As the world observes World Humanitarian Day on August 19, Saudi Arabia stands out as one of the largest humanitarian donors globally, with aid and development contributions exceeding $141 billion across 7,983 projects in 173 countries.
This long-standing commitment highlights the kingdom’s leadership in global relief and development efforts.
Read: UAE has provided $100.2 billion in foreign aid ahead of World Humanitarian Day
KSrelief: Saudi Arabia’s official humanitarian organization
At the center of this global outreach is the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), established on May 13, 2015, as Saudi Arabia’s official humanitarian arm. Operating with principles of neutrality, transparency, and professionalism, KSrelief has delivered 3,612 humanitarian projects valued at more than $8.141 billion in 108 countries, reaching millions in need.
Supporting Gaza amid crisis
KSrelief has played a critical role in addressing humanitarian crises worldwide. In response to the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip, the center launched air and sea bridges to deliver over 7,180 tons of aid, provided 20 ambulances to the Palestinian Red Crescent, and signed relief agreements worth $90.35 million.
Additionally, KSrelief conducted airdrop operations in collaboration with Jordan to bypass closed border crossings and maintain the flow of aid.
Relief in Syria and Türkiye
KSrelief has also extended major assistance to Syria, establishing both air and land bridges to deliver emergency food, shelter, and medical supplies.
A cornerstone of this support is the Saudi Voluntary Program for Syrians, which has mobilized over 3,000 Saudi volunteers across 104 campaigns, contributing 218,500 hours in vital fields such as medicine, education, and economic empowerment.
In the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated parts of Syria and Türkiye, KSrelief activated an emergency air bridge, providing urgent medical, food, and shelter aid to thousands affected by the disaster.
Major initiatives in Yemen
In Yemen, KSrelief has spearheaded several high-impact programs, including the Masam project, which has cleared over 500,000 landmines, and a prosthetic limb program for those injured in the conflict.
The center has also rehabilitated 530 Yemeni children who were recruited or traumatized by the war, providing psychosocial support to more than 60,000 family members.
Life-changing medical programs
Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian leadership extends to world-class medical initiatives. The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has become a global symbol of advanced humanitarian medicine, having studied 150 cases from 27 countries and successfully conducted 66 free separation surgeries.
In recognition of this program, the United Nations (UN) designated November 24 as World Conjoined Twins Day, an initiative led by the kingdom to raise awareness and celebrate medical achievements.
Enabling global participation through digital platforms
To broaden the impact of its charitable work, the kingdom has launched powerful digital tools.
The “Sahem” online donation platform has raised over $1.605 billion from nearly 8.5 million donors, supporting the continuity of KSrelief’s global operations.
Meanwhile, the Saudi external volunteering portal has mobilized more than 80,000 volunteers across 991 programs in 55 countries, contributing to initiatives that include 236,000 free surgeries worldwide.
As we commemorate World Humanitarian Day, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian footprint continues to grow, driven by the efforts of KSrelief and a national vision rooted in compassion, global solidarity, and effective crisis response.
The kingdom’s actions serve as a beacon of hope, offering life-saving support and reaffirming the kingdom’s commitment to people in need, regardless of borders.
