Saudi ‘Ehsan’ Campaign: Social Unity Reaches Millions

The fourth edition of the Saudi annual national campaign for charitable activities was inaugurated with generous donations from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
The fourth edition of the Saudi annual national campaign for charitable activities was inaugurated with generous donations from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
TT

Saudi ‘Ehsan’ Campaign: Social Unity Reaches Millions

The fourth edition of the Saudi annual national campaign for charitable activities was inaugurated with generous donations from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
The fourth edition of the Saudi annual national campaign for charitable activities was inaugurated with generous donations from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)

As Islam’s holy month of Ramadan begins, people’s hearts open, eager to do good deeds and help those in need.

The fourth Saudi annual national campaign for charitable activities shows how individuals and Saudi organizations are competing to give generously.

This year's campaign was kickstarted by significant donations from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, through the Ehsan platform.

Within hours of launching last Friday, donations exceeded SAR 1 billion, highlighting the community’s eagerness to contribute. The campaign continues to accept donations until the end of Ramadan.

The Ehsan platform offers diverse opportunities for charitable donations, catering to various needs. From supporting families who have lost their breadwinners to helping patients struggling with illness and poverty, the platform addresses a wide range of challenges.

Donations can also aid debtors and those in need by covering electricity bills through the “Taysirat” service.

Additionally, the platform provides assistance for individuals facing legal obligations and offers opportunities for supporting emergency relief projects worldwide in collaboration with the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid.

At Ehsan’s headquarters in Riyadh, a team acts as a central hub, working tirelessly throughout the campaign. They track donations, encourage competition in doing good, and share stories of kindness on social media.

The platform’s social media profiles showcase individuals and organizations giving generously to support charitable causes, maximizing their impact and contributing to the national charity campaign.

At the exhibition accompanying the fourth edition of the national charity campaign, visitors can see the results of the campaign through various projects nearing completion or already in progress.

The exhibition showcases the nearly completed “Salam” Endowment Hospital project in Madinah, the first of its kind in the Kingdom.

It is located near the Prophet’s Mosque and boasts 14 floors, including an emergency department, intensive care unit, and dialysis center.

Moreover, interactive displays at the fair illustrate the impact of donor generosity in various charitable and developmental areas, highlighting nationwide contributions.

The exhibition also introduced the Ehsan Endowment Fund, launched last January to ensure financial sustainability for charitable endeavors, enabling individuals and organizations to invest and allocate returns to diverse charitable activities in collaboration with over 1,700 local organizations.

Ehsan has positively impacted over 4.8 million people across education, social, health, relief, environmental, economic, and technological sectors.

Donations continue 24/7 during Ramadan, totaling over SAR 6.2 billion. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, Ehsan promotes a culture of donation and supports community projects and humanitarian causes, enabling secure donations.



Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
TT

Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)

Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in cities and villages controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen.

Historic forts and ancient buildings have been affected, with homes collapsing in Sanaa, its outskirts, and in the governorates of Raymah, Amran, Al-Bayda, and Hodeidah.

Flooding has particularly impacted the Bustan al-Sultan and Harqan neighborhoods in the UNESCO-listed city of Sanaa.

Sources have accused the Iran-backed Houthis of neglecting the disaster and ignoring residents’ calls for help, while they instead focused on their annual sectarian celebrations.

The Houthi-controlled “Historical Cities Preservation Authority” issued urgent warnings about historic buildings at risk of collapse in the old city in Sanaa and elsewhere. They reported that an ancient palace in an old neighborhood is near collapse.

In rural Sanaa, local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the historic Haraz fort has partially collapsed due to the rains. The fort is one of Yemen’s oldest.

The Raymah governorate has also suffered, with recent floods causing around eight deaths and destroying over 400 homes, including ancient buildings. Parts of the historic Zalamlam Mountain Castle have collapsed from the rain.

The Yemen Meteorological and Early Warning Center predicted that heavy thunderstorms, including hail and strong winds, will continue for the next 72 hours.

This weather is expected to impact highlands, slopes, and western coastal areas from Saada in the north to Taiz, Al-Daleh, and Lahj in the south.

The weather forecast predicted continued rainfall, including thunderstorms and strong winds, over parts of Al-Mahra, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Abyan, Marib, and Al-Jawf.

The center also expected strong winds to stir up dust and sand in the Socotra Archipelago, southern coasts, and areas affected by thunderstorms.

It advised people to stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and muddy roads. It warned to avoid electrical poles, billboards, and trees, and to turn off mobile phones during storms.