KSRelief doesn’t discriminate religiously, ethnically or politically, says top Saudi aid body chief

#KSrelief continues to support the victims of the floods in #Sudan with the distribution of 400 tents and shelter aid, in addition to nutrition and food supply to multiples areas. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 October 2020
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KSRelief doesn’t discriminate religiously, ethnically or politically, says top Saudi aid body chief

  • Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, spoke exclusively to Arab News
  • KSRelief currently has 1,367 projects under way in 54 different countries with a total cost of $4.673 billion

JEDDAH: King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) provides assistance to “needy people around the world regardless of religious, ethnic, and political background. The aid is free of any agenda, based instead on the mission for which it was founded.” These words of Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the supervisor-general of KSRelief, sum up in a nutshell Saudi Arabia's commitment to peace, sanctity of human life and dignity. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Al-Rabeeah discussed some of KSRelief’s 1,367 projects under way in 54 countries at a total cost of $4.673 billion (SR17.52 billion).

One area that KSRelief has focused on is the removal of landmines. Al-Rabeeah estimates Iran-backed militias in Yemen have laid as many as 1.1 million mines since the outbreak of the conflict. To date, more than 192,000 have been safely removed thanks to the KSRelief-affiliate, Project Masam.

Q: Is the work of KSRelief limited to just Arab and Islamic countries?

A: The humanitarian, relief and development activities of KSRelief extend to all needy countries of the world, including the Arab and Islamic countries. This is in line with KSRelief’s mission of providing aid to all needy and affected people around the world without the slightest discrimination (religious, ethnic, political or otherwise) and without linking aid to any agenda. KSReliefs 1,367 projects and programs cover 54 different countries around the world on all its continents.

INNUMBERS

KSRelief

* 1,367 KSRelief projects.

* 54 Beneficiary countries.

* $4.673bn Total project costs.

* $269m Project costs for 2020.

* 259 Projects undertaken in 2018.

Q: Development through education and training projects constitutes a large part of KSRelief’s work. What is the purpose of that? 

A: To date, the center has implemented 74 educational projects, valued at $181.3 million in Yemen, Syria and Somalia and for the benefit of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia, Bangladesh and other countries of the world, based on Saudi Arabia’s belief in the importance of supporting education among stricken peoples, as well as enhancing educational opportunities for children outside school, which the Kingdom considers an important part of the humanitarian and relief work that it carries out.

In addition to that, KSRelief’s efforts included implementing vocational training programs in many countries to empower needy families by qualifying them with a profession or craft and enabling them with an income-generating project so that these families transform from being dependent on the community to being productive families that rely on themselves in securing the basic needs that help them to lead a decent life.




KSRelief Supervisor General Abdullah Al-Rabeeah attends the Saudi-UAE-OCHA Humanitarian High-level Meeting held at KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh, on May 22, 2019. (AFP/File Phot)

Q: Which are the main countries served by KSRelief, and how much aid has been provided to them?

A: KSRelief has a noticeable humanitarian presence in many of the affected countries and always seeks to extend a helping hand to these countries and peoples to alleviate their suffering and meet their basic needs according to an integrated system of education, health, food and shelter services. At the forefront of those countries is Yemen, which suffered a coup by the Houthi militia, which is supported by Iran.

KSRelief allocated most of its aid to the brothers in Yemen, and the projects implemented for Yemen amounted to 513 worth $3.253 billion. The Syrian people also received a large share of KSRelief’s support, as it implemented 225 projects in Syria with a total value of $296.9 million. It also carried out 88 projects in the occupied Palestinian territories with a value of $359.6 million. Other projects carried out by KSRelief include 54 projects in Somalia with a value of $197.8 million and 113 projects in Pakistan with a value of $120.4 million, among many others.

Q: How have KSRelief’s most recent projects helped displaced people in Yemen and communities affected by the Beirut port explosion and the Sudan floods?

A: Since its establishment, KSRelief has been working to provide various forms of humanitarian support to the Yemeni brothers, including shelter, food, health and education, covering all its governorates. KSRelief also initiated urgent relief for the brothers in Sudan, whose areas have recently been exposed to floods and natural disasters that have resulted in the loss of lives and property. An airlift was launched that included providing food, shelter, medical aid and assistance.

KSRelief also launched an airlift that included medical, housing and food aid for those affected by the Beirut port explosion, which had resulted in heavy losses of life, property and infrastructure. These urgent initiatives were the result of the generous directives of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman in extending a helping hand to needy and affected countries.




