Saving lives: Unsung heroes of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority race to the rescue

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Paramedics carry an injured man into an ambulance. (AN photo)
Updated 10 March 2019
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Saving lives: Unsung heroes of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority race to the rescue

  • Arab News spent a week with the unsung heroes of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority to get a better understanding of their work and the problems they face

RIYADH: Khan was 43 years old. His sponsor had asked him to go to get dinner and come back. But he never did. Instead, when he stepped away from the sport utility vehicle (SUV) he was driving in Diriyah, he suffered a massive heart attack.
A few kilometers away, an emergency call was received at the 997-emergency communications center for “an unconscious man in a car.”
Within a couple of minutes, Badr Mohammed BinSalma and Abdulkarim Hajjed Al-Salmi, of paramedic station unit 90 in Al-Malqa, received the call.
Jumping into their new ambulance, they switched on the lights and sirens and raced along at speed of up to 160km per hour, only slowing down when going through red lights.
Arriving at the scene, they found Khan, a heavy-set Pakistani man, motionless on his back. He was surrounded by two police officers and about 40 spectators. His color was somewhat pale and blue and, when checked, he had no pulse.
“He’s dead,” a police officer told the paramedics in a matter-of-fact manner. “He’s been here for an hour.”
Undaunted, they connected their state-of-the-art defibrillator to him. As it analyzed the state of his heart, they stepped back, expecting the computer-controlled device to give the “stand clear” warning before delivering an electric shock to his heart. Instead, the machine said, “Shock, not advised. Initiate CPR.”
But it was too late for CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). “There was nothing we could do for him,” BinSalma said after he had covered the man with a sheet.

