Tag Archives: Indian Muslim Doctors in Saudi Arabia

Former Saudi royal physician passes away in Hyderabad

SAUDI ARABIA / Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Cardiologist Dr Mohammad Iqbal Sanai served King Khaled bin Abdulaziz and prominent Saudi families for decades.

 Dr Mohammad Iqbal Sanai.

Hyderabad:

Renowned cardiologist Dr Mohammad Iqbal Sanai, who served the Saudi royal family and several prominent families in the Kingdom, passed away in Hyderabad on May 14, 2026. He was 95.

According to his son, who spoke to Siasat.com, Dr Sanai is survived by his wife, Bader Babu Khan, daughter of late Khan Bahadur Abdul Kareem Babu Khan, and their four children.

Born in 1931, Dr Sanai completed his MBBS in 1955 before moving to Scotland for higher studies. He earned his MRCP in Cardiology from the University of Edinburgh in 1960.

He began his medical career as a government doctor in Warangal and later worked at Osmania Hospital in Hyderabad.

Career in Saudi Arabia

Dr Sanai moved to Jeddah in 1965, where he emerged as one of the city’s earliest specialist cardiologists. He became closely associated with several well-known business families, including the Bin Mahfouz, Binladin, Bugshan, Sharbatly, Ali Reza, Zainal and Gabel families.

In the early 1970s, he started attending to then Crown Prince Khaled bin Abdulaziz and later became his family physician.

In 1978, Dr Sanai was appointed full-time physician to King Khaled bin Abdulaziz and remained in the role until the monarch’s death in 1982.

Dr Mohammad Iqbal Sanai with King Khaled bin Abdulaziz.

Recognition and retirement

The Saudi government granted Dr Sanai citizenship in 1976 in recognition of his contribution to healthcare services in the Kingdom.

Following a medical career spanning over five decades, he retired in 2007. He was widely respected for his professionalism, dedication and compassionate care.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Sakina Fatima / May 19th, 2026

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed Receives Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025

Gulbarga, KARNATAKA / SAUDI ARABIA :

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, a renowned Indian physician based in Saudi Arabia, has been honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025, the highest recognition given by the Government of India to overseas Indians. This accolade celebrates his exceptional contributions to healthcare, community welfare, and fostering stronger ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

With an illustrious career spanning over 45 years, Dr. Khursheed has held pivotal roles, including three decades of service at King Faisal Hospital and 10 years as a Royal Protocol Physician at the National Guard Hospital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was a beacon of support for the Indian diaspora, offering essential healthcare, vaccine advocacy, and 24/7 consultations. He also provided unwavering support to Indian pilgrims during Hajj, offering medical assistance at Mina and Arafat for over 30 years. Notably, he served as the personal physician to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Khursheed’s contributions extend beyond healthcare to education and community development.

He established the International Indian School in Taif, promoting academic excellence and cultural integration for Indian expatriates.

His philanthropic endeavours include supporting underprivileged Indians through collaborations with organisations such as the Gulbarga Welfare Society and MESCO.

Since January 2021, he has also served as Vice President of the Saudi-Indian Healthcare Forum, an initiative under the Embassy of India in Riyadh.

Fluent in Arabic and deeply connected to Saudi culture, Dr. Khursheed has been a vital link between India and Saudi Arabia, enhancing bilateral relations in the domains of healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. His recognition with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award underscores his lifelong dedication to the Indian community abroad and his role in elevating India’s global stature.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 12th, 2025