Saudi Arabia Launches Relief, Development Projects to Address Humanitarian Needs in Syria

Photo from the inauguration ceremony of humanitarian projects in Syria (Photo: Turki Al-Oqaili) 
Photo from the inauguration ceremony of humanitarian projects in Syria (Photo: Turki Al-Oqaili) 
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Saudi Arabia Launches Relief, Development Projects to Address Humanitarian Needs in Syria

Photo from the inauguration ceremony of humanitarian projects in Syria (Photo: Turki Al-Oqaili) 
Photo from the inauguration ceremony of humanitarian projects in Syria (Photo: Turki Al-Oqaili) 

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has inaugurated a series of voluntary and development projects aimed at meeting urgent humanitarian needs in Syria, including 61 initiatives in the health sector, rehabilitation programs, orphan care, and overland aid convoys delivering essential supplies.

Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, said the projects were designed to address Syria’s most pressing needs, particularly in food security, health, community support, and rehabilitation. Speaking at a signing ceremony in Damascus on Sunday, he emphasized that humanitarian work is a core part of Saudi Arabia’s identity, noting that under the leadership of King Salman and the Crown Prince, this approach has evolved into a comprehensive institutional strategy. KSrelief, he added, has extended assistance to 108 countries worldwide.

Al-Rabeeah recalled Saudi Arabia’s long-standing record of humanitarian aid, highlighting that more than 454 projects worth over SAR 5 billion have been allocated to Syria, out of a total of SAR 28 billion spent globally. He said that the newly launched projects are evidence of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to stand by Syria and represent practical steps to meet urgent needs.

Health sector initiatives include equipping 17 central hospitals in affected areas with life-saving medical devices for operating rooms, intensive care units, emergency wards, and dialysis departments. Ten ambulances and large quantities of medicines will also be supplied. In addition, 61 medical volunteer missions are planned for this year, covering pediatric surgery, ENT, pediatric oncology, neurosurgery, cochlear implants, hearing rehabilitation, and specialized training.

Rehabilitation projects will restore more than 30 public bakeries and 29 bread production lines to boost food security, particularly in areas hosting returnees and displaced families.

The aid bridge will deliver 50 trucks carrying dialysis equipment, medical supplies, food, shelter materials, heavy machinery, debris-removal equipment, and ambulances, totaling 673 tons of relief bound for all Syrian provinces.

KSrelief also signed agreements for upcoming projects, including well drilling, orphan care, wheat production support, debris removal, and training programs.

To date, Saudi Arabia has implemented 419 humanitarian projects in Syria worth over $532 million, as part of ongoing efforts to ease suffering, improve living conditions, and reduce the impact of the humanitarian crisis.

 

 



Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
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Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine arrived in Jeddah Thursday. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, he was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and several other officials.

Zelenskiy said he would hold "important meetings" in the Kingdom as part of an effort to bolster ties with Middle East countries amid the Iran war.

"Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate ⁠the support and support ‌those who ‌are ready to work ​with us ‌to ensure security," Zelenskyy wrote ‌on X.

Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, accompanied Zelenskiy on the ‌visit.


Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with his French, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with his French, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Thursday with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of his participation in the Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meeting held France.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two countries, along with ways to strengthen and develop them.

They also discussed the latest developments in the region and ongoing efforts in this regard.

According to SPA, the Saudi minister also met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand.

During their meeting they reviewed cooperation between the two countries in various fields, in addition to discussing the latest developments and issues of common interest.


2 Dead, 3 Wounded as Missile Intercepted in Abu Dhabi

People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
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2 Dead, 3 Wounded as Missile Intercepted in Abu Dhabi

People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)

Two people were killed and three were wounded by falling debris after air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the government media office said on Thursday.

"The incident resulted in the deaths of two unidentified individuals, three injuries, and damage to a number of cars," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a post on X.