We evaluated our experience with renal transplantation to determine its safety and efficacy. Of the 47 renal transplants performed at our institution from June 1992 to December 1995, 29 were performed from living related donors and 18 from cadaveric donors. The age of the patients ranged from 17 to 65 years with a mean age of 32.2 years. Patient survival, allograft survival and the incidence of complications were used as determinants of successful outcome. Patient survival was 100% for both groups. The allograft survival was 100% for living related donor recipients, with 90% of the cases having normal graft function and 96% for cadaveric recipients with 78% of the cases having normal graft function after a mean follow-up of 24 months (range 3 to 42 months). The incidence of complications encountered was similar to that reported from European and North American renal transplant centers. Our study shows the safety and efficacy of the renal transplantation program in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.