Ayoub's turning point from disability to success

Student Ayoub Al-Harbi, one of the graduates from the twenty-third batch of Qassim University, narrated his inspiring story of disability, illness, patience, and perseverance over the years. With his determination and hard work, he was able to achieve his dream of graduating from university. He emphasized that his treatment journey, which included 18 surgeries both inside and outside the Kingdom, was a turning point in his life. This experience led him to choose the path of medicine and surgery, aiming to be a cause for the treatment of others with motor disabilities like himself.

Ayoub said, «At one point in my life, I thought I would be a burden on society, but every time I entered the operating room, my mother - may God have mercy on her - would point to an orthopedic surgeon and say: »One day you will be like him.'" He explained that these words were the greatest motivation for him to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Ayoub spoke about the challenges he faced in his life and how he overcame them, during the graduation ceremony for the 23rd batch of graduates from Qassim University. The ceremony was sponsored by His Royal Highness the Emir of Qassim Province, Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The event was attended by His Highness Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Faisal bin Saad, Deputy Emir of Qassim Province, and the university president, Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Sharikh, along with a number of university vice presidents and directors of government agencies in the region, in addition to the graduates and their families.

Ayoub explained that he was born with two disabilities: developmental hip dysplasia and fibular hemimelia. He noted that his disability brought him closer to understanding the suffering of patients and people with special needs more than others. He said, «Disability made me understand the patient's feelings before I was a doctor. Going through the experience made me an experienced person before I was a doctor.» He added that from his first day at the College of Medicine at Qassim University, he found a supportive educational environment that believed in his abilities and aimed to graduate a successful doctor despite his motor disability.

Ayyoub Al Harbi concluded his speech with a moving message to people with disabilities and everyone facing challenges in their lives, emphasizing that disability does not stop ambition, and that the path of challenges is what creates success. He said: «Today I have proven to everyone – especially those with special needs – that they are capable of achieving their dreams through perseverance and hard work. I am proud that despite the difficulties, I was able to fulfill my mother's dream – may God have mercy on her. I say thank you to my country, my university, and everyone who supported me throughout this long journey.».