Saudi Arabia delivers $145 billion in aid to 175 countries

Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian journey is marked by a legacy of generosity and compassion since its founding, embodying the values of giving, benevolence, and solidarity by extending support to those in need or facing crises. Over its history, the Kingdom has provided more than $145 billion in humanitarian and development aid, implementing 8,997 projects across 175 countries worldwide. This ongoing commitment has established Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading donor nations, demonstrating that humanitarian work is a deeply rooted value, not merely a response to emergencies, with its impact spanning continents.

This global presence reflects the strong support and attention that humanitarian and relief efforts receive from the Saudi leadership, which has elevated the Kingdom’s standing in the international humanitarian arena. According to the United Nations Financial Tracking Service (FTS), Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian and relief aid in 2025. The Kingdom also ranked first among donors to Yemen, contributing 49.3% of all humanitarian assistance provided to the country—an achievement that further cements Saudi Arabia’s role as a key partner in crisis response and alleviating suffering.

Continuing this approach, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) was established on May 13, 2015, by directive of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to serve as a leading humanitarian institution. Since its inception, KSrelief has implemented 4,425 projects in 113 countries at a total cost exceeding $8 billion, covering sectors such as food, education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, shelter, and other vital areas. Tens of millions of the most vulnerable people worldwide have benefited from these efforts, regardless of background.

Yemen has been a primary recipient of this support, with KSrelief carrying out 1,219 humanitarian and relief projects there, valued at over $4.785 billion. Notable initiatives include the "Masam" project, which has cleared more than 585,000 landmines in Yemen, helping protect civilians and enabling their safe return to normal life. The center has also focused on children affected by conflict through the "Kafak" project, launched in Marib in September 2017, which rehabilitates and reintegrates children impacted by armed conflict, providing social support and addressing both immediate and long-term effects of the crisis.

In Gaza, Saudi Arabia continues to respond to the severe humanitarian conditions faced by residents amid ongoing conflict. KSrelief operates a central kitchen producing 24,000 hot meals daily for displaced and affected families, has launched numerous educational and development projects, and established both air and sea bridges—delivering 84 planes and 8 ships carrying over 7,750 tons of food, medical, and shelter supplies. The center has also provided 20 ambulances to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and signed agreements with international organizations for relief projects in Gaza worth $90.35 million. Additionally, joint airdrops with Jordan have ensured aid reaches those in need despite border closures.

KSrelief has also implemented 523 projects in Syria worth over $584 million, 353 projects in Pakistan valued at more than $228 million, 279 projects in Sudan exceeding $192 million, and 73 projects in Lebanon with a total value of over $92 million. These initiatives span essential relief sectors.

Saudi Arabia’s medical giving is further exemplified by the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which began its first operation in 1990 and has since evaluated 158 cases from 28 countries across five continents. The program has successfully performed 72 separation surgeries, making the Kingdom one of the world’s most experienced countries in this field. The program covers all costs related to surgery, treatment, rehabilitation, transportation, and accommodation for the twins and their families throughout their medical care.

Beyond emergency response, Saudi Arabia also helps people regain independence and rebuild their lives. The Prosthetics Program provides artificial limbs and rehabilitation services, trains local staff in prosthetic manufacturing, and continues to support the most vulnerable groups, enabling them to restore their abilities and improve their quality of life.

Saudi volunteerism is another pillar of this humanitarian journey. KSrelief has organized 1,435 volunteer programs involving over 84,000 volunteers through the Saudi Volunteer Portal for External Volunteering, benefiting more than 2.8 million people in 59 countries. Volunteer medical teams have performed over 270,000 surgeries, turning volunteer efforts into tangible relief for patients in urgent need.

Among these volunteer initiatives, the Saudi medical volunteer team set a new world record by implanting 42 cochlear devices in 14 hours as part of the "Hear Saudi" program for Syrian children in Reyhanli, Turkey. This achievement combines medical expertise with volunteer spirit, giving children a new chance to hear and communicate.

On World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19, Saudi Arabia reflects on a legacy of giving that transcends borders and reaches people at their most vulnerable moments. From aid delivered to crisis zones, to programs restoring patients’ lives, and volunteers sharing their expertise with those in need, Saudi humanitarian work remains steadfastly centered on human dignity and well-being.