Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman donates blood, urges Saudis to give voluntarily

Dubai: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rolled up his sleeve this week to donate blood, taking part in an annual national campaign he launched to promote voluntary blood donation and encourage broader participation in humanitarian work.

The gesture, broadcast across Saudi media, was framed as part of the crown prince’s push to instil a culture of giving while supporting the Kingdom’s healthcare system.

The initiative aims to make all blood donations voluntary by 2030, aligning with the government’s Vision 2030 strategy to build a healthier and more socially engaged society.

According to the Ministry of Health, voluntary donations are critical to maintaining a safe, reliable blood supply. One unit of blood, health officials said, can be separated into plasma, platelets, and red cells, potentially helping several patients. More than 800,000 Saudis donated blood in 2024, a figure Saudi authorities hope to increase sharply with the crown prince’s visible endorsement.