The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved a new international milestone, adding to its impressive record of charitable work, ranking second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries in providing humanitarian and relief aid for the year 2025. This ranking comes according to data issued by the United Nations Financial Tracking Service (FTS), reflecting the Kingdom's firm commitment to supporting affected and needy people around the world.
Leading in supporting Yemen and Syria
UN reports have highlighted Saudi Arabia's remarkable leadership in providing aid to the most vulnerable areas in the Middle East. The Kingdom topped the list of donor countries for humanitarian assistance to Yemen, contributing 49.3% of total international aid to the country. This reflects Riyadh's pivotal role in alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people. Similarly, Saudi Arabia ranked second globally among donor countries for aid to Syria, underscoring the comprehensive nature of its relief efforts.
Regarding development assistance, the 2024 report revealed that the Kingdom ranked second among non-member donor countries (out of 16 countries), and tenth globally within an expanded list that includes 48 member and non-member donor countries, in terms of the volume of development assistance provided, which highlights its role as a key partner in international development.
Institutionalizing humanitarian work and international transparency
This achievement was not a coincidence, but rather the result of organized institutional work led by the Kingdom through its humanitarian arms, foremost among them the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the Center, affirmed that the Kingdom's leading role in the global humanitarian arena is a fruit of the unlimited support from the wise leadership, represented by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Saudi model of humanitarian work is characterized by its reliance on digitalization and high transparency, with all aid being documented through the "Saudi Aid Platform." This platform is the largest of its kind in the region, allowing international organizations and researchers to accurately track the volume of funding and implemented projects. This has enhanced the Kingdom's credibility in international forums and contributed to achieving these advanced rankings in global classifications.
Strategic dimensions and impact of aid
Saudi aid transcends the traditional concept of emergency relief, encompassing developmental and strategic dimensions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Since the establishment of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the Kingdom has worked to extend a helping hand to countries affected by natural disasters and wars without discrimination, placing human life and dignity as its highest priority. This approach enhances the Kingdom's soft power and underscores its role as a peacemaker and stabilizer in the region and the world.
This approach aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the Kingdom's global social and humanitarian impact and to reinforce the values of generosity and giving deeply rooted in Saudi culture. The Kingdom continues to be a wellspring of giving, persisting in its approach of assisting those in need across the globe, thus contributing to strengthening international peace and security and achieving prosperity for the beneficiary populations.
