Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah is a Saudi pediatric surgeon renowned for his expertise in pediatric surgery and, more specifically, the separation of conjoined twins.
He has held several prominent leadership and administrative positions in Saudi Arabia.
Early Life
Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah was born on November 11, 1954, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Education
He completed his primary education before enrolling in King Saud University’s medical school.
In 1979, he graduated with a specialization in surgery and later moved to King Khalid University in Abha for further training.
He completed a year-long internship at the university hospital and outpatient clinics.
In August 1986, he earned a fellowship in general surgery from the University of Alberta, Canada.
He continued his surgical training and studies at Dalhousie University, obtaining another fellowship in general surgery in December 1987.
Career and Achievements
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah is a highly distinguished surgeon from Saudi Arabia, specializing in pediatric surgery, with a global reputation for separating conjoined twins.
Since 1990, he has performed numerous twin separation surgeries, making him one of the leading figures in this complex medical field.
With his team of multidisciplinary surgeons, Dr. Al-Rabeeah has successfully separated dozens of conjoined twins from countries such as Poland, Malaysia, and Libya, bringing hope and joy to families worldwide.
In addition to his surgical career, he has held key leadership positions in the Saudi government.
Minister of Health (2009-2014): Dr. Al-Rabeeah served six consecutive years as Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health.
Chairman of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (2015-Present): He currently leads Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian aid initiatives, managing disaster response and relief efforts worldwide.
Professional Milestones
1988: Returned to Saudi Arabia and became a consultant pediatric surgeon at King Khalid University Hospital and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center.
1990-1991: Appointed Chief Physician at King Khalid University Hospital.
1991: Became Pediatric Surgery Consultant in Riyadh.
1994-1996: Served as Co-Director of the Medical Executive Council in the Department of Surgery at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
1995-2003: Served as Deputy Executive Director of Health Affairs at the Saudi Arabian National Guard.
2003: Promoted to General Executive Director of Health Affairs at the Saudi Arabian National Guard.
2009-2014: Served as Minister of Health.
2015-present: Appointed Chairman of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah has also been a professor at King Saud University’s College of Medicine and served as Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
Personal Life
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah married Huda Abdulrahman Al-Ghoneim in the late 1970s. The couple has seven daughters, including identical twins.
Wealth and Business Interests
Stake in Savola Group: Dr. Al-Rabeeah owns an 8.7% stake in Savola Group, a publicly traded Saudi food conglomerate with a market valuation of $5.7 billion.
Savola’s Industry Influence: The group is one of the largest food production companies in the Arab world and a leading diversified conglomerate in the region.
Legacy and Contributions
Dr. Al-Rabeeah has not only made groundbreaking contributions to pediatric surgery but has also played a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare leadership and humanitarian efforts.
His dedication to saving lives, improving healthcare, and providing global humanitarian aid continues to shape Saudi Arabia’s medical and philanthropic landscape.