KSRelief allocated most of its aid to Yemen, and the projects implemented for Yemen amounted to 513 worth $3.253 billion. (Supplied)

Q: KSRelief is the only entity authorized to collect donations in the Kingdom. Has it been popular? Can non-residents donate?

A: KSRelief has an online donation platform for all its humanitarian and relief programs, through which donors, whether inside or outside the Kingdom, can create personal accounts that provide them with access to the programs they wish to support and donate to them using credit cards and electronic payment mechanisms. The platform also provides direct donations with the opportunity to link donations to the countries and programs of their choice.

This online platform is the only official platform that provides its users with the opportunity to donate to the programs of KSRelief, whose programs reach beneficiaries in many countries around the world, bearing in mind that the center does not deduct any administrative expenses from donations. As for its popularity, the platform is still new, and we hope for the best in the future.

Q: Health and the protection of women and children form part of KSRelief’s concern. Are there special funds allocated to these?

A: Each sector has a special budget and an amount allocated to it, regardless of the type of beneficiary. For example, the health sector has implemented 369 projects worth $797.8 million so far, while it has implemented 74 educational projects with a value of $181.3 million.

KSRelief has also carried out various projects for the benefit of women, amounting to more than 225 projects, and reached more than 62 million women worldwide in four years at a cost of $390 million. KSRelief also cares about children. Therefore, since its inception, it has managed to reach 114 million children through 234 projects. Therefore, the amount distributed to each project or each sector varies according to the size and type of the project.




KSrelief also initiated urgent relief for Sudan, which has recently been exposed to floods and natural disasters that have resulted in the loss of lives and property. (Supplied)

Q: Project Masam is one of KSRelief's most important initiatives implemented in Yemen. Is its remit limited to clearing landmines?

A: Project Masam is a Saudi humanitarian project specialized in clearing Yemeni lands of mines. Iranian-backed militias have laid more than 1.1 million mines across swathes of Yemen. Large quantities of them have been laid in areas inhabited by civilians.

Project Masam is removing these mines. It has so far cleared more than 192,000 from the land, schools and homes, many of them camouflage in a variety of shapes and colors and planted using different methods, killing and seriously injuring a large number of children, women and elderly people.

Q: How many Yemeni children have been helped through the child-soldier rehabilitation project?

A: KSRelief implements a qualitative program to rehabilitate children who have been recruited by the Houthi militia and thrown into the conflict as human shields. The center rehabilitates them, integrates them into society, returns them to their normal lives and provides social support so that they can live their lives as children.

This program, which received international acclaim, aims to educate parents about the dangers of child recruitment and works to create healthy family environments through awareness and educational sessions and by introducing laws that criminalize child recruitment.

Here I stress the importance of raising awareness of the danger of child recruitment, clarifying it to societies, and emphasizing the principles of human rights and international law that prohibit the exploitation of children in armed conflict.




With the support of KSRelief, a fifth batch of food baskets has been distributed in Madagascar to assist those affected by floods and hurricanes; the situation has worsened there recently due to the spread of COVID-19. (Supplied

Q: What facilities are provided for refugees inside Saudi Arabia, and how are they dealt with?

A: The Kingdom hosts hundreds of thousands of Yemeni, Syrian and Rohingya refugees who live on its territory as honored guests and visitors and not as refugees. They enjoy freedom of movement, enrollment in government schools, engagement in the labor market, and access to health services.

KSRelief has established a platform for refugees, displaced persons and visitors to highlight the type and volume of aid provided to them by Saudi Arabia both inside and outside the Kingdom. The aid provided to them has reached $13.7 billion so far.

Q: KSRelief works with several international organizations. How does it coordinate with them in Yemen and other beneficiary countries?

A: KSRelief is constantly and continuously coordinating with international humanitarian organizations to bring aid to the needy. In Yemen, KSRelief is one of the biggest supporters in the field of humanitarian work in all Yemeni governorates and regions. Therefore, all humanitarian organizations operating inside Yemen seek to coordinate with the center to facilitate the delivery of aid to the afflicted. KSRelief has branches inside Yemen that meet periodically with humanitarian organizations to provide exemplary work in the relief and humanitarian fields.




KSRelief provides assistance to “needy people around the world regardless of religious, ethnic, and political background.” (Supplied)

Q: How many volunteers support KSrelief? How are they integrated into its work?

