KSRelief Announces $48 Mn Projects for Quake Victims in Syria, Türkiye

KSRelief General Supervisor and advisor at Royal Court Abdullah al-Rabeeah (SPA)
KSRelief General Supervisor and advisor at Royal Court Abdullah al-Rabeeah (SPA)
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KSRelief Announces $48 Mn Projects for Quake Victims in Syria, Türkiye

KSRelief General Supervisor and advisor at Royal Court Abdullah al-Rabeeah (SPA)
KSRelief General Supervisor and advisor at Royal Court Abdullah al-Rabeeah (SPA)

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) signed humanitarian projects and agreements worth more than $48 million for the earthquake-affected people in Türkiye and Syria.

KSRelief General Supervisor and advisor at Royal Court Abdullah al-Rabeeah made the announcement on Monday during the third edition of the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The projects included establishing 3,000 housing units to shelter the earthquake-affected people, amounting to $20 million, and sponsorship of orphans of earthquake victims as part of the “Their Smiles” initiative at a value of $10.6 million.

They included life-saving health care services and water and sanitation interventions worth $1.7 million.

The Center will also offer basic food supplies valued at $1.7 million and an urgent medical response to relieve the earthquake-affected people in Syria.

Saudi Volunteer Life project was also part of the agreement to help those affected by the earthquake, at $4.8 million.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.