RIYADH, March 28, 2025: Across Saudi Arabia, Ramadan is a time of deep reflection and generosity, marked by a surge in charitable efforts aimed at uplifting communities.
People come together to fund medical treatments, support orphan education, and equip families with the means to become self-sufficient, driven by a faith that emphasizes giving.
To ensure donations reach their intended beneficiaries securely, Saudi Arabia has strengthened regulations governing charitable contributions.
The Presidency of State Security has stressed that donations should be made through authorized channels.
For international contributions, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) is the only official entity permitted to receive and distribute aid, with violations subject to legal action.
One of the key organizations leading Ramadan’s charitable drive is the Charitable Society for Orphans Care (Ensan), based in Riyadh, which focuses on orphan welfare by supporting mothers and children.
Mohammed Al-Muharib, Ensan’s director-general, described Ramadan as a month of heightened generosity, during which the organization strengthens its initiatives.
Ensan’s programs include Eid Gift Packages, designed to bring joy to orphans, as well as direct financial aid, where funds for Ramadan Baskets are deposited into families’ accounts, promoting a more dignified form of assistance.
While Ensan provides year-round healthcare and education support, these efforts receive particular attention during Ramadan, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of community empowerment.
For time-sensitive initiatives such as Eid gifts and iftar programs, Al-Muharib emphasized the need for timely donations, encouraging supporters to contribute through official platforms.
He also highlighted the importance of partnerships with community stakeholders in fulfilling what he described as a “shared social responsibility.”
Transparency remains a priority for Ensan, with accountability reports issued after Ramadan detailing the allocation of funds and program outcomes.
Founded in 1981, the Al-Bir Society in Jeddah provides essential social services for orphans, families, and patients suffering from kidney disease.
As of March 17, 2025, the organization reported significant achievements, with its Hisham Attar and Abdulkarim Bakr Medical Centers having completed over 660,000 dialysis sessions using more than 70 machines, alongside psychological, medical, and social support.
Al-Bir also assists more than 37,000 families through rehabilitation, job training, and project funding to foster self-reliance.
It provides comprehensive care for 14,000 orphans within their families and 1,100 orphans in residential facilities, ensuring their educational, medical, and recreational needs are met.
Another longstanding charitable organization, Qatif Charity, has been serving Saudi society for over 60 years.
The organization focuses on enhancing the economic, social, and health conditions of its beneficiaries, supporting around 1,300 students, including 201 university students, with 22 graduates this year.
Qatif Charity has also extended assistance to 370 families and 500 orphans, having completed over 70 projects to date.
Osama Al-Zayer, the charity’s president, explained that their Ramadan programs begin before the holy month’s arrival.
The organization distributes Ramadan food baskets and oversees charitable initiatives such as the Friday Charity, the Laylat Al-Qadr Charity, and Zakat Al-Fitr, ensuring structured and impactful aid distribution.
Other Ramadan efforts include the Fawanees (Lanterns) Program, where Islamic teachings and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad are displayed on lanterns and shared online.
Additionally, the "Eid Joy" and "Eid Clothing" campaigns help families celebrate the holiday without financial concerns.
To facilitate donations, Qatif Charity has introduced an online donation platform.
Al-Zayer emphasized that generosity is deeply ingrained in Saudi society’s religious and cultural values, fostering a strong spirit of giving, particularly during Ramadan.
“It is a time when the charitable nature of our community shines, as people actively engage in supporting those in need,” he said.
In Asir, an initiative called Ajaweed has been providing home-based healthcare