The distribution is part of the Kingdom’s Food Security and Emergency Support Project. KSrelief continues to support vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions.

Families received essential food supplies to recover from displacement. The initiative addresses hunger, poverty, and socio-economic hardship.

KSrelief focuses on migrants and displaced populations. The project strengthens resilience and social welfare in Nangarhar Province.

The initiative supports international humanitarian cooperation and regional solidarity. It ensures resources reach communities affected by conflict and instability.

Saudi Arabia’s aid highlights global humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. KSrelief promotes accountability, efficiency, and sustainability in its programs.

The project monitors the impact on community well-being and health outcomes. It provides immediate relief while supporting long-term stability.

In Sudan, KSrelief delivered food baskets to 1,050 displaced families returning from South Sudan. This forms part of the Mudad Sudan Project for 2026.

The project addresses urgent nutritional needs and emergency relief. Sudan has been affected by conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces since April 2023.

Violence is concentrated in the southern Kordofan region. The program helps families affected by displacement and economic collapse.

KSrelief’s support promotes regional stability and humanitarian diplomacy. It also reinforces sustainable development initiatives and international cooperation.

The aid program collaborates with local authorities and NGOs. Transparency and accountability are prioritized in food distribution.

By targeting vulnerable populations, the initiative prevents further humanitarian deterioration. Families receive nutrition, shelter, and basic resources.

Saudi Arabia’s efforts highlight the importance of food security programs. Emergency support and disaster relief strengthen social resilience in both Afghanistan and Sudan.

The project supports livelihood recovery and regional stability. It also promotes humanitarian values and cross-border cooperation.

KSrelief’s work reflects Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment to global aid. The organization continues to address urgent needs for displaced populations.

Food assistance programs ensure returning migrants and displaced families survive and recover. Nutrition and emergency support remain the top priority.

The initiative strengthens community resilience in post-conflict regions. It reduces the impact of forced migration, armed conflict, and socio-economic challenges.

Through strategic interventions, KSrelief supports vulnerable families. Its programs contribute to regional peace, social welfare, and humanitarian development.

The Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts demonstrate global leadership in disaster relief. KSrelief continues to protect at-risk populations and deliver essential resources efficiently.

The visit highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to global relief efforts and its partnership with international organizations to support vulnerable populations.

Guterres met with Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser at the Royal Court and supervisor general of KSrelief, along with senior officials, to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN in New York, Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Wasil, also participated in the discussions, reflecting the high-level engagement of both sides.

The meetings focused on humanitarian priorities, relief programs, and strategies to strengthen joint operations between KSrelief and UN agencies.

The dialogue emphasized innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in delivering aid to regions affected by conflict, disasters, and humanitarian crises.

Officials presented an overview of KSrelief’s global portfolio, which now includes 3,881 active projects across 109 countries, with a combined value exceeding $8 billion.

The portfolio covers diverse programs, from medical aid and artificial limbs distribution to educational and reintegration initiatives for children affected by conflict.

Guterres was briefed on key initiatives such as the Masam demining program in Yemen, which removes landmines and unexploded ordnance to protect civilian communities.

The center’s Conjoined Twins Program and voluntary medical missions were also highlighted as examples of Saudi-led innovation and international collaboration.

The visit included a tour of KSrelief’s permanent exhibition, which features an interactive map showing beneficiary countries and multimedia stories that demonstrate the impact of the center’s work.

Guterres experienced the “messages of hope” corner, using virtual-reality technology to understand the perspectives of refugees and displaced populations firsthand.

The UN chief also met Saudi medical volunteers who participate in KSrelief missions abroad, hearing personal accounts of their dedication to saving lives and delivering assistance on the ground.

These interactions underscored the human element of humanitarian work and the importance of training, preparedness, and cross-border coordination.

Guterres further visited offices of partner organizations housed within the center to learn about joint programs and collaborative efforts that amplify the reach and effectiveness of humanitarian aid.

The engagement highlighted KSrelief’s role as a hub for international cooperation, fostering partnerships that benefit communities globally.

The visit reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to addressing humanitarian needs through innovation, partnerships, and strategic initiatives.

KSrelief continues to set standards in efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness in relief operations, making a significant contribution to international humanitarian efforts.

Through initiatives like digital relief platforms, international registration systems, and capacity-building programs, KSrelief is helping transform the delivery of aid worldwide.

