Saudi Arabia’s support for refugees, displaced persons, and temporary residents around the world has reached unprecedented levels, according to newly released figures that highlight the Kingdom’s expanding humanitarian role. The assistance reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, rooted in its humanitarian values and dedication to preserving human dignity wherever it is threatened. The figures were released as the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) announced Sunday the establishment of a new camp for displaced Palestinians north of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The facility is intended to provide safe shelter for families who have lost their homes amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and is part of the Saudi public fundraising campaign to assist the Palestinian people in Gaza. Coinciding with World Refugee Day, the data show that Saudi Arabia has provided more than $23.7 billion in humanitarian assistance to refugees, displaced persons, and temporary residents, both within the Kingdom and through relief, humanitarian, and development programs implemented across the globe. The total reinforces Saudi Arabia’s standing as one of the world’s largest humanitarian donors. Support for Refugees Living in Saudi Arabia According to the data, refugees account for approximately 5.5 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population. The Kingdom has devoted considerable attention to those residing within its borders by providing free healthcare and education, facilitating access to employment opportunities, and promoting their integration into society across all regions of the country. By 2026, assistance provided to visitors and refugees from Yemen, Syria, the Rohingya minority, and Sudan had exceeded $20.43 billion. International Relief Efforts Internationally, KSrelief continues to implement relief programs designed to ensure aid reaches those most in need. Its efforts include establishing and equipping refugee camps, operating mobile medical clinics, distributing food baskets and shelter supplies, and implementing water and sanitation projects. Syria topped the list of beneficiary countries, receiving 254 KSrelief projects valued at $290 million. These included the management and operation of KSrelief clinics in Jordan’s Zaatari Refugee Camp at a cost exceeding $2 million; the distribution of winter clothing vouchers in Lebanon under the Kanaf program, valued at $700,000; and the distribution of more than six million loaves of bread through the Al-Amal Charitable Bakery at a cost of more than $3 million. In Yemen, KSrelief implemented 49 humanitarian projects worth more than $145 million. The initiatives included the operation and maintenance of the Saudi Village for Yemeni Refugees in Obock, Djibouti, as well as the operation of medical clinics providing primary and emergency healthcare services and early-stage medical intervention. In Palestine, the center carried out 41 projects valued at more than $17 million, focusing on strengthening food and agricultural security, supplying essential inputs for bread production, and distributing vouchers for basic food commodities. Joint Programs with International Organizations As part of broader efforts to support refugees and displaced populations, KSrelief has signed joint implementation agreements with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international organizations. Among these initiatives is a program to strengthen protection services for displaced and refugee families in Yemen, benefiting 44,722 individuals at a cost exceeding $3 million. The center has also funded an emergency relief program for people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The initiative serves more than 23,000 beneficiaries and aims to improve living conditions while reducing the risks associated with harsh winter weather. In Burkina Faso, KSrelief launched a separate project to procure and distribute 3,400 shelter kits to the most vulnerable families, benefiting approximately 17,000 people. Since its establishment in 2015, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has implemented 4,394 projects in 113 countries, with a total value exceeding $8 billion.
