JEDDAH: Yasser Al-Mahmoud, a specialist doctor at the rehabilitation hospital at King Fahd Medical City (KFMC), revealed that the disability rate is up to 8 percent of the population according to a recently published study.
He noted that the Kingdom has one of the highest rates of spinal cord injuries in the world with 62 people injured per 1 million, and the injuries are mostly due to traffic accidents.
“The Kingdom ranks first in material and human losses, and disabilities where the financial losses as a result of traffic accidents are estimated at about SR26 billion annually. It causes the deaths of 16 people every day along with 35 injuries mostly with chronic disabilities,” said Al-Mahmoud.
Al-Mahmoud was speaking at the Rehabilitation Hospital at KFMC at an event to mark World Disability Day under the slogan “My disability does not constrain me. I can challenge it.”
The event witnessed the participation of the relevant bodies from inside and outside KFMC. He revealed that the number of patients who have been met by consultants at the rehabilitation hospital during this year reached 1,728.
“The number of new patients amounted to 896, while the total number of patients received by the outpatient clinics for day and night services, and the new patients and follow up stood at 5,092 people,” added Al-Mahmoud.
He explained the number of patients who were given health consultation services amounted to 364 people, and the number of those hospitalized was 378. The total number of patients who were received by the comprehensive rehabilitation division was 30,678, and 50,278 patients availed themselves of services by the physiotherapy department.
Meanwhile, the head of the committee organizing events on the occasion, Manal Al-Gouth, said the event aims to help people with disabilities to integrate into society, and to deliver their message on the importance of involving people with disabilities in various areas of life, asserting to them that they are important members of society in addition to acknowledging that their abilities qualify them to engage and participate in the activities and efforts of the community.
KSA has one of the highest rates of spinal cord injuries from traffic accidents
KSA has one of the highest rates of spinal cord injuries from traffic accidents
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
- By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces.
The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