The collaboration with the UN exemplifies how global institutions can work together to support vulnerable populations and build resilient communities.

The meeting and tour of KSrelief by the UN Secretary-General demonstrate the Kingdom’s leadership in humanitarian action and its strategic vision for global relief.

By fostering partnerships, advancing innovative programs, and prioritizing the needs of affected populations, Saudi Arabia continues to positively impact millions of lives worldwide.

Its work highlights how humanitarian action and social responsibility can come together to improve lives on a global scale.

Since its establishment, the organization has implemented seventy-eight specialized projects across countries including Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Jordan, Somalia, Poland, Tunisia, Senegal, Lebanon, and Turkiye.

These initiatives have reached communities facing conflict, displacement, and limited access to essential health and rehabilitation services.

With a value exceeding $64 million, the programs offer medical support, physical rehabilitation, and assistive devices designed to restore mobility, independence, and social participation.

This reflects a deeper recognition that disability inclusion must be woven into every aspect of humanitarian planning.

KSrelief’s efforts demonstrate that empowering persons with disabilities is not merely a charitable act but a developmental necessity that strengthens entire societies.

Ensuring access to education, healthcare, training, and employment uplifts both individuals and the communities they belong to.

In many regions where health infrastructure is fragile, the organization’s rehabilitation centers provide continuous care for children and adults who would otherwise be left without essential support.

This includes physiotherapy, prosthetics, hearing devices, and mobility aids that allow people to reclaim their confidence and autonomy.

The programs also focus on social integration by encouraging participation in schools, local activities, and community life.

This helps break social barriers and promotes a culture where diversity is not only accepted but valued.

Disability should never be seen as an obstacle but as a part of the rich human experience that deserves recognition and respect.

KSrelief’s initiatives help shift public understanding toward a view where talent, creativity, and resilience define individuals more than their physical limitations.

By investing in capacity-building projects, the organization supports caregivers, educators, and medical teams who play a critical role in long-term rehabilitation.

Empowering these local systems ensures sustainability even after immediate humanitarian needs are met.

The philosophy behind these programs emphasizes dignity, fairness, and shared responsibility.

Every device provided and every training session delivered contributes to building a more inclusive global future.

As integration programs expand, communities benefit from broader participation and the creativity that emerges when more voices are included.

This creates a ripple effect, strengthening economic opportunities and social stability.

Empowering people with disabilities reinforces the belief that humanitarian work must be comprehensive and forward-looking.

It is a commitment rooted in compassion and guided by the conviction that every individual deserves a chance to thrive.

The impact of these projects serves as a reminder that inclusive development is essential for lasting peace, growth, and community resilience.

Through dedicated efforts, the path toward a more accessible and just world becomes clearer and more achievable.

KSrelief’s work stands as a meaningful example of how targeted support can transform challenges into opportunities for progress.

By opening doors, restoring hope, and promoting equality, these programs continue to inspire a broader global movement toward inclusion.

The meeting underscored the growing alignment between the two nations on global aid priorities and the need for long-term, resilient solutions that address rising humanitarian pressures.

The Saudi delegation was led by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, advisor at the Royal Court and supervisor-general of KSrelief, accompanied by representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance and the Saudi Fund for Development.

The UK delegation was headed by Minister of State for International Development and Africa, Baroness Jennifer Chapman. Their discussions highlighted the significant progress made since the previous session held in Riyadh.

The dialogue showcased the continued expansion of joint humanitarian initiatives.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah noted that Saudi Arabia and the UK had collaborated on five major projects with a combined value exceeding $30 million, aimed at enhancing humanitarian response, supporting communities in crisis and promoting global stability and prosperity.

The partnership has become an essential pillar in international development planning.

Participants emphasized the importance of aligning aid with long-term outcomes. Both sides discussed ways to transition from emergency interventions to sustainable development models that improve health systems, strengthen educational infrastructure, and expand livelihood opportunities.

The focus on sustainability reflects global shifts in aid frameworks as humanitarian needs grow across conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable regions.

The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the workshop on Saudi-British official development assistance held in London earlier in 2025, along with joint participation in international forums such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

These engagements have helped both partners explore new opportunities, exchange expertise and enhance coordination mechanisms.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah highlighted Saudi Arabia’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

He presented a forward-looking vision that integrates the Kingdom’s capabilities in healthcare delivery, education support and economic empowerment with UK experience in long-term development strategy.

