Saudi Teenager Sets Example by Donating Kidney to Friend

Riyadh: A Saudi teenager, Shaker Al-Otaibi, has set an inspiring example of friendship and humanitarian compassion by donating a kidney to his friend.
Al-Otaibi’s friend, Fahd, had been suffering from kidney disease for years, and he never knew who would donate the life-saving organ to him. Fahd referred to his anonymous donor as his “friend for life.”
Upon learning about his friend’s health condition, Shaker Al-Otaibi decided to donate one of his kidneys. He shared with *Al Arabiya* that he and Fahd had been friends for nearly 17 years. Once he learned of Fahd’s illness, Shaker quietly underwent the necessary tests, and after the results matched, he donated his kidney.
According to the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, the rate of kidney donations in Saudi Arabia has been rising. Last year, the number of kidney donations reached 1,284, while liver donations totaled 422. Saudi Arabia ranks third globally in the organ donation index. The number of donors increased by 4.9% compared to 2023, with nearly 1,706 transplants conducted in 2024.