“What should have happened was that the moment he fell, someone should have begun CPR until we arrived,” Al-Salmi said.
Sadly, that is not what happened at all, and Khan’s life ended at the age of 43 in front of his favorite restaurant, with dozens looking on.
That lack of knowledge, or arguably, education, on the part of the general public in not knowing what to do in an emergency, and not knowing how to differentiate between what an emergency is and what is not, was glaringly obvious during the week Arab News spent with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA).
On average, the SRCA receives 15,000 to 22,000 callouts per month. “People do not know how to differentiate between what is an emergency and what is not,” BinSalma said. “They also don’t understand the true purpose of the ambulance.”
While with the SRCA, Arab News attended 15 callouts, of which only four truly required an ambulance. Some of the calls bordered on the ridiculous. One callout was for a man in his 30s who was reportedly unconscious in a car.
As Al-Salmi and BinSalma raced across their sector with sirens blaring, running red lights, foremost on their mind during this urgent response was the memory of Khan who had died a couple of hours earlier. On arrival, they found that the report they received was not entirely accurate as they realized that their 30-year-old patient was completely conscious. He only had flu and cough.
BinSalma asked the man if he had lost consciousness or had vomited, had diarrhea or a fever. The answer was “no” to all the questions.
The man had gone to the hospital an hour earlier and was given a prescription. He took the medication but did not feel better and decided to call an ambulance to see if they could do something for him.We are lucky he did not ask us for a ride to the hospital,” Al-Salmi said. “The SRCA does not deny anyone transport to the hospital, so people call an ambulance when they have an appointment at the hospital and want a free ride to get there. They also call an ambulance when they want to go to the emergency room, but do not want to wait their turn.
“Some even call for an ambulance because they feel lonely and have no one to talk to. That happened a few times.”
BinSalma and Al-Salmi once received a callout for a woman-in-labor call, only to arrive to find that the woman had called 997 because her cat was having kittens and she did not know what to do.
“We told her to just pet the cat and let nature take its course,” BinSalma explained. “Some encounters with the public are laughable. You know, sometimes teenagers pull up alongside the ambulance, get our attention, and then ask us for an ice cream cone. I guess in their mind, the ambulance looks like an ice cream truck. That has happened a few times.”
Due to fact that paramedic services are free of charge in Saudi Arabia, coupled with the fact that paramedics are not allowed to deny a request to be transported to a hospital, there will likely be no downturn in the number of calls that are a complete waste of time, effort and resources. They do not mind being called out for a man with sniffles, but it does keep them and the ambulance they are assigned from attending to a true emergency that could befall anyone, while they are attending to a waste of time.
Both BinSalma and Al-Salmi are “paramedic specialists” who had to study four years to achieve that qualification. They both have seven years of experience in the medical field and are at one of the highest certification levels that internationally accredited paramedics can achieve. They are just two of hundreds of emergency first responders in the Kingdom who can handle any emergency medical situation, and are employed by the SRCA.
Every emergency response ambulance in the Kingdom is staffed by two specialist paramedics, and critical care ambulances are staffed by one specialist and a doctor.
“In the city of Riyadh, there are 45 paramedics stations and another 55 stations throughout the Riyadh region along the motorways, stationed approximately 50km apart outside the city, said Abdullah Al-Muraibid, head of media at the SRCA in Riyadh. “Each is staffed by four paramedics specialists and a doctor at all times.”
Al-Muraibid is a specialist paramedic and field supervisor himself who has been with the SRCA for 15 years.
“As part of the SRCA’s continuous upgrade and development plan, more centers are being built to serve the public, and ambulances are being constantly upgraded and being fitted with the latest in emergency medical technology. As soon as new technology is available, we get it.”
Al-Salmi and BinSalma’s ambulance was one of the SRCA’s 200 new Ford ambulances, which cost upward of half-a-million riyals each and are packed with the latest in emergency medical equipment. Al-Muaridib pointed to one defibrillator that monitors a patient’s cardiac condition, transmitting the electrocardiogram rhythm to the doctors waiting at the hospital for the patient to arrive, who then advise the paramedics in the ambulance on what should be done for the patient, based on the cardiac rhythm it is registering.
That device costs SR160,000 ($43,000), according to Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Edeeb, who is assigned to Al-Malqa Paramedic Center number 90.
“This type of defibrillator is on every SRCA emergency ambulance in service in the Kingdom, and there are hundreds of them,” he said.
On Feb. 28, a Thursday night, which happened to also be payday around the Kingdom, Arab News rode along with Ahmad Al-Asmari, one of four field operations supervisors in Riyadh.
Should there be a multiple-casualty incident, fire, or major injury accident in Riyadh, he is required to respond along with the dispatched ambulances.
As he responded to a call for a major motor vehicle collision, motorists could be seen tailgating the Toyota SUV he was driving to benefit from the clear path it created.
“People often tailgate the ambulance to beat traffic,” said Al-Asmari.
“It happens all the time when we’ve got the lights and sirens on and are making our way through traffic. Someone will get as close as a meter away from the ambulance’s rear and won’t let others get between him and the ambulance.”
Another problem is that many motorists are completely ignorant of what to do when there is an emergency vehicle approaching from behind with its lights flashing and siren blaring. Many motorists, with the ambulance on their tail, simply hit the brakes and slow down, not understanding that they should pull over to the right.
“There are also those that like to race us,” BinSalma said back at Al-Malqa paramedic station number 90. “They don’t understand that we are driving that way because someone’s life depends on it.”
Driving an ambulance is serious business, BinSalma added, saying that if motorists understood that not getting out of the way could result in someone’s death, they would be quick to move out of the ambulance’s path.
When asked what to do if you are at a red-light camera-controlled intersection and there is an ambulance behind you, BinSalma said you should give way to the ambulance. If you cross the line and you trigger the red-light cameras to get out of the ambulance’s path, no violation will be registered against you. Should one be registered against you, you can easily contest it and it will be removed from your record.
During the week that Arab News spent with the SRCA, at no time were paramedics observed using the flashing lights and sirens except when responding to a call or when transporting a patient to a hospital, as using the emergency indicators for any other reason constitutes a serious violation of SRCA rules and regulations.


Saudi Arabia condemns suicide attack on Syrian church

People and rescuers inspect the damage at the site of a reported suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus’ Dwelaa.
Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns suicide attack on Syrian church

  • Syria’s health ministry said an attack on a church in Damascus on Sunday killed 20 people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned a suicide attack on a church in Damascus that killed at least 20 people.

Syria’s interior ministry said in a statement that “a suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group entered the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of the capital Damascus where he opened fire then blew himself up with an explosive belt.”

The Foreign Ministry emphasized the Kingdom’s position rejecting the targeting of places of worship, the terrorizing of civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood.

It affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.


Sisterhood club at full throttle on the road to freedom

Updated 22 June 2025
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Sisterhood club at full throttle on the road to freedom

  • For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers

RIYADH: Young Saudi women are discovering a new freedom riding motorcycles on the streets of Riyadh, challenging stereotypes and fostering an empowering community.

The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, with its all-female membership, is at the forefront of this trend.

Founded in 2022 by Capt. Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles. 

“We wanted to break stereotypes and build a strong community that supports freedom, confidence, and sisterhood on and off the road,” Abdulsaud said.

This mission resonates deeply with women who have long felt restricted by societal norms and expectations, she added. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers. 

Joining the club is an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a lifestyle that celebrates adventure and camaraderie. The club seeks to encourage women to embrace their passions, while providing a supportive network for those who seek to share this journey. 
 