The approach aims to create durable, self-sustaining solutions for vulnerable communities.

The Strategic Aid Dialogue is taking place at a time when humanitarian needs are rapidly increasing. Conflicts, climate disruptions and economic instability have placed added pressure on relief systems worldwide.

Against this backdrop, the Saudi-UK partnership serves as a model of joint international responsibility, showing how coordinated action can strengthen the global humanitarian landscape.

For both nations, the continued expansion of cooperation reflects strategic priorities. It enables more effective resource allocation, enhances the impact of aid programming and opens avenues for future initiatives that address emerging global challenges.

The dialogue in London provided an important platform to evaluate progress, refine shared goals and set a roadmap for the next phase of partnership.

As international development becomes more complex, Saudi Arabia and the UK are working to promote stability, resilience and dignity in communities most affected by global crises.

Their partnership illustrates the growing international recognition that sustainable humanitarian action requires collaboration, long-term planning and a commitment to inclusive global development.

The procedure took place at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, which operates under the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. The medical achievement marks another milestone for the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has gained international recognition for its humanitarian medical work.

According to the official statement, the surgery duration was reduced to five hours due to the absence of shared intestines between the twins. The medical team decided to expedite the procedure because of Azura’s critical heart condition, which required immediate and precise medical attention.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who headed the surgical team, confirmed that the twins arrived in Saudi Arabia on July 28 for evaluation and treatment. Al-Rabeeah, an adviser at the royal court and head of the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, said that the surgery was carefully planned after detailed medical assessments and consultations.

The twins were joined at the lower chest, abdomen, and liver, with possible sharing of intestines and the pericardium. These factors made the operation highly complex and required advanced medical coordination across several specialties.

One of the twins, Azura, had significant congenital heart defects, with her heart muscle functioning at only 20 percent capacity. This presented a major surgical challenge and heightened the risks associated with the operation.

Before the procedure, Dr. Al-Rabeeah explained the risks to the twins’ mother, who consented to the surgery after understanding the medical details and potential outcomes.

The operation was originally estimated to take about nine hours, divided into six major surgical stages. It involved a team of 25 specialized staff members, including experts in pediatric surgery, anesthesia, plastic surgery, and nursing. However, due to efficient coordination and the absence of shared intestines, the surgery was completed faster than anticipated.

Following the successful separation, both children were placed under intensive post-operative care to monitor their recovery and organ function. The medical team continues to assess their condition closely, ensuring that both twins remain stable and respond positively to treatment.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah noted that this operation was the 67th successful separation conducted by the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program since its establishment more than 35 years ago. Over this period, the program has provided medical care and surgical interventions for 152 pairs of twins from 28 countries across different regions of the world.

He emphasized that the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian medical work continues to strengthen global health cooperation. The program not only demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s advanced medical capabilities but also its role in offering hope and life-saving support to families in need worldwide.

The family of Azaria and Azura expressed their gratitude to King Salman and the Kingdom’s leadership for the care and hospitality provided throughout their stay. They also extended appreciation to KSrelief for facilitating the process and to the entire medical team for their skill, compassion, and dedication.

The successful surgery highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing medical expertise in complex pediatric operations and its leading position in specialized healthcare programs. It also underscores the Kingdom’s humanitarian mission to support families regardless of nationality, reinforcing its reputation as a global center for advanced medical excellence and charity-driven healthcare.

The twins are now in recovery under continuous medical supervision. The Saudi medical team remains optimistic about their rehabilitation and long-term health outcomes, marking another milestone in the Kingdom’s ongoing contributions to global humanitarian medicine.

This year’s event marked the first time that the Kingdom hosted the prestigious global workshop, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership role in promoting peace, justice, and humanitarian values on the international stage.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Defense’s National Defense University in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, along with 125 senior military officers representing 90 different countries.

The large international turnout underscored the significance of the Kingdom’s role as a global convener in matters related to military ethics, humanitarian conduct, and international law.

In his address, Lt. Gen. Al-Ruwaili emphasized that Saudi Arabia remains deeply dedicated to respecting, promoting, and strengthening the principles of international humanitarian law across all military operations.

He noted that the Kingdom’s leadership attaches great importance to ensuring that military conduct aligns with the highest ethical and humanitarian standards.