A: KSRelief has established a platform for volunteering. The number of registered volunteers has reached 15,562, who have been classified according to their specialties and the center’s need for their services.

KSRelief’s volunteer programs fall under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and are based on the principle of voluntary work as one of the seven principles of humanitarianism recognized by international law.


Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
Updated 04 April 2025
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Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

  • Concert features symphonic arrangements, in-game HD visuals

DHAHRAN: It is “game on” at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture after it opened its doors to an event on Thursday.

The orchestral performance, which is being held nightly at the Ithra Theater — with two shows scheduled for Friday — celebrates the soundtracks of popular video games and attempts to breathe new life into them.

The concert features symphonic arrangements paired with in-game HD visuals and exclusive concept art from popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed, and The Witcher 3.

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others. (Supplied)

Sergey Smbatyan, founder of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the artistic director and principal conductor since 2005, was on hand to lend context and commentary between the scores on opening night.

He told the crowd before the show: “If you’re not a gamer, what I want you to do is to imagine that you’re in a museum — an art museum — but instead of a curator telling you about the images that you’re going to see on this huge screen, let these musicians tell you that exact story.

“Tonight there is no right time to clap; there is no wrong time to clap. If you hear something you like from these guys (gesturing to the orchestra behind him on stage), let us know.

“We're going to start off tonight with role-play games, or what are known as RPGs, where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The game is focused on interactive storytelling, decision-making and strategy.”

Dhahran resident Paul Blay took his two daughters Sylvia, 11, and Celeste, 10, to the show.

Blay, who is a father of six, told Arab News: “I get emails about Ithra events and saw this one and I thought it would be fun for me and the girls to go to. Like with anyone that you love, I shared the things I love with them.”

The Blay family moved to the Kingdom last year and were keen to attend an event that merged gaming with music.

Celeste told Arab News: “I really like video game music; the music is really pretty and I like listening to that. It is kind of what motivated me to come here. And, also, my dad likes video games.”

The older Blay sisters have both taken music lessons and play multiple instruments, including the piano, the harp and the clarinet.

Their father said: “Some of the best music that’s being composed nowadays is for movies and video games. I expected it to be really high quality and good (at Ithra).”

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.

The last show takes place on April 5, with tickets starting at SR200 ($53), available at the venue or via the Ithra website.

 


Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

Updated 04 April 2025
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Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

  • The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations

MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz launched the “Love of Khaled Al-Faisal” exhibition as part of Jeddah Season festivities.

The ceremony was attended by Prince Turki bin Faisal, alongside several relatives of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

The delegation toured the exhibition, housed at the Abadi Al-Johar area in Jeddah, which runs from April 3-8 and welcomes visitors daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

  • Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors

HAIL: With its vibrant array of wildflowers framed by golden sand dunes and majestic mountains, the Poppy Reserve in Al-Khattah is one of the Hail region’s most captivating attractions.

Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors, particularly during holidays, Eid and the spring season.

The attraction enchants guests with its sweeping fields of poppies, perfectly balanced in form and color. As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder.

This striking beauty enhances the region’s reputation for breathtaking scenery and offers a unique experience.

 


Saudi Arabia concludes participation in Bologna Book Fair

The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia concludes participation in Bologna Book Fair

  • The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added

BOLOGNA: Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the Bologna International Book Fair 2025, held in Bologna, Italy, from March 31 to April 3.

The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience.

Bassam Al-Bassam, general manager of publishing at the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, said the commission organized various initiatives to enhance the publishing and translation industry in the Kingdom and showcase the Saudi cultural landscape.

The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added.

By participating in international book fairs, the Kingdom aims to enhance its cultural presence on a global scale and create new opportunities to promote Saudi culture both regionally and internationally.

 


Attempt to smuggle qat foiled in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan

Patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Daer, Jazan, foiled an attempt to smuggle 45 kg of hashish. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
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Attempt to smuggle qat foiled in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan

  • Preliminary procedures have been completed, and the seized narcotics were handed to the competent authority

JAZAN: Saudi Border Guard land patrols in Farasan, Jazan, arrested three Yemenis for violating border security system regulations and attempting to smuggle 171 kg of qat.

Meanwhile, Border Guard land patrols in Al-Daer, Jazan, foiled an attempt to smuggle 45 kg of hashish. Preliminary procedures have been completed, and the seized narcotics were handed to the competent authority.