Saudi Arabia Extends Over $130 Billion In Humanitarian Aid To 170 Countries

Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), announced that Saudi Arabia has provided over $130.34 billion in humanitarian aid from 1996 to 2024, benefiting 170 countries. He shared this during a meeting organized by the National Council on US-Arab Relations via video call.

Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted that KSrelief aims to be a leading international center for relief activities, adhering to global standards and best practices. The Center's core values include neutrality, transparency, quality, professionalism, initiative, creativity, building partnerships, and supporting communities.

Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has implemented around 3,009 projects in 100 countries worldwide, with a total value exceeding $6.940 billion. These projects cover various vital sectors and are carried out in partnership with 187 international and UN organizations.

Yemen received the largest share of KSrelief's projects, accounting for 64% of the total aid, valued at over $4.466 billion. Dr. Al Rabeeah noted that the center has carried out 992 projects dedicated to women, benefiting more than 151 million women with a value exceeding $653 million.

The Center also focused on children through 926 projects benefiting more than 179 million children with a value exceeding $888 million. Regarding refugees in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Al Rabeeah mentioned that the Kingdom hosts approximately 1,093,926 refugees from Yemen, Syria, and Myanmar.

The Kingdom provides these refugees with free treatment, education, and opportunities for social integration. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has contributed over $824.291 million in medical and preventive aid to combat COVID-19 globally.

Specialized Programs for Yemen

KSrelief has launched several specialized programs to support Yemenis including the Saudi program for demining (Masam). This program has successfully removed over 453,000 mines from Yemeni territories with the help of more than 400 experts in demining.

Other initiatives include prosthetic centers and a project for reintegrating children formerly associated with armed conflict. Dr. Al Rabeeah also discussed the establishment of platforms like the Saudi Aid Platform (SAP) and the Electronic Donations Platform (Sahm).

Global Humanitarian Initiatives

The Kingdom's humanitarian efforts extend to various regions including Gaza Strip where it responded promptly to crises by providing $185 million in aid and launching airbridge and maritime bridge operations consisting of planes and ships respectively.

Saudi Arabia also provided $120 million to Sudan during its current crisis and pledged $400 million to Ukraine to alleviate suffering caused by humanitarian crises there.

Cochlear Implantation Program

The Saudi Sama’a Volunteer Program for Cochlear Implantation aims to conduct surgeries and distribute hearing aids to children affected by earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. This program is considered the largest humanitarian voluntary event for cochlear implants worldwide.

The program plans to implement 24 voluntary programs benefiting 940 individuals through intensive rehabilitation programs following their surgeries.

Conjoined Twins Program

The United Nations designated November 24 as 'World Conjoined Twins Day' at Saudi Arabia's initiative to raise awareness about these cases. The Kingdom will organize an international conference under King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's patronage in Riyadh this November marking the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program's 30th anniversary.

The fourth edition of the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum will be held in February 2025. Delano Roosevelt praised Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts noting they have reached all corners of the world without discrimination.

With inputs from SPA