Abualsaud, a dentist and proud biker, explained her motivation for co-founding Sisterhood. “I wanted to create a space where women could feel both powerful and supported,” she said.

“As someone who always seeks adventure, riding became my way of feeling free and present. Building and leading this club wasn’t just about motorcycles — it was about making a statement that women can be bold, united, and unstoppable.” 

Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles.

“Owning a bike is not required to join. We welcome women at all levels, whether you’re an experienced rider, someone considering getting a license, or simply curious about the community,” Abdulsaud said.

This inclusive approach makes it easier for women to join without feeling intimidated, fostering a sense of belonging. 

Founded in 2022 by Captain Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles. (Supplied)

“I’ve always been passionate about adventurous hobbies. I ride horses and have loved ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) since childhood. So, when women were allowed to ride motorcycles, I jumped at the opportunity,” said club member Maisa Alhugaily.

“What drew me specifically to Sisterhood Club was the sense of community and empowerment it offers. I wanted to be part of a group that supports and uplifts women, while exploring something exciting and different.”

The club provides mentorship, safety training, and introductory riding experiences to ensure that new members can embark on their journeys with confidence. 

“What matters most is the spirit of adventure and respect for the community,” Abdulsaud said. This commitment to safety and education helps demystify the world of motorcycles, making it accessible to everyone. 

The importance of such clubs for Saudi women cannot be overstated, she believes.

“These clubs give Saudi women visibility, voice, and validation in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Riding a motorcycle in Saudi Arabia is more than a hobby — it’s a symbol of choice, strength, and movement.”

Sisterhood empowers women by offering them opportunities to lead, connect, travel, and inspire each other. 

This empowerment is crucial in a society where women are often expected to conform to traditional roles. The presence of female riders challenges stereotypes and encourages other women to explore their interests without feeling limited by societal expectations.

“It also helps normalize the presence of female riders in public, creating a ripple effect for future generations of girls to dream big without limitations,” Abdulsaud says. 

Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles. (Supplied)

Currently, Sisterhood organizes over 40 rides and has 260 active members from cities across Saudi Arabia. The community is steadily growing, with regular collaborations with riders from other Gulf countries. 

Abdulsaud said: “Sisterhood is not just a local club — it’s part of a larger movement.” This expansion reflects the increasing interest among women in pursuing activities that defy traditional gender roles. 

In addition to riding, the club engages in various events and interests that foster camaraderie and personal growth.

“We participate in local and regional motorcycle events, organize safety awareness workshops, community outreach rides, and even lifestyle gatherings like motorcycle fashion events, fitness classes, and off-road trips,” Abdulsaud said.

The wide range of activities encourages a lifestyle filled with empowerment, connection, and fun. 

Through the Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, Saudi women are not only discovering a passion for riding, but also building a supportive network that champions their dreams and aspirations. The club embodies a spirit of unity and strength, allowing women to pursue their passions unapologetically.

“We’re telling them, you have a place among us,” Abdulsaud said.

The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club is more than just a group of women who ride; it is a movement that signifies freedom, empowerment, and sisterhood. As these women continue to break barriers and redefine their roles in society, they are paving the way for future generations to ride boldly into their own destinies. 


Saudi interior minister meets outgoing UK ambassador in Riyadh

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi interior minister meets outgoing UK ambassador in Riyadh

  • Neil Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen
  • Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a ‘key, indispensable partner’

LONDON: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met Neil Crompton, the outgoing UK ambassador to Riyadh, in his office on Sunday.

Crompton bid farewell to Prince Abdulaziz as his tenure as ambassador ended. Prince Abdulaziz thanked Crompton for his service in the Kingdom and wished him success.

Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a “key, indispensable partner” to the UK.

“We have a shared history, and part of our shared history is recognition that Saudi Arabia is a key diplomatic partner, not just in the Arab world, but in the Islamic world. I think it has a neutral ability to bridge gaps both between east and west, and north and south,” Crompton said.


Saudi transport minister wraps up visit to Russia and France

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi transport minister wraps up visit to Russia and France

  • The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser was recently on an official visit to Russia and France along with his accompanying delegation of officials from the sector.

He participated in the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and its main session, which was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

In France, Al-Jasser attended the opening of the International Paris Air Show as well as a signing ceremony for an air services agreement between Saudi Arabia and Panama.

The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics.

 


Saudi project clears 1,243 mines in Yemen

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi project clears 1,243 mines in Yemen

  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,243 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,182 unexploded ordnances, 57 anti-tank mines and four anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 501,243 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.