He also pointed out that Saudi Arabia has enacted comprehensive legislation that criminalizes violations of the laws of war and promotes accountability through a robust legal and institutional framework, including the establishment of specialized courts to handle such matters.

Al-Ruwaili highlighted that the Kingdom was among the first nations to accede to the four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to international humanitarian principles.

He added that these commitments are rooted in the tolerant and compassionate teachings of Islamic Shariah, which emphasize mercy, justice, and humane treatment even during times of conflict.

The Chief of the General Staff also explained that the Ministry of Defense has taken significant steps to integrate the principles of humanitarian law into military education and training programs.

These efforts ensure that all members of the armed forces understand and apply international legal standards in their operations.

He mentioned that the ministry offers a wide range of specialized training programs, many of which are conducted in close cooperation with the ICRC.

Such initiatives aim to position Saudi Arabia as a global example in implementing and training personnel in the practical application of international humanitarian law.

Al-Ruwaili further stressed that the Kingdom’s humanitarian commitment extends far beyond the military sphere.

He pointed to the ongoing efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), which provides assistance to people affected by conflicts and natural disasters around the world.

Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate compassion and solidarity with communities in need, reinforcing its position as a leading contributor to global humanitarian causes.

In her remarks, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger expressed appreciation to the Kingdom for hosting the event and for its continued partnership with the ICRC.

She stated that the workshop comes at a crucial time when the world is witnessing a rise in both the number and intensity of conflicts, which in turn puts immense pressure on the systems and laws designed to protect civilians.

Egger emphasized that all nations share a responsibility to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, noting that its implementation is vital to preserving human dignity during times of war.

The workshop serves as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of expertise among military leaders and humanitarian law specialists from around the world.

By hosting this important event, Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its role as a responsible global partner committed to promoting peace, stability, and the rule of law.

The Kingdom’s efforts to embed humanitarian values within its defense and foreign policy reflect its vision for a more just and humane international order — one that safeguards human life, dignity, and mutual respect across all nations.

“Coming from a medical background, I’m naturally optimistic,” Al-Rabeeah told Arab News on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. “With increasing acceptance of Palestine by many countries, particularly in the West, we are moving closer to achieving a durable solution.”

The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, led to the adoption of the New York Declaration—a comprehensive roadmap outlining timebound, actionable steps to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Endorsed by the UN General Assembly with overwhelming support, the declaration provides a multi-dimensional framework covering political governance, security, humanitarian assistance, economic recovery, and legal accountability. Key measures include an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, reunification with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority (excluding Hamas), a temporary UN-led stabilization mission, and a halt to Israeli settlement expansion.

“The people of Palestine have endured immense suffering for many years,” Al-Rabeeah said. “The two-state solution remains the only viable path for long-term peace and a brighter future for Palestinians.”

Al-Rabeeah also highlighted global humanitarian challenges, ahead of a high-level UN meeting on displaced populations. With over 130 million people displaced worldwide and donor fatigue threatening aid efforts, he called for renewed international commitment.

“We face multiple crises — in Sudan, Ukraine, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond,” he noted. “This meeting is essential to highlight the urgency of resolving ongoing crises, preventing new ones, and ensuring a better future for refugees and displaced communities.”

Al-Rabeeah highlighted that KSrelief has successfully implemented 2,625 humanitarian and relief projects in 94 countries, with a total value exceeding $6.483 billion. These projects encompassed various sectors, including food security, health, education, shelter, support, coordination of humanitarian operations, water, environmental sanitation, and protection. He also emphasized the center’s collaboration with 175 international, regional, and local partners in executing these initiatives.

Specific projects of KSrelief were brought to the delegation’s attention, such as the “Masam” project, which focuses on land mine clearance in Yemen. Al-Rabeeah also highlighted the prosthetic limbs program and the rehabilitation project for Yemeni children conscripted into war.

Moreover, Al-Rabeeah discussed several initiatives implemented by KSrelief, including relief and volunteer platforms, as well as international documentation and registration systems. Examples of these initiatives include the Saudi aid platform, the aid platform provided to refugees in the Kingdom, the external volunteering platform, and the electronic donation platform “Sahem.”

The supervisor general reviewed Saudi Arabia’s efforts in volunteer work through KSrelief, revealing that the center has conducted 514 programs in 38 countries, resulting in more than 139,000 surgical operations.

