Saudi Arabia has intensified its humanitarian efforts in Syria, launching a comprehensive relief initiative involving air and land aid to support the Syrian people as they continue to rebuild the nation. The Kingdom’s multifaceted campaign includes medical, food, and shelter assistance as well as field assessments to address critical healthcare needs.
Medical Assistance & Assessments
A delegation from the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid, accompanied by Syrian health officials, toured hospitals in Damascus to evaluate the healthcare infrastructure and identify urgent needs. The delegation’s visits followed a meeting last week between Saudi representatives and Syrian Health Minister Maher al-Sharaa, where both parties emphasized the importance of prioritizing equitable healthcare access.
Al-Sharaa expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s contributions, stating, “The Kingdom’s response to the humanitarian appeal is deeply appreciated as we face significant challenges in the health sector, including the legacy of corruption and poor professionalism during the previous regime.”
The delegation announced plans to support advanced medical procedures and launch new health projects. They are also coordinating the delivery of heavy medical equipment, including MRI, X-ray, and CT scan machines, through a newly established land aid bridge from Jordan to Syria.
Relief Air & Land Bridges
Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian campaign began with the launch of an air bridge in early January, delivering daily shipments to Damascus International Airport. The first flight carried medical supplies, food, and shelter essentials, with subsequent shipments sustaining the effort. Simultaneously, the Kingdom initiated a land bridge for transporting large-scale medical equipment and hundreds of tons of aid.
On Monday, the first convoy of 60 trucks entered Syria through the Nassib border crossing, carrying food, medical supplies, and shelter aid. Samer Al-Jatili, spokesperson for the King Salman Relief Center, described the initiative as “a flood of love and support that will cover Syria and immerse its people in warm feelings.” The convoy is part of a larger plan involving 800 trucks, which will continue to deliver supplies to help Syrians rebuild their lives.
Bringing Hope
In conjunction with the aid campaign, the King Salman Center launched the Amal (Hope) volunteer program to provide medical and emergency services to Syrians. Running from January 2025 to January 2026, the program will engage specialized teams of medical professionals across a range of disciplines, including pediatric surgery, neurology, internal medicine, prosthetics, and psychological support.
A Legacy of Support
Saudi Arabia has been a major provider of humanitarian aid to Syria since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom has delivered more than $856 million in aid as of late 2024.
The recent efforts highlight Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to alleviating Syria’s humanitarian crisis, with a focus on supporting the country’s transition to stability. “This is not just aid,” Al-Jatili said, “but a symbol of the deep connection between the Saudi and Syrian people.”
