- Kingdom is working alongside UNHCR to rehabilitate homes and provide shelter for refugees ahead of winter
- Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief has focused on integrating aid with development initiatives for Syria’s long-term stability
GENEVA: Saudi Arabia supports the Syrian Arab Republic’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, including initiatives to facilitate the voluntary return of refugees, according to the Kingdom’s UN envoy Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila.
Bin Khothaila’s remarks, delivered at the 77th session of the executive committee meeting of the UNHCR, were reported recently by the Syrian Arab News Agency.
He highlighted the cooperation between the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief and the UN refugee agency to rehabilitate homes and provide shelter assistance for returning families ahead of winter.
Bin Khothaila reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation on refugee issues, emphasizing the importance of supporting host countries, sharing humanitarian responsibilities and pursuing durable solutions that preserve refugees’ dignity and rights.
He noted that Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first among Arab countries in humanitarian and relief assistance in 2025, while underscoring the Kingdom’s efforts to integrate humanitarian aid with development initiatives aimed at promoting long-term stability and recovery.
Rehab support for 49 schools, orphans
Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most active backers of Syria’s new government since the fall of former president Bashar Assad, combining diplomatic engagement with a wide-ranging humanitarian and recovery assistance program.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, KSrelief this month completed the rehabilitation of 49 damaged schools in the governorates of Aleppo, Rif Dimashq, Homs and Idlib, benefiting more than 50,000 students as part of a larger project to restore 60 educational facilities.
The program includes classroom rehabilitation, solar power installations, educational equipment and the provision of classroom units.
On Oct. 2, KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement via video conference to implement an orphan care project in Syria.
Ahmed Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s assistant supervisor general of operations and programs, signed the agreement, which commits to providing monthly financial support to help orphans meet their basic needs for food, housing, healthcare, and education.
The project will include recreational activities and the distribution of toys, school bags, and stationery, directly benefiting 1,000 orphans in the governorates of Deir El-Zor, Homs, and Hama.
Ambulances, personal care kits
KSrelief has also delivered 10 fully equipped ambulances to Syria’s Health Ministry to bolster services strained by years of conflict and humanitarian challenges.
In addition, the Saudi aid agency has distributed 2,450 personal care kits to families in Homs governorate and signed an agreement to provide financial, educational and healthcare support for 1,000 orphans in Deir El-Zor, Homs and Hama.
The projects form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader assistance effort in Syria, which has focused on restoring essential services, strengthening healthcare and education infrastructure, and supporting vulnerable communities as the country works toward recovery and reconstruction.
