Saudi Humanitarian Work Reaches 171 Countries with $132B Aid

Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian work reflects a deep-rooted culture of giving, rooted in Islamic values and Arab traditions, and has reached 171 countries with over $132 billion in aid. This commitment is driven by the teachings of Islam, a rich historical legacy, and authentic Arab customs, encompassing aid to the needy, rescue of the distressed, and alleviation of suffering worldwide. Official Saudi sources confirm that since the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, through the reigns of his successors to the present era of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince, the Kingdom has provided generous humanitarian, developmental, and charitable assistance globally.

Context and Background

The Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts are a continuation of a long-standing tradition that began with the nation’s founding. From the era of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, Saudi Arabia has been known for its philanthropic contributions, which have grown substantially under subsequent leaders. This legacy is not merely a policy but a reflection of the Kingdom’s identity and its role as a responsible global citizen. The aid has been delivered through donations, grants, and soft loans, totaling over $132 billion, supporting 7,131 humanitarian, relief, and development projects across 171 countries. These efforts align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes social responsibility and international cooperation as key pillars of its strategic framework.

Key Details

On May 13, 2015, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud directed the establishment of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), a centralized body for the Kingdom’s external humanitarian, relief, and charitable work. KSrelief has since implemented 3,053 projects in vital sectors across 102 countries, at a cost exceeding $7.47 billion, benefiting millions of vulnerable groups without discrimination. Volunteer work is integral to KSrelief’s mission; the Saudi International Volunteer Portal has registered over 63,000 volunteers who have participated in 724 programs in 47 countries, aiding over 1.83 million individuals. The Kingdom also hosts refugees, offering free medical treatment, education, and job opportunities to integrate them into society.

International Impact

In response to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, KSrelief launched an airlift and sea bridge, delivering 6,600 tons of food, shelter, and medical supplies via 54 airplanes and eight ships. The center also cooperates with Jordan to conduct airdrops to bypass border closures. Additionally, KSrelief’s “Saudi Sama’a” Volunteer Program for Cochlear Implantation and Hearing Rehabilitation is the world’s largest charitable initiative of its kind, targeting 940 beneficiaries from earthquake-affected Syria and Turkiye. The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, fully funded by the Kingdom, has studied 141 cases from 26 countries and performed 61 separation surgeries successfully. These efforts underscore Saudi Arabia’s role as a global humanitarian leader.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian work is deeply intertwined with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, enhance social development, and strengthen international partnerships. By supporting sustainable development and societal stability in needy countries, the Kingdom not only fulfills its moral obligations but also contributes to global peace and prosperity. As the nation continues to expand its humanitarian reach, it reinforces its commitment to being a beacon of generosity and a key player in addressing global challenges, in line with the visionary leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the total amount of Saudi aid provided to date?

A1. Saudi Arabia has provided over $132 billion in humanitarian, developmental, and charitable assistance worldwide since its unification, reflecting its deep-rooted culture of giving and commitment to global welfare.

Q2. How many countries have benefited from Saudi aid?

A2. Saudi aid has reached 171 countries across the globe, supporting 7,131 humanitarian, relief, and development projects in various vital sectors to alleviate suffering and promote stability.

Q3. When was KSrelief established and by whom?

A3. KSrelief was established on May 13, 2015, by directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to centralize and enhance the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts.

Q4. What is the role of KSrelief in Saudi humanitarian work?

A4. KSrelief serves as the umbrella organization for Saudi Arabia’s external humanitarian, relief, and charitable work, implementing projects in vital sectors and coordinating aid to those in need.

Q5. How many projects has KSrelief implemented?

A5. KSrelief has implemented 3,053 projects in 102 countries, at a cost exceeding $7.47 billion, benefiting millions of vulnerable individuals without discrimination.

Q6. How does Saudi Arabia support refugees?

A6. Saudi Arabia offers refugees free medical treatment, education, and job opportunities, integrating them into society across all regions of the Kingdom, demonstrating its welcoming and compassionate approach.

Q7. What is the Saudi International Volunteer Portal?

A7. The Saudi International Volunteer Portal is an initiative by KSrelief that allows individuals to register for volunteer work abroad after training, promoting charitable causes and community development in line with Vision 2030.

Q8. How many volunteers have registered on the portal?

A8. Over 63,000 volunteers have registered, participating in 724 volunteer programs in 47 countries, benefiting more than 1.83 million individuals worldwide.

Q9. What aid has Saudi Arabia provided to Gaza?

A9. KSrelief launched an airlift and sea bridge to Gaza, delivering 6,600 tons of food, shelter, and medical supplies via 54 airplanes and eight ships, and cooperates with Jordan for airdrops.

Q10. What is the “Saudi Sama’a” Volunteer Program?

A10. It is a cochlear implantation and hearing rehabilitation program for earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye, the largest charitable initiative of its kind, targeting 940 beneficiaries.

Q11. What is the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program?

A11. Fully funded by Saudi Arabia, this program provides free surgeries, treatment, and rehabilitation for conjoined twins, having studied 141 cases from 26 countries and performed 61 successful separation surgeries.

Q12. How does Saudi humanitarian work align with Vision 2030?

A12. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting social responsibility, international cooperation, and sustainable development, enhancing the Kingdom’s global role and contributing to peace and prosperity.

Q13. What sectors does Saudi aid cover?

A13. Saudi aid covers vital sectors such as food security, health, education, shelter, and infrastructure, addressing the diverse needs of affected populations in targeted countries.

Q14. How does Saudi Arabia ensure aid reaches those in need without discrimination?

A14. KSrelief implements projects based on need, without discrimination, ensuring that the most vulnerable groups receive assistance regardless of nationality, religion, or background.

Q15. What is the significance of World Humanitarian Day for KSrelief?

A15. On World Humanitarian Day, September 5, KSrelief expresses gratitude to humanitarian workers who sacrifice their lives to serve humanity, highlighting the Kingdom’s appreciation for their efforts.

Q16. How many airplanes and ships were used in the Gaza airlift and sea bridge?

A16. Fifty-four airplanes and eight large ships were used, carrying 6,600 tons of food, shelter, and medical supplies to support the people of Gaza during the crisis.

Q17. What is the historical basis of Saudi humanitarian work?

A17. It stems from Islamic teachings, rich historical legacy, and authentic Arab customs, practiced since the unification under King Abdulaziz and continued by his successors.

Q18. How does Saudi Arabia integrate refugees into society?

A18. By providing free medical treatment, education in public schools, and job opportunities, Saudi Arabia helps refugees become self-sufficient and integrated members of society.

Q19. What is the total number of beneficiaries from KSrelief’s projects?

A19. Millions of the most vulnerable and needy groups have benefited from KSrelief’s 3,053 projects across 102 countries, reflecting the Kingdom’s far-reaching humanitarian impact.

Q20. How does Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian work reflect its global role?

A20. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global welfare, peace, and stability, positioning the Kingdom as a leading humanitarian actor and a responsible member of the international community.

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