Saudi Humanitarian Work: Deep-Rooted Culture, Human Values, and Rich Historical Legacy Spanning 171 Countries
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian work reflects the deep-rooted culture and supreme human values stemming from the Islamic religion, its rich historical legacy, and authentic Arab customs. This includes providing aid to the needy, rescuing the distressed, and alleviating the suffering of the afflicted. Furthermore, it demonstrates a noble pursuit of carrying out charitable and humanitarian work, achieving development, and ensuring societal stability for countries and people in need worldwide.
Since the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, through the reigns of his successors until the present era of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince, the Kingdom has been known for its generous humanitarian, developmental, and charitable assistance. Such aid has reached various corners of the world through donations, grants, and soft loans, totaling over $132 billion. The contributions have covered 171 countries and supported 7,131 humanitarian, relief, and development projects.
On May 13, 2015, the 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), which serves as an umbrella for the Kingdom's external humanitarian, relief, and charitable work. KSrelief has implemented 3,053 projects in various vital sectors, covering 102 countries worldwide, at a cost exceeding $7.47 billion. The projects have benefited millions of the most vulnerable and needy groups in the targeted countries without discrimination.
Volunteer work is an essential part of KSrelief's humanitarian and relief efforts. The center launched the Saudi International Volunteer Portal to welcome individuals who want to volunteer and join KSrelief's work abroad after being trained and prepared to serve charitable causes and promote community development in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. Over 63,000 volunteers have registered on the portal, participating in 724 different volunteer programs in 47 countries worldwide, benefiting over 1.83 million individuals.
The Kingdom is one of the most welcoming countries for refugees. It offers free medical treatment and education and makes efforts to integrate them into society. This is achieved by having a presence in all regions of the Kingdom, providing job opportunities, and offering education in public schools.
In solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip during the humanitarian crisis, KSrelief has launched an airlift. Fifty-four airplanes have arrived, and an additional sea bridge has been established, with eight large ships carrying 6,600 tons of food, shelter, and medical supplies. KSrelief is also cooperating with Jordan to conduct an airdrop, delivering quality food aid to those affected in the enclave. The aim is to break the Israeli occupation forces' closure of border crossings.
KSrelief launched the "Saudi Sama'a" Volunteer Program for Cochlear Implantation and Hearing Rehabilitation to help those affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkiye. It is the largest charitable volunteer event for cochlear implantation and auditory rehabilitation worldwide, with 24 programs targeting 940 beneficiaries from the Syrian and Turkish populations.
Notably, the Kingdom fully funds the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, covering all expenses, including surgeries, treatment, and rehabilitation for conjoined twins. The program has studied 141 cases from 26 countries on 3 continents and has successfully performed 61 conjoined twin separation surgeries.
On World Humanitarian Day, which falls on September 5 each year, KSrelief celebrates by expressing its appreciation, gratitude, and thanks to those who work in the humanitarian field. They have sacrificed their lives to serve humanity and help the needy and refugees in various parts of the world.
