Dubai’s Al Jalila Foundation says it has helped save the lives of 60 patients by funding organ transplant surgeries through its Your Donation Saves Lives campaign, which has now become a permanent programme.
The announcement coincides with World Organ Donation Day, observed annually on 13 August, and highlights the foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting patients with organ failure while promoting a culture of donation.
Since its launch in April 2021, the initiative has supported 53 kidney transplants and seven liver transplants, including operations for 29 children. More than 65 other patients are currently receiving ongoing support for life-saving procedures they could not otherwise afford.
The campaign works in line with HAYAT, the UAE’s National Program for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, and is delivered through Dubai Health’s integrated academic health system.
From campaign to permanent programme
Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, announced that Your Donation Saves Lives will now operate permanently under the charity’s A’awen programme, which funds critical medical treatments across the UAE.
“On World Organ Donation Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and extend heartfelt thanks to generous donors,” Dr Al Zarooni said. “The first edition of the campaign alone funded nearly 30% of all organ transplants performed in Dubai.”
He also praised the compassion of living and deceased donors, describing their contributions as “a second chance at life” for recipients.
Ensuring safe, successful transplants
Dr Ashraf Al Hinnawi, Consultant Transplant Surgeon at Dubai Health, explained that every donor and recipient undergoes thorough evaluations before surgery, including kidney function tests, immune compatibility checks, imaging, and detailed medical assessments.
Living donors also face psychological and social evaluations, with cases reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee to ensure safety for both donor and recipient. Post-surgery, patients are monitored closely to safeguard transplant success.
Partnerships and patient stories
The first edition of Your Donation Saves Lives launched in April 2021 with partners including Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. The second edition ran from September to December 2024.
Transplants were performed at Dubai Hospital, Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Mediclinic City Hospital, and King’s College Hospital London in Dubai.
Among the success stories is 14-year-old Yousef Jashim, who received a kidney transplant after years of dialysis. “He regained his energy and no longer required dialysis,” his mother said, thanking the foundation and medical staff.
Another beneficiary, Roula Tabba’a, had endured years of thrice-weekly dialysis before receiving a kidney transplant. She said the surgery “restored hope and stability” to her life and family.
Al Jalila Foundation continues to welcome donations to A’awen, offering individuals and organisations the opportunity to fund medical care that can transform lives.
