KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy

1 / 7
KSrelief’s humanitarian efforts have reached 106 countries with an amount exceeding $7.3bn, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Short Url
Updated 24 February 2025
Follow

KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy

  • KSrelief’s worldwide aid efforts exceed $7.3 billion
  • King Salman always concerned with humanitarian work, says KSrelief chief

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s humanitarian efforts have reached 106 countries with an amount exceeding $7.3 billion, its Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah noted at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum on Monday.

The agency has implemented 3,355 relief projects either directly or through its 211 international, national, and local partners.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum which is being held in partnership with the UN, Al-Rabeeah said: “This is a moment worthy of reflection, to draw lessons from the past that will help us to direct our actions towards the future.”

He noted that the forum, which is being attended by experts, officials from the UN and various international organization, is held under the theme “Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response,” and coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of KSrelief.

“King Salman has always been vitally concerned with humanitarian work, which he underscored 10 years ago with his establishment of the KSrelief to be a leading center in delivering Saudi humanitarian aid to those most in need around the world,” Al-Rabeeah said. “(It is) an approach that combines humanitarian giving, strategic planning, effective and rapid emergency interventions during crises of all kinds.”

He added that as a result of these efforts, the Kingdom’s total charitable contributions over the past five decades have surpassed $133.8 billion. “Additionally, KSrelief is one of the leading international organizations that implement extensive networks of global volunteer missions — 876 thus far across 52 countries,” he said.

KSrelief also actively participates with the UN in supporting a wide range of global humanitarian initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals, and contributes to the creation of innovative access mechanisms that achieve significant and comprehensive results.

He explained that the forum is being held within the context of collaborative efforts with the international community “as we share experience and knowledge to improve humanitarian crisis response.”

The event features 21 sessions and 132 speakers and will serve as a starting point for developing innovative initiatives that open new opportunities for humanitarian work.

These initiatives will incorporate creative models inspired by the most up-to-date technologies to improve the operational efficiency of humanitarian responses, ensure the optimal use of resources, and minimize duplication of efforts to better meet the lives of vulnerable groups worldwide.

The forum also provides an opportunity to call on the global donor community and partners from both the public and private sectors to provide the necessary financial support for humanitarian programs, to improve the speed and efficiency of crisis response, and to address urgent humanitarian appeals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan thanked the diverse participation, saying: “We value the efforts and participation.”

He added: “This is a sign of standing firm and united in commitment to addressing the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges.”

Prince Faisal praised KSrelief for being at the forefront of humanitarian efforts for people in need everywhere including Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Sudan and all over the world.

He commended KSrelief’s extraordinary efforts with the Masam project removing landmines in war hit Yemen, as well as its efforts to champion humanitarian diplomacy in conflict areas.

Saudi moves to enhance dialogue and resolve conflicts have been acknowledged by the world, he said, noting that humanitarian diplomacy is very important in conflict areas, and that KSrelief has been playing a crucial role in preserving values.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar read a message on behalf of King Salman that highlighted the commendable role the KSrelief played over the first decade of its run.

The opening ceremony saw the signing of four agreements: the first memorandum of financial contribution was signed between KSrelief and the World Health Organization with the amount of $300 million for the global polio eradication initiative; the second memorandum was signed between KSrelief and UNICEF with $200 million allocated for the initiative; the third between KSrelief and the Islamic Development Bank with a $100 million contribution to the lives and livelihood fund; and the fourth, a renewal of a joint cooperation program between KSrelief and the World Food Programme which has spanned several decades, during which the Kingdom has supported the dates program with more than 100,000 tonnes donated.

Speaking at the session on “Humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts,” Al-Rabeeah said humanitarian diplomacy is key in paving the way to resolve humanitarian catastrophe in conflict areas.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian diplomacy in conflict areas such as Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria.

He underlined that impartiality and neutrality is important for humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts.

International Organization for Migration Director General Amy Pope stressed the importance of access to basic services such as healthcare, water, food and shelter in conflict areas. 

She thanked KSrelief for bringing the organization into this key discussion, saying ensuring the needs of the people on the move remain central to the humanitarian agenda. 

Maciej Popowski, director general of the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, stressed the importance of the legal aspect of humanitarian diplomacy and called for humanitarian diplomacy according to international humanitarian law, without indulging in politics.

He also mentioned EU sanctions on Syria during the previous regime.

The EU Council, meanwhile, decided on Monday to suspend a number of restrictive measures in view of the improved situation in Syria Arab Republic. This decision is part of the EU’s efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization.

Pierre Krahenbuhl, director general of the International Committee of the Red Cross, praised Saudi Arabia for its important role in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine for humanitarian diplomacy in these armed conflicts.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, in a video message, praised KSrelief’s key role in humanitarian diplomacy in conflict areas.


Saudi project clears 607 Houthi mines in Yemen

Updated 31 March 2025
Follow

Saudi project clears 607 Houthi mines in Yemen

  • The total included 561 unexploded ordnances, 21 anti-personnel mines, 20 anti-tank mines and five explosive devices, according to a recent report

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 607 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 561 unexploded ordnances, 21 anti-personnel mines, 20 anti-tank mines and five explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 486,108 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


Kingdom launches Hajj packages for domestic pilgrims via Nusuk app

Updated 31 March 2025
Follow

Kingdom launches Hajj packages for domestic pilgrims via Nusuk app

  • Priority given to Muslims undertaking Hajj for the first time
  • Only those with mandatory meningitis vaccination eligible to book packages

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched this year’s Hajj packages for citizens and residents of the Kingdom, now available for booking through the Nusuk app and its dedicated electronic portal.

In line with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding access to the annual pilgrimage, the ministry has launched Hajj packages with priority booking for first-time pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to the ministry, pilgrims must have completed the mandatory meningitis vaccination to access packages, with appointments available through the Sehhaty app.

The Nusuk platform offers a user-friendly experience, allowing pilgrims to browse and book packages with various payment options.

The Nusuk app also enables pilgrims to purchase essential Hajj items, including ihram clothing and personal necessities, as well as book flight tickets within their packages, streamlining the entire pilgrimage journey.

Welcoming the announcement, Arif Anwar, an Alkhobar resident, told Arab News: “It’s great news, I was waiting for it. Now I will make the booking via Nusuk for me and my family, and (we are) looking forward to it as priority will be given to individuals who have not previously performed this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, to allow more Muslims to fulfil this one of the five pillars of Islam in a spiritually inclusive and accessible environment.”

Abdulrahman Qahtani, a Jeddah native, said: "It was awaited. I am keen to perform Hajj this year, and by fulfilling the requirements mentioned by the ministry, I will now apply via Nusuk to perform this one of the five key pillars of Islam."

Wissam Dekmak, a Lebanese resident in Riyadh, said: "It is exciting for all residents to hear this announcement, allowing us to plan and book Hajj well in advance. We can now easily reserve packages through the Nusuk app and portal. It is an amazing initiative that simplifies the process and prioritizes those who haven't yet experienced Hajj."

Packages are accessible through the electronic portal at masar.nusuk.sa/individuals/local-pilgrims.

"We offer pilgrims a variety of Hajj packages provided by authorized service provider companies, ensuring a seamless Hajj experience," according to Nusuk portal.

The Hajj package starts at SR8,092 ($2,157) for the Al-Diyafah camp in Mina with shared accommodation. The second package is offered at SR10,366 with an upgraded camp providing high-quality service.

The third package costs SR13,150 for the six towers in Mina, located near the Jamarat bridge. The fourth package, Kidana Al-Wadi Towers, is valued at SR12,537, offering luxurious accommodation in modern towers with advanced facilities and meals.

The launch is part of a wider digital transformation of the Hajj experience, with the Nusuk platform serving as a comprehensive digital companion.

The ministry receives pilgrims’ inquiries via the Pilgrims’ Care Center at 1966 (available 24/7) or the beneficiary care account on X (@MOHU_Care).


Najran’s janbiya: A timeless symbol of cultural heritage

Updated 31 March 2025
Follow

Najran’s janbiya: A timeless symbol of cultural heritage

  • Janbiya designs in Najran’s markets vary from traditional styles for young men to luxurious types adorned with silver and intricate engravings, illustrating the region’s craftsmanship

RIYADH: Najran’s janbiya dagger is a symbol of cultural heritage, authenticity, and history, passed down through generations and worn during celebrations and public occasions as part of local identity, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Janbiya designs in Najran’s markets vary from traditional styles for young men to luxurious types adorned with silver and intricate engravings, illustrating the region’s craftsmanship.

Local resident Saleh Hussein Al-Yami said that the janbiya is worn during Eid and national and social occasions as a symbol of authenticity, joy, pride, and belonging.

(SPA)

Al-Yami noted that it reflects a rich cultural heritage, renewed with each celebration, and is worn by all age groups during Eid Al-Fitr gatherings throughout the region.

Handcrafted with skill in Najran, the janbiya features intricate engravings on silver, leather and wood, with a steel-forged blade, the SPA reported.

Each janbiya is a unique masterpiece, preserving a long tradition of creativity and craftsmanship, ensuring this heritage thrives across generations. 


Kingdom extends aid to global communities

Updated 31 March 2025
Follow

Kingdom extends aid to global communities

  • In Somalia, KSrelief provided 138 tonnes of dates to the World Food Programme, benefiting 200,000 people
  • Additional distributions in Idlib and Aleppo governorates included 4,016 food parcels and hygiene kits, assisting 12,048 people

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In Somalia, KSrelief provided 138 tonnes of dates to the World Food Programme, benefiting 200,000 people.

The agency also distributed 5,500 bags of rice in the Benadir region, reaching 33,000 people as part of its Eid Al-Fitr Zakat project, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting those in need during the holiday.

Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed aid to multiple countries. In Lebanon, 660 food parcels were provided to displaced Syrians and Palestinian refugees, benefiting 3,300 people.

In Sudan, 600 food packages were delivered to the New Hayya Locality of Red Sea State, aiding 4,164 vulnerable people.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, the Saudi aid agency distributed 7,600 cartons of dates in Aleppo, 5,307 in Homs and 1,554 in Zamalka.

Additional distributions in Idlib and Aleppo governorates included 4,016 food parcels and hygiene kits, assisting 12,048 people.

In Mali, KSrelief delivered 800 food packages in Segou, supporting 4,010 of the most vulnerable people.


Historic market in Madinah fuels local economy

Updated 31 March 2025
Follow

Historic market in Madinah fuels local economy

RIYADH: Madinah’s central market is a key shopping destination, supplying thousands of stores and acting as a logistics hub with hundreds of trucks delivering local and imported goods.

This vibrant hub continues Madinah’s long-standing commercial heritage, dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Madinah has historically been a thriving commercial center, hosting famous markets offering textiles, gold, dates, and other goods for residents, pilgrims, and Umrah performers.

Covering 160,000 square meters, the market meets the city’s growing needs, housing more than 1,100 shops, storage yards for agricultural products, cold storage spaces, and areas for displaying fruits and vegetables.

It also includes parking for refrigerator trucks, ensuring efficient handling and display of fresh produce, SPA reported.

This infrastructure allows the central market to circulate large quantities of fruits and vegetables, maintaining competitive prices under the Madinah municipality’s supervision.