Saudi Arabia has recently granted citizenship to several distinguished scientists, doctors, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. This honor recognizes their significant contributions to the country.
Dr. Moutassem Azzubi, Chief Pediatric Neurosurgery at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, is among the recipients. A Syrian neurosurgeon, Azzubi is celebrated for his expertise in conjoined twin separation surgeries both in Saudi Arabia and abroad. He has made substantial contributions to the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme under the leadership of Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, adviser to the Royal Court and supervisor general of KSrelief.
The list includes Egyptian doctor Reda Ahmed Aboul Ata, a founder of the Cardiac Center in Medina, where he has served as a consultant for adult interventional cardiology and congenital heart defects since 2010. Indian doctor Shamim Ahmed Bhat, Vice President of the Emergency Department at King Saud Medical City, also received citizenship. Bhat is accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties as a resident for the Saudi Emergency Medicine Board and was awarded the “Zon Birken” gold medal for emergency research in 2007-2008.
Lebanese doctor Haitham Mohamed Talejeh, a specialist in oncology intensive care, was also granted citizenship. Talejeh has supervised over ten Ministry of Health training courses on mechanical ventilation and is a member of the American Thoracic Society and a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians since 2004. He has numerous published scientific papers and has participated in global clinical research, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Syrian doctor Tarek Al-Dabbagh, a critical care specialist with American board certifications in internal medicine (2002), infectious diseases (2005), and critical care medicine (2006), was also awarded citizenship. British doctor Abdul Kareem Al-Allaf, a cardiology consultant at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, known for his expertise in precise catheterization procedures, also received citizenship.
Other recipients include Egyptian doctor Yasser Mahmoud El Sheikh, a consultant in liver transplants and surgeries at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, and American doctor Mohab Fakhreddine Ayas, a consultant in pediatric hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplantation at the same hospital. Ayas is recognized for his pioneering work in launching the pediatric bone marrow transplantation program at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
This prestigious recognition highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing its medical and scientific fields by welcoming top talent from around the world.
