, and non-profit organizations, Saudi Arabia is creating a more inclusive and health-conscious society where everyone — regardless of ability — can participate equally.

By highlighting the importance of both medical care and social integration, Ebsar Foundation’s initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to humanitarian progress and community solidarity.

The campaigns send a powerful message: sight is a gift worth protecting, and inclusion is a responsibility worth embracing.

As World Sight Day and White Cane Safety Day unfold, Saudi Arabia continues to shine as a beacon of awareness and compassion — ensuring that every citizen, regardless of visual ability, is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.