Saudis urged to donate blood as pandemic hits stock levels worldwide

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Health authorities are seeking to encourage more people to give blood. (Supplied)
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Updated 06 February 2022
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Saudis urged to donate blood as pandemic hits stock levels worldwide

  • Survey shows lockdowns, misinformation and a lack of knowledge widened the gap between demand and supply
  • Health experts want healthy Saudis to donate blood to help boost stock levels affected by pandemic restrictions

JEDDAH: Health systems the world over have been stretched to their absolute limits by successive waves of COVID-19, which have resulted in crowded hospitals, delayed medical procedures, and doctors and nurses becoming exhausted and overstretched.

A secondary consequence of the global health emergency has been the depletion of blood stocks required for life-saving transfusions, use during surgeries, and to treat medical conditions such as anemia, cancer and blood disorders.

Lockdown measures and strict controls on attending hospitals have prevented many people from donating blood. Even when restrictions have been lifted, COVID-19 infections and the fear of infection have kept a swathe of potential donors at home. 




Prince Salman, as Governor of Riyadh, donates blood in the 1980s. (SPA)

Faced with the resulting shortages, health authorities in Saudi Arabia are keen to boost the Kingdom’s blood stock levels, which need to be constantly replenished to meet demand.

“There is an increased need for blood. (The situation has) worsened around the world due to the pandemic. The call is constant,” Dr. Maha Badawi, a hematology consultant and the director of blood transfusion services at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, told Arab News.

“COVID-19 negatively impacted blood supply globally and the problem was due to several factors. Although COVID-19 isn’t transmitted by blood, COVID-19-positive patients and individuals who were exposed to positive cases were required to isolate for periods of time to curb the spread of the infection.

“Another impact was the social-distancing measures. Mass campaigns and initiatives were suspended, restricting the number of donors in turn.” 




Raising public awareness and encouraging more donors to come forward is one of the many ways to keep the Kingdom’s blood banks adequately supplied. (SPA)

As a result, Saudi Arabia is now experiencing a shortage of type O in its stocks of red blood cells, and type AB in plasma stocks.

A retrospective study by King Abdullah Hospital in Bisha revealed a 39.5 percent decrease in donations to blood banks during the pandemic. Demand for blood also decreased during the same period, by 21.7 percent, probably as a result of the many surgeries that had to be canceled.

A study titled Awareness About Coronavirus and Challenges for Blood Services among Potential Blood Donors, published in 2021 in the medical journal Transfusion and Apheresis Science, used survey data drawn from a cross-section of the Saudi population to assess the factors that had prevented people from donating blood.

It found that social-distancing measures, misinformation about ways in which the disease can be transmitted, and a lack of knowledge among potential blood donors may have contributed to the prevalence of missed or postponed donations.

The majority of people surveyed said they were concerned about the virus being transmitted during the blood-donation process. Others were worried about coming into contact with fellow donors. 




Maintaining ample blood stocks is an essential part of the preparations for responding to major incidents, such as natural disasters. (SPA)

The authors of the study advised health authorities to promote better donor education, encourage at-risk donors to defer donations, facilitate physical-distancing measures, and enforce the use of personal protective equipment to protect donors and medical staff.

In the face of these concerns, campaigns have been launched in the Kingdom to reassure the public and encourage them to donate blood.

“The need is constant and each hospital blood bank requires a continuous flow to maintain its daily stock, depending on the hospital’s needs,” said Badawi.

“Because the longevity of donated blood components varies, so too does the availability of supply. Some components can be stored for a month or two, whereas others can be stored up to five days at a maximum, which means you constantly need donors.”

Red blood cells can normally be stored for up to 35 days but platelets can only be held for seven. Plasma can be stored for up to three years.

A number of conditions require patients to have regular blood transfusions, including sickle cell disease, a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Healthy red blood cells are round and move smoothly through small blood vessels as they carry oxygen throughout the body. In a patient who has SCD, the red blood cells are hard and sticky and resemble a crescent or “sickle” shape.

These sickle cells die much quicker than regular red blood cells, which results in a constant shortage of red blood cells. In addition, as they travel through small blood vessels they can get stuck and block the blood flow, which can cause pain and serious medical problems. 




