Saudi Arabia has extended more than $145 billion in humanitarian assistance to 175 countries, establishing a broad international presence in relief and support efforts, according to Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief.
Turning relief into lasting resilience
Speaking virtually at the World Economic Forum session “A New Ambition for Fragile and Frontier Markets” in Brussels, Belgium, Al Rabeeah noted that KSrelief has delivered more than 4,000 projects worth over $8.5 billion across 113 countries.
Al Rabeeah stressed the significance of finding a fresh perspective on fragile and frontier markets, urging greater recognition of their capacity to drive locally led economic growth and build lasting resilience instead of relying on continued humanitarian assistance.
To advance this vision, he identified three key priorities: safeguarding international humanitarian law and ensuring aid reaches those in need without obstruction, empowering locally led relief efforts without adding pressure on affected communities, and developing innovative financing solutions to bridge widening funding gaps.
How can investment strengthen fragile markets?
Al Rabeeah also argued that closing the funding gap requires moving beyond grants towards more diversified financing models.
These include public funding, blended finance, risk-sharing arrangements and private capital, which can help make investment in high-risk frontier markets more viable.
Concluding his remarks, Al Rabeeah called for closer international cooperation to ensure humanitarian efforts contribute to lasting resilience and shared prosperity, giving vulnerable communities greater opportunities while preserving their dignity.
A global network for humanitarian relief
Founded in 2015 under the guidance of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has developed an international role in providing humanitarian assistance and relief to communities affected by crises. Based in Riyadh, the centre carries out its work across countries worldwide.
KSrelief’s global operations rely on cooperation with United Nations organizations, international and local non-profit groups, and institutions in countries facing humanitarian crises to assess needs and coordinate assistance.
Its work features several essential sectors, from food security, shelter and camp management to healthcare, education, nutrition, water and sanitation, as well as protection, early recovery and logistical support.
KSrelief’s relief programmes address a wide range of humanitarian needs, combining emergency support with services aimed at improving living conditions. The center provides food supplies, bread, dates and basic necessities to vulnerable families and orphans, while distributing tents and prefabricated housing units to displaced people and refugees.
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