Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and head of the medical and surgical team, announced the successful separation of the Somali conjoined twins, Rahma and Ramla, at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard, Riyadh. Dr. Al-Rabeeah confirmed that the twins' condition is completely stable following the delicate separation surgery. He noted that the operation is proceeding according to plan, with three more surgical stages remaining to complete the procedure. These stages are expected to take approximately three additional hours.
This operation comes in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect them - who pay great attention to the Saudi program for conjoined twins, which reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in humanitarian and medical work at the global level.
precise medical details
Dr. Al-Rabeeah revealed details of the complex medical condition of the 13-month-old conjoined twins, who arrived in the Kingdom in May 2025. Detailed examinations revealed that they share a lower abdomen and pelvis, as well as a shared colon, rectum, and pelvic bone, with overlapping urinary and reproductive systems. The head of the medical team pointed out the particular challenges faced by the twin, Ramla, who suffers from complete atrophy of both kidneys and total kidney failure, necessitating immediate dialysis after surgery. Her sister, Rahma, suffers from atrophy of her left kidney and cysts in her right kidney, but her vital functions are currently adequate, and she will be closely monitored to ensure her stability.
The Saudi Twins Program: Global Leadership and a Rich History
This operation is of paramount importance as it adds to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's distinguished record in the field of separating conjoined twins. The Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins is one of the largest medical programs of its kind globally, with a history spanning more than three decades, since its inception in 1990. The program has reviewed hundreds of cases from dozens of countries worldwide and performed more than 60 successful separation surgeries, making Riyadh a global destination and a medical hub for complex cases that even major medical centers in other countries struggle to handle.
Human dimensions that transcend borders
The significance of this event extends beyond the medical aspect, carrying profound humanitarian dimensions that underscore the Kingdom's commitment to extending a helping hand to those in need, regardless of race, religion, or geographical boundaries. The success of Operation "Rahma and Ramla" reflects the high competence of Saudi medical personnel and the advanced equipment at King Abdulaziz Medical City. It also highlights the pivotal role of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in alleviating the suffering of families and providing specialized healthcare for rare cases, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading soft power in the field of humanitarian and health diplomacy.
