Saudi Red Crescent Strengthens Readiness, Expands Humanitarian Presence Locally, Internationally

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has achieved a number of accomplishments in governance and institutional development in recent years, contributing to more efficient emergency medical services, enhanced emergency response readiness, expanded volunteer work and a stronger Saudi presence at international humanitarian forums. These accomplishments are in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
 According to the SRCA annual report for 2025, SRCA implemented an integrated operational plan during the 1447 AH Hajj season focused on strengthening field deployment, enhancing the readiness of its ambulance fleet and activating response services at land, sea and air entry points.
 It also applied an on-site treatment model for cases that did not require hospitalization, helping ensure rapid response and continuity of medical services for pilgrims.
 More than 31,000 frontline employees and paramedics participated in implementing the plan, including 6,846 direct staff members, supported by more than 2,300 male and female volunteers.
 SRCA operated 605 ambulances, more than 2,300 support vehicles, 27 specialized response vehicles and three air ambulances, while services were deployed across 133 ambulance centers, 71 staging points and 14 emergency centers. It also conducted 23 field exercises and 11 training programs to enhance the readiness of ambulance teams.
 In the area of volunteering, SRCA recorded 15,502 male and female volunteers who contributed more than 326,000 volunteer hours. It also implemented several community initiatives, including the “Lifesaving Waiter” initiative, which aims to improve food-service workers’ readiness to respond to choking incidents.
 In addition, 13 compliance certificates were granted to private training centers that met quality standards.
 Internationally, SRCA strengthened its humanitarian presence by chairing the Disaster Management Advisory Group (DMAG) for 2024–2026 and hosting its steering committee meeting in Riyadh.
 It also represented Saudi Arabia at meetings of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, adopted a mechanism for seconding national personnel to international organizations, and signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in emergency response, logistics and training.
 In governance and quality, SRCA obtained six international certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), covering quality management, risk management, information security, IT service management, beneficiary complaints management, and occupational health and safety. The certifications reflect its commitment to applying international best practices, enhancing institutional performance and ensuring sustainable services.
 SRCA affirmed that its achievements in governance, operations, quality and humanitarian work build on its efforts to develop emergency medical services, enhance the readiness of its personnel and expand strategic partnerships, ensuring the delivery of highly efficient services that contribute to saving lives and serving the community, Umrah performers and pilgrims.