The World Bank delegation praised the effective mechanisms employed by KSrelief in implementing its humanitarian and relief work, as well as its support for needy and affected individuals worldwide.

Meanwhile, KSrelief signed a joint cooperation agreement with the Al-Ramdi Association in Dammam to implement volunteer programs outside the Kingdom. The agreement was signed at the KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh by Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, the assistant supervisor general director for planning and development at KSrelief, and Ziyad bin Abdullah Al-Suwaidan, the chairman of Al-Ramdi’s board of directors. This collaboration aligns with KSrelief’s commitment to supporting volunteer programs in various countries worldwide and contributes to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the integration of various national authorities.

On Sunday morning, the planes arrived at Al-Arish airport in Egypt. The aid was then swiftly transferred to several trucks in preparation for unloading at the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing.

The convoy’s arrival marks a crucial step in providing much-needed relief to the people of Gaza who have been grappling with the devastating consequences of the recent conflict.

The United Nations has acknowledged that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has created a conducive environment for scaling up the delivery of vital aid.

As a result, the volume of supplies, including food, water, and medicine, has reached its highest level since the beginning of the conflict. The truce has also facilitated the delivery of fuel, a critical resource that has been in short supply, and enabled access to areas in the north that had previously been cut off for a month.

The humanitarian aid provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief is a testament to the kingdom’s commitment to extending a helping hand to those in need.

It underscores the nation’s dedication to supporting vulnerable populations, even in regions affected by conflict. The provision of food, medical assistance, and shelter aid will undoubtedly bring relief to countless individuals who have been severely impacted by the recent hostilities.

The assistance offered by KSrelief reinforces the significance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing humanitarian crises.

The efforts of the United Nations and other organizations, alongside the aid provided by countries such as Saudi Arabia, play a vital role in meeting the urgent needs of affected communities and fostering a sense of hope amidst challenging circumstances.

As the aid convoys make their way into Gaza, it is hoped that they will make a tangible and positive difference in the lives of the people they reach.

The provision of essential supplies will not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts in the region.

The international community continues to emphasize the importance of sustained assistance to Gaza and other conflict-affected areas.

It is through concerted efforts and ongoing support that sustainable solutions can be achieved, leading to stability, prosperity, and a brighter future for all those affected by the devastating consequences of conflict.

KSrelief’s aid convoys represent a beacon of hope, demonstrating that solidarity and compassion can transcend borders and provide a lifeline to those in need.

With continued commitment and collaboration, it is hoped that the humanitarian situation in Gaza will improve, and the people can begin to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.

Dr. Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, KSrelief’s assistant supervisor-general for planning and development, expressed the organization’s commitment to reducing blindness and visual impairments in Bangladesh. Speaking at the launch of the program in Dhaka, Dr. Al-Ghamdi stated, “Helping to reduce the rate of blindness and visual impairments in Bangladesh has been a top priority for the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.”

The medical campaign will commence with the training of teachers, as they play a crucial role in identifying students in need of assistance. “The screening program will cover approximately 30,000 students across 50 schools in Dhaka. This morning, we visited one of the high schools and launched the program there. Over the next three days, they will screen around 1,000 students,” revealed Al-Ghamdi.

Under this initiative, KSrelief will provide glasses to students who require them, while those in need of further medical attention will be referred to doctors. The program aims to significantly improve the academic performance and overall quality of life for the students. Dr. Al-Ghamdi expressed his hopes for the students, saying, “It will change a lot for the students in their academic activity and in their life, actually. In this program, I hope the best for the students.”

During the event, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Al-Duhailan highlighted the extensive nature of the Saudi-Bangladesh relationship. “Our relationship is a multidimensional one. It’s not only concentrated in manpower and Hajj and Umrah visits, but it is more than this,” he emphasized to reporters.

KSrelief is renowned for providing humanitarian and development support to millions of beneficiaries in 94 countries. In Bangladesh alone, over 6 million individuals have received assistance from the center. Since 2015, KSrelief has successfully implemented 52 projects worth approximately $25 million in the country.

The launch of this medical campaign reinforces the commitment of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to supporting those in need and promoting a healthier future for the people of Bangladesh. Through their collaborative efforts, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh continue to strengthen their bilateral ties and contribute to the well-being of communities around the world.