Saudi Banks Increase Contribution to Health Fund Amid Virus Crisis

Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)
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Saudi Banks Increase Contribution to Health Fund Amid Virus Crisis

Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)

Saudi banks now have a stronger and more influential social responsibility in the Kingdom especially after 11 banks have announced supporting the Health Endowment Fund, confirming their important role in alleviating the burdens of the coronavirus pandemic.

The global crisis sheds new light on Saudi banks, which announced the donation of approximately SR158.7 million to enhance public health in the country and counter COVID - 19.

The banks' contribution to support the health sector in the face of the novel virus shows their initiative and sense of responsibility.

In detail, the banks’ donations were distributed as follows: the National Commercial Bank came in first with a donation of SR33 million, followed by al-Rajhi Bank with SR25 million, the Riyadh Bank with SR17 million, Saudi Arabian British Bank put forward SR17 million, Samba Bank donated SR16.5 million, Arab National Bank SR12 million, Banque Saudi Fransi SR12 million, Saudi Investment Bank SR6.5 million, al-Jazira Bank with SR5.6 million, Bilad Bank SR5.6 million, and Gulf International Bank gave SR2 million.

The Health Endowment Fund was established by the Ministry of Health in 2008 as the first specialized endowment fund in Saudi Arabia. It is chaired by the Minister of Health and it aims to contribute effectively to health development, cater to needs of patients, and finance preventive programs and health research.



Vice Foreign Minister, Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Hold Talks

The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation - SPA
The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation - SPA
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Vice Foreign Minister, Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Hold Talks

The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation - SPA
The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation - SPA

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates for African Affairs Ambassador Mohamed Abubakr at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh, SPA reported.

The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation, ways to strengthen joint action on current challenges, and regional developments along with efforts to tackle them.


6 Injured after Debris Falls from Attack on Residential Area in Kuwait

Smoke rises from an area of Kuwait's international airport after a reported drone strike on April 1, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke rises from an area of Kuwait's international airport after a reported drone strike on April 1, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
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6 Injured after Debris Falls from Attack on Residential Area in Kuwait

Smoke rises from an area of Kuwait's international airport after a reported drone strike on April 1, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke rises from an area of Kuwait's international airport after a reported drone strike on April 1, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

An Iranian attack on a residential area in northern Kuwait injured six people on Monday, the Gulf country's health ministry said.

It followed a post on X by Kuwait's army earlier in the day saying the nation's air defenses were working to intercept incoming missiles and drones.

"Falling projectiles and debris in a residential area in the north of the country after an Iranian aggression," the ministry said.

"The total number of injuries rose to six, with varying degrees of wounds."

Overnight from Sunday to Monday, Kuwait had also said it was responding to similar attacks.


Saudi Arabia Intercepts and Destroys Two Drones

Saudi defenses downed two drones in recent hours. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
Saudi defenses downed two drones in recent hours. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
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Saudi Arabia Intercepts and Destroys Two Drones

Saudi defenses downed two drones in recent hours. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
Saudi defenses downed two drones in recent hours. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)

Saudi defenses intercepted two drones, said Defense Ministry spokesman Turki al-Malki on Monday.

He said the interception and destruction operations were carried out successfully, reported the Saudi Press Agency.