KSrelief Launches Ramadan Food Aid Initiative Across 27 Countries

Riyadh, February 16, 2025 – Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), today launched the Etaam-4 initiative for the Islamic year 1446 AH. The program will distribute 390,109 food baskets across 27 countries during the holy month of Ramadan, benefiting 2,304,104 individuals at a total cost exceeding SAR67 million (approximately $17.9 million).

Context and Background

KSrelief, established in 2015 by Royal Order, serves as Saudi Arabia’s flagship humanitarian arm, coordinating aid globally. The Etaam initiative, now in its fourth iteration, focuses on food security during Ramadan, a period when charitable giving and community support are emphasized in Islamic tradition. The program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s longstanding role as a leading humanitarian donor, reinforcing its commitment to alleviating hunger and improving living conditions worldwide.

Key Details

Dr. Al Rabeeah, in his inaugural speech, emphasized that the initiative reflects the Saudi leadership’s ongoing dedication to humanitarian aid, with a particular focus on promoting food security and supporting vulnerable communities. The food baskets are designed to provide essential nutrition for families observing Ramadan, ensuring they can participate fully in the month’s spiritual and communal practices. Since its inception, KSrelief has implemented 3,309 projects across 105 countries, amounting to more than $7 billion in humanitarian assistance, making it one of the largest aid organizations globally.

Implications and Impact

The Etaam-4 initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic approach to humanitarian aid, targeting multiple regions including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. By addressing food insecurity during Ramadan, the program not only provides immediate relief but also fosters long-term resilience in recipient communities. The scale of this year’s effort—reaching over 2.3 million people—highlights Saudi Arabia’s capacity to mobilize resources efficiently and its commitment to international development goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s objective of positioning the Kingdom as a global humanitarian leader and a key contributor to international stability and prosperity. By expanding KSrelief’s reach, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its dedication to fostering global partnerships and addressing pressing humanitarian challenges, reinforcing its role as a reliable and generous actor on the world stage.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Etaam-4 initiative?

A1. Etaam-4 is a KSrelief program launched in February 2025 to distribute 390,109 food baskets across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting over 2.3 million people.

Q2. Who launched the initiative?

A2. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, officially launched the initiative during a ceremony in Riyadh on February 16, 2025.

Q3. How many food baskets will be distributed?

A3. A total of 390,109 food baskets will be distributed to needy families across 27 countries during the holy month of Ramadan.

Q4. How many people will benefit from Etaam-4?

A4. The initiative will benefit 2,304,104 individuals, providing essential food supplies to support them during Ramadan.

Q5. What is the total cost of the initiative?

A5. The total cost exceeds SAR67 million, which is equivalent to approximately $17.9 million.

Q6. What is KSrelief?

A6. KSrelief is the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, a Saudi humanitarian agency established in 2015 to coordinate and deliver aid worldwide.

Q7. When was KSrelief established?

A7. KSrelief was established in 2015 by Royal Order to serve as Saudi Arabia’s central humanitarian aid organization.

Q8. How many projects has KSrelief implemented since its inception?

A8. KSrelief has implemented 3,309 projects across 105 countries since its founding in 2015.

Q9. What is the total value of KSrelief’s humanitarian aid?

A9. The total value of KSrelief’s humanitarian aid exceeds $7 billion, making it one of the world’s largest aid donors.

Q10. What is the purpose of the Etaam initiative?

A10. The Etaam initiative aims to enhance food security and support vulnerable communities during Ramadan, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian commitment.

Q11. How many countries are covered in Etaam-4?

A11. Food baskets will be distributed across 27 countries, spanning multiple regions including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Q12. What did Dr. Al Rabeeah say at the launch?

A12. He emphasized that the initiative reflects Saudi leadership’s ongoing dedication to humanitarian aid and improving living conditions for communities in need.

Q13. Is this the first Etaam initiative?

A13. No, Etaam-4 is the fourth iteration of the program, demonstrating KSrelief’s sustained commitment to Ramadan food aid.

Q14. What types of food are in the baskets?

A14. The baskets contain essential food items designed to provide balanced nutrition for families observing Ramadan, though specific contents are not detailed in the announcement.

Q15. How does Etaam-4 align with Vision 2030?

A15. It supports Vision 2030’s goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global humanitarian leader and strengthening international partnerships.

Q16. Who funds the Etaam initiative?

A16. The initiative is funded by the Saudi government through KSrelief, which operates under the supervision of the Saudi Crown Prince.

Q17. Is the initiative part of a larger humanitarian strategy?

A17. Yes, it is part of KSrelief’s broader strategy to address food insecurity and support sustainable development in vulnerable communities worldwide.

Q18. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from such initiatives?

A18. The initiative enhances Saudi Arabia’s global reputation as a humanitarian leader, fosters diplomatic goodwill, and fulfills Islamic charitable values.

Q19. Can other countries apply for assistance?

A19. KSrelief accepts requests for aid through official channels, but the 27 countries in Etaam-4 were selected based on need and prior partnerships.

Q20. Where can I find more information about KSrelief?

A20. Official information is available through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and the KSrelief website, which lists projects and reports on humanitarian activities.

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