Raising public awareness and encouraging more donors to come forward is one of the many ways to keep the Kingdom’s blood banks adequately supplied. (SPA)

In Saudi Arabia, about 4.2 percent of the population carries the gene for SCD and about 0.26 percent experiences symptoms.

“Blood transfusion is an effective treatment option for sickle cell patients as it lowers the amount of hemoglobin S in the red blood cells and increases the numbers of normal red blood cells, thus increasing the supply of oxygen to the body,” Dr. Qasim Dobie, an assistant professor of hematology at Jazan University, told Arab News.

“So frequent blood transfusions will lower the risk of stroke, especially in infants and children, and treat and prevent the severe complications of sickle cell disease.”

Maintaining ample blood stocks is also an essential part of the preparations for responding to major incidents, such as natural disasters or mass-casualty terrorist attacks, which might cause hospitals to be overwhelmed by demand for transfusions.

Currently, donors in the Kingdom must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 50 kg and pass a brief medical examination. Saudi health authorities have made efforts to bolster the number of donation centers in a number of ways, including the introduction of a fleet of mobile clinics to make it easier for donors to attend.

FASTFACTS

56 - Ideal number of days between whole blood donations.

3 - Number of lives that can be saved with a single donation.

10 - Average adult’s blood volume in pints.

1 - Typical amount, in pints, of whole blood taken during donation.

(Source: Cedars-Sinai)

But medical practitioners say there is still room for improvement, particularly in terms of raising public awareness and encouraging more donors to come forward.

“Lack of awareness is one of the leading causes of the drop in blood donations,” said Badawi. “Blood is the best donation one can give to another human being. There are blood drives all year round.”

One of the Saudi initiatives is Wateen, an innovative smartphone app currently under the supervision of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health. 




Health authorities are seeking to encourage more people to give blood. (Supplied)

Wateen makes it easier for citizens and residents to manage blood donations by helping registered donors find the nearest clinic, keep track of when they are next due to give blood, and be aware of how many times they have donated in total.

“Since its initiation in 2018, Wateen has served as a means to unite donors and blood banks under one platform to help maintain adequate stocks,” Meshari Almalki, a spokesperson for Wateen, told Arab News.

“There’s a difference between a voluntary donation and a family/replacement donation. The latter is mainly done through direct messages from family members or acquaintances. The former is what we aim to empower and raise more awareness of.”

More than half a million registered users have made 1.1 million donations through the platform since it was launched. Year-round campaign attract many new donors but misunderstandings and misinformation can still cause potential donors to be apprehensive.

“There’s a fear that donors won’t be compatible, fear of needles or pain, fear of feeling faint or dizzy after donating, and fear of adverse reactions,” said Almalki. 




Each hospital blood bank requires a continuous flow to maintain its daily stock, depending on the hospital’s needs. 
(Supplied)

“These are all understandable. That’s why there are medical personnel to ensure the safety and health of donors and recipients. There are standard procedures that apply and that’s why, after conducting a survey, we launched our latest campaign to tackle these fears head on and hosted a therapist to answer all the questions.”

Resources such as the Wateen app are helping to narrow the gap between demand and supply of blood. But if the constant demand is to be met and blood stocks are to be replenished following the drain caused by the pandemic, more needs to be done to attract and reassure new donors.

“As far as health institutions go, all would benefit from more collaboration between the government authorities, the private sector, the education field and others for campaigns,” said Badawi.

“The campaigns don’t necessarily need to solely focus on blood-donation drives but could include lectures, talks and information sessions that highlight the importance of donating blood and refute falsehoods to activate a community of blood donors.

“Making it a habit to donate twice a year could make a significant impact. Take a friend or family member along — they’ll make it a habit, too.”


How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

Updated 16 sec ago
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How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

  • ESG integration is transforming industries as Saudi firms leverage AI, blockchain, and biotech to drive impact
  • Private companies like SAWACO and WAYAKIT are proving that profitability and sustainability can thrive together

JEDDAH: Saudi companies across multiple industries are increasingly integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into their corporate strategies, driving sustainable growth while balancing environmental stewardship, community impact, and corporate responsibility.

