RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief on Tuesday distributed food and shelter aid to 200 families in the city of Douma, in the Rif Dimashq governorate of Syria, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

Also on Tuesday, KSrelief distributed food and shelter aid in the village of Nasib, in the Daraa governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

To date, seven planes carrying food, medical supplies, and shelter materials have arrived at Damascus International Airport as part of a Saudi relief airlift.

Additionally, 60 Saudi trucks containing essential supplies, including food, shelter materials, and medical supplies crossed the Nasib Border Crossing into Syria as part of a Saudi relief land bridge operated by KSrelief.

On Jan. 1, Saudi Arabia launched an initiative to provide essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the country’s new leadership to rebuild after years of civil war.

According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.

Recently, Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Fadi Al-Qassem met with the KSrelief team in Damascus, where they discussed ways to deliver aid to the Syrian people and coordination between the Saudi aid agency and civil society organizations in the country.

Al-Qassem commended the support provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief and praised the Kingdom’s prompt response to the humanitarian situation in Syria.

Syrian Minister of Health Dr. Maher Al-Sharaa also met with the KSrelief team and discussed ways to contribute to addressing the needs of the Syrian healthcare sector.

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, KSrelief continues implementing its project to enhance healthcare services for Syrian refugees and the host community in the town of Arsal.

In one month, the Arsal Primary Health Care Center received 12,676 patients and provided 23,386 services across various departments.

The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of those in need, particularly Syrian refugees affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

KSrelief also announced the opening of registration for the Saudi Voluntary Program for Syrians. The program aims to support the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts by providing critical emergency and medical services to Syrians in need.

The initiative covers surgery, psychological support, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, internal medicine, pediatrics, physiotherapy, speech and communication therapy, and prosthetics, among other treatments.

Registration is available here.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission is to host the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert in Riyadh for the first time.

Starting on Jan. 16 at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the three-day event is part of efforts to promote Saudi music to local audiences.

It will be held under the patronage of Culture Minister and Music Commission Chairman Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.

The concert marks the sixth stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour, reports the Saudi Press Agency.

The orchestra and choir have brought Saudi heritage to prestigious stages worldwide, beginning in Paris at the Theatre du Chatelet and followed by performances at the National Theatre in Mexico, New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, Central Hall Westminster in London, and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

The Riyadh concert promises a captivating musical experience, with timeless melodies that guide the audience through the Kingdom’s heritage and highlight its cultural legacy and artistic depth.