Saudi Minister of Media Launches Hajj Media Hub Initiative in Makkah 

Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Youssef Al-Dossary  inaugurates the first version of the “Hajj Media Hub” initiative on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Youssef Al-Dossary  inaugurates the first version of the “Hajj Media Hub” initiative on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Media Launches Hajj Media Hub Initiative in Makkah 

Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Youssef Al-Dossary  inaugurates the first version of the “Hajj Media Hub” initiative on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Youssef Al-Dossary  inaugurates the first version of the “Hajj Media Hub” initiative on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Youssef Al-Dossary inaugurated on Monday the first version of the “Hajj Media Hub” initiative, held in Makkah from June 10-16, in a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program.

The hub is part of the initiatives of the Year of Media Transformation, which was announced by the minister of media three months ago at the third annual “Saudi Media Forum.”

The Hajj Media Hub aims to provide an integrated media environment to support media professionals in completing their coverage during this year’s Hajj.

More than 150 local, Arab, Islamic, and international media outlets, and more than 1,500 local and international media professionals are expected to benefit from the hub’s services.

The hub boasts 11 supportive media areas, an interactive media exhibition highlighting the services provided to pilgrims, a headquarters for news conferences, a media center with integrated services, various studios and vehicles for direct injection of media materials.

It also boasts the Virtual Press Center (VPC) where a dedicated team participates in presenting via an interactive screen, providing continuous updates and services around the clock throughout the proceedings of the forum.

The hub brings together all media agencies to support the work of all media figures and outlets and provide modern technologies to achieve more innovation in local and international coverage during the Hajj.



KFSHRC Performs World's First Robotic-Assisted Artificial Heart Pump Implantation

The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days  - SPA
The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days - SPA
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KFSHRC Performs World's First Robotic-Assisted Artificial Heart Pump Implantation

The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days  - SPA
The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days - SPA

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has successfully performed the world’s first robotic-assisted implantation of an artificial heart pump (HeartMate 3) developed by Abbott, a groundbreaking procedure that marks a significant advancement in medical technology and patient care, SPA reported.
The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days due to advanced heart failure, which had also led to kidney and lung function deterioration. Thanks to this innovative surgical procedure, the patient is now on track to fulfill his dream of returning home to his family.
The procedure was led by Dr. Feras Khaliel, head of cardiac surgery and director of the hospital’s Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program. The patient spent only four days in the intensive care unit, a stark contrast to the 26-day average for similar procedures performed with traditional surgical methods. Recovery time is also expected to be significantly reduced, with discharge anticipated within 10 days instead of the usual 63 days required for conventional interventions.
Dr. Khaliel emphasized the precision and safety of robotic-assisted surgery, noting that the patient experienced no infections or bleeding during or after the operation. "The patient was amazed at the minimal scarring, reflecting the advanced capabilities of robotic technology," he said.
This success builds on KFSHRC’s legacy of global achievements, including the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant and robotic liver transplantation. These milestones underscore KFSHRC’s commitment to pioneering innovation and further cement its status as a global leader in specialized healthcare.