Meet Diaverum Saudi Arabia’s d.HOLIDAY coordinator
Walaa Al Sabbagh is the Head of Business Support and the d.HOLIDAY Programme at Diaverum Saudi Arabia. Here, Walaa shares what patient-centric care truly means in practice, why continuity of treatment matters so deeply, and the joy of supporting patients to travel with confidence .
Being part of Diaverum for over 12 years and leading the d.HOLIDAY programme since 2020; I continue to find myself motivated every single day. My involvement in the d.HOLIDAY programme brings me genuine happiness and deep personal fulfilment when supporting our patients – helping them enjoy their holidays with comfort, reassurance and peace of mind, knowing their treatment is safely taken care of.
Everyone deserves a fulfilling life
Many of the patients in Saudi Arabia are young and highly active, with full lives, careers, and ambitions. The d.HOLIDAY programme allows them to continue working, studying, creating, and travelling, rather than putting life on hold. Over the years, I have supported patients across the world, enabling lifestyles that remain dynamic and purpose-driven. One story that stands out is that of a young patient whom I supported for four years. Determined to keep moving forward, they wanted to improve their English in order to build their own company. To support this goal, I worked with multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, to secure a special exception for extended holiday dialysis. This enabled the patient to complete a study programme in London while continuing treatment safely. They returned empowered and confident, ready to take the next step in their professional journey.
Another story that remains close to my heart is that of a patient in their early sixties whose lifelong dream was to travel on a cruise. Through the d.HOLIDAY programme, I coordinated their dialysis across six European destinations, allowing them to experience the journey fully while receiving uninterrupted care at every stop.
Together, these stories reflect what d.HOLIDAY truly enables: continuity of life, independence, and ambition. It allows patients to keep living fully, knowing that their care will support them wherever their goals take them.
Continuity of care
When a patient plans to travel to or from Saudi Arabia for dialysis, my role is to ensure the process is seamless, safe, and reassuring from start to finish.
For patients travelling from Saudi Arabia, the journey usually begins at the clinic, where the request is raised with our social care team and then shared with me. I review the patient’s destination and identify the most appropriate Diaverum clinic or trusted partner, coordinating across different healthcare systems, languages, and documentation requirements.
“My priority is always to secure a high-quality and convenient option, even if this means arranging care in the nearest available city when the main destination has limited availability.”
For patients travelling to Saudi Arabia, I review booking requests received through various channels and contact the patient directly to collect the required medical information. I work closely with the receiving clinic to confirm suitability and availability, and once approved, I share the full details with the patient, including treatment dates, times, and location.
While this work involves coordinating multiple stakeholders across countries, for me it goes beyond logistics. It is about providing reassurance and continuity of care, so patients can focus on their journey, knowing their treatment is in safe hands wherever they are.
The most common questions patients ask usually come from a place of concern and a need for reassurance. Many want to know whether the clinic arranged for them will offer the same quality and standard of care they are used to at home. These questions reflect how much patients rely on us for clarity and trust, and I always make it a priority to provide clear, honest information so they feel confident throughout their journey.
Welcoming patients from around the world
To any dialysis patient considering Saudi Arabia for their next holiday and feeling unsure, I would encourage them to plan their trip with confidence and peace of mind. At Diaverum Saudi Arabia, patients can expect high standards of medical care, well-prepared clinics, and experienced teams who are familiar with supporting visiting patients. Beyond clinical excellence, what many patients value most is the sense of hospitality and genuine care they experience. Visiting patients are not treated simply as patients, but as guests – welcomed with kindness, respect, and personal attention from the moment they arrive. Our teams take time to guide, support, and check in, ensuring that patients feel comfortable, understood, and at ease.
Visiting Saudi Arabia
One of the hidden gems I often recommend to visiting patients and their families is Al-Balad in Jeddah – the city’s historic old town, known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and colourful markets. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Al-Balad offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Saudi heritage and can be explored comfortably at a relaxed pace