This strategic shift aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 roadmap — a transformative economic diversification plan — and its ambitious 2060 net zero emissions target, reinforcing the nation’s position as a sustainability leader.

SAWACO Water Group exemplifies this transformation, embedding sustainability into its core operations.

“Sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a responsibility,” CEO Nizar Kammourie told Arab News, emphasizing the company’s alignment with Vision 2030’s focus on environmental and social progress.

He added: “At SAWACO, we integrate ESG into every aspect of our operations, from optimizing resource efficiency to ensuring transparent governance and community engagement.”

Underpinning this commitment, SAWACO has implemented advanced operations intelligence software to enhance energy efficiency in desalination plants.

“We are leveraging cutting-edge technology to reduce power and chemical consumption while extending the life cycle of our assets,” said Kammourie.

The company also tracks carbon emissions through its Remedium Platform, which supports data-driven reduction targets.

“Accurate carbon accounting allows us to set tangible, data-driven targets for reducing our environmental footprint, ensuring our growth remains responsible and sustainable,” he added.

To address resource optimization, SAWACO has partnered with a US-based firm to pioneer brine minimization technology.

“Water is one of our most precious resources, and we are committed to maximizing its use,” said Kammourie.

“Our innovative brine minimization system enhances freshwater recovery from seawater while significantly reducing brine discharge, preserving marine ecosystems and supporting coastal livelihoods.”

Governance reforms further solidify SAWACO’s ESG leadership. A dedicated committee oversees alignment with international sustainability standards such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Ethical governance is the foundation of a sustainable business,” said Kammourie “By integrating real-time data analytics, third-party audits, and stakeholder engagement into our decision-making process, we ensure accountability at every level.”

He added: “Sustainability must be measured, not just discussed. That’s why we also integrate ESG metrics into performance reviews, making it a part of our company culture rather than just a corporate initiative.

“We are not just providing water — we are safeguarding the future of water sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to drive meaningful change that aligns economic success with long-term sustainability.”

These efforts reflect broader national momentum, as Saudi businesses bridge profitability and planetary stewardship to set new benchmarks for ESG leadership in emerging markets.

Similarly, Luisa Javier, CEO of WAYAKIT, highlighted how her women-led biotechnology company has embedded ESG into its DNA, transforming hygiene solutions in aviation, transportation, and facilities management.

“We are not just creating products; we are building solutions that have a measurable environmental and social impact,” she told Arab News.  

WAYAKIT’s flagship disinfectant eliminates 99.999 percent of viruses and bacteria in just 30 seconds using 93 percent biodegradable components.

By replacing harmful quaternary ammonium compounds with biodegradable nano-modified citric acid in aircraft cleaning processes, the company says it has reduced environmental impact by 94 percent.

In addition, its environmental footprint tracker measures progress in energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution reduction, and health improvements.

“Sustainability isn’t just about compliance — it’s about innovation,” said Javier. “We have to rethink traditional approaches and develop solutions that align with the future.”

WAYAKIT also integrates ESG principles into its governance and transparency measures. Its women-led C-suite strengthens decision-making diversity, while blockchain technology safeguards sustainability metrics, preventing greenwashing and ensuring accurate reporting.

“Authenticity matters,” said Javier. “Every sustainability claim we make is backed by rigorous third-party laboratory testing. We are setting a new standard for how biotech companies can be both profitable and responsible.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Kingdom is aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2060, embedding ESG principles in national initiatives like Green Riyadh.

• In 2021, the Saudi Stock Exchange introduced ESG disclosure guidelines, mandating listed companies prioritize transparency.

• Saudi Electricity Co., Almarai, and Saudi Telecom Co. have embedded ESG guidelines, issuing green bonds and improving governance.

Community engagement is another cornerstone of WAYAKIT’s ESG strategy. With 70 percent of its workforce consisting of women, the company provides technical training in biotechnology and leadership development to foster career advancement for Saudi women.

“Empowering women in STEM is not just a mission — it’s a responsibility,” said Javier. “Our workforce is a reflection of what Saudi Vision 2030 aims to achieve: a thriving, innovative economy where women play a central role.”

This momentum is part of a broader national trend. A 2023 report by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF, highlighted how Saudi organizations, particularly those within its portfolio, are spearheading ESG awareness and implementation.

The Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, supports this shift with $187 billion in investments across more than 60 programs to advance the green economy.

Through large-scale investments in green initiatives, innovative carbon reduction strategies, and community-focused programs like those led by SAWACO and WAYAKIT, Saudi businesses are proving that profitability and sustainability can coexist.

Collectively, these efforts set a new benchmark for ESG leadership in emerging markets while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable development.
 

 


Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
Updated 04 April 2025
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Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

  • Concert features symphonic arrangements, in-game HD visuals

DHAHRAN: It is “game on” at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture after it opened its doors to an event on Thursday.

The orchestral performance, which is being held nightly at the Ithra Theater — with two shows scheduled for Friday — celebrates the soundtracks of popular video games and attempts to breathe new life into them.

The concert features symphonic arrangements paired with in-game HD visuals and exclusive concept art from popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed, and The Witcher 3.

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others. (Supplied)

Sergey Smbatyan, founder of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the artistic director and principal conductor since 2005, was on hand to lend context and commentary between the scores on opening night.

He told the crowd before the show: “If you’re not a gamer, what I want you to do is to imagine that you’re in a museum — an art museum — but instead of a curator telling you about the images that you’re going to see on this huge screen, let these musicians tell you that exact story.

“Tonight there is no right time to clap; there is no wrong time to clap. If you hear something you like from these guys (gesturing to the orchestra behind him on stage), let us know.

“We're going to start off tonight with role-play games, or what are known as RPGs, where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The game is focused on interactive storytelling, decision-making and strategy.”

Dhahran resident Paul Blay took his two daughters Sylvia, 11, and Celeste, 10, to the show.

Blay, who is a father of six, told Arab News: “I get emails about Ithra events and saw this one and I thought it would be fun for me and the girls to go to. Like with anyone that you love, I shared the things I love with them.”

The Blay family moved to the Kingdom last year and were keen to attend an event that merged gaming with music.

Celeste told Arab News: “I really like video game music; the music is really pretty and I like listening to that. It is kind of what motivated me to come here. And, also, my dad likes video games.”

The older Blay sisters have both taken music lessons and play multiple instruments, including the piano, the harp and the clarinet.

Their father said: “Some of the best music that’s being composed nowadays is for movies and video games. I expected it to be really high quality and good (at Ithra).”

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.

The last show takes place on April 5, with tickets starting at SR200 ($53), available at the venue or via the Ithra website.

 


Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

Updated 04 April 2025
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Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

  • The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations

MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz launched the “Love of Khaled Al-Faisal” exhibition as part of Jeddah Season festivities.

The ceremony was attended by Prince Turki bin Faisal, alongside several relatives of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

The delegation toured the exhibition, housed at the Abadi Al-Johar area in Jeddah, which runs from April 3-8 and welcomes visitors daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

  • Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors

HAIL: With its vibrant array of wildflowers framed by golden sand dunes and majestic mountains, the Poppy Reserve in Al-Khattah is one of the Hail region’s most captivating attractions.

Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors, particularly during holidays, Eid and the spring season.

The attraction enchants guests with its sweeping fields of poppies, perfectly balanced in form and color. As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder.

This striking beauty enhances the region’s reputation for breathtaking scenery and offers a unique experience.

 


Saudi Arabia concludes participation in Bologna Book Fair

The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia concludes participation in Bologna Book Fair

  • The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added

BOLOGNA: Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the Bologna International Book Fair 2025, held in Bologna, Italy, from March 31 to April 3.

The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience.

Bassam Al-Bassam, general manager of publishing at the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, said the commission organized various initiatives to enhance the publishing and translation industry in the Kingdom and showcase the Saudi cultural landscape.

The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added.

By participating in international book fairs, the Kingdom aims to enhance its cultural presence on a global scale and create new opportunities to promote Saudi culture both regionally and internationally.