In a new international achievement reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its humanitarian and moral responsibilities towards the peoples of the world, the Kingdom achieved second place globally and first place in the Arab world among donor countries in the field of providing humanitarian and relief aid for the year 2025. This ranking came according to data issued by the United Nations Financial Tracking Service (FTS) platform, which consolidates Riyadh’s position as a capital of humanity and a pivotal partner in international development efforts.
Global leadership in supporting Yemen and Syria
UN reports have highlighted Saudi Arabia's remarkable leadership in responding to regional crises. The Kingdom topped the list of donor countries providing humanitarian aid to Yemen, covering 49.3% of total international aid to the country. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia ranked second globally in providing aid to Syria, underscoring its pivotal role in alleviating the suffering of people affected by conflicts in the region.
Regarding development assistance, the recently issued report for 2024 revealed that Saudi Arabia ranked second in providing this type of assistance among non-member donor countries (numbering 16 countries), while it came in tenth place globally in terms of the volume of development assistance within the comprehensive list that includes 48 member and non-member countries.
Historical context and sustainable institutional approach
This achievement is not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long history of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian efforts that began with the Kingdom's founding. This humanitarian work has evolved into a professional, institutionalized approach, particularly with the establishment of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, which has become the Kingdom's humanitarian arm abroad. Saudi Arabia operates according to a strategy that aims to separate humanitarian work from any political considerations, placing human life and dignity as its highest priority, which has earned it widespread respect and appreciation in international forums.
Transparency and international documentation
Commenting on this achievement, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, affirmed that the Kingdom's leading role in the global humanitarian arena is a result of the unlimited support from its wise leadership and an embodiment of the values of generosity deeply rooted in the Saudi people. Dr. Al-Rabeeah also highlighted the importance of the "Saudi Aid Platform," the largest in the region, in documenting these figures on an ongoing basis with international platforms, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to the principles of transparency and good governance in its relief work.
Strategic and international impact
This advanced ranking enhances the soft power of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and supports the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to strengthen the Kingdom's active presence on the international stage. This aid directly contributes to bolstering regional and international stability, as Saudi assistance is not limited to food and medicine, but extends to development, educational, and health projects that contribute to building resilient societies. Dr. Al-Rabeeah explained that this institutional approach, supported by the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the follow-up of the Crown Prince, has played the most significant role in achieving these advanced rankings, emphasizing that the Kingdom will remain an inexhaustible source of giving to assist those in need across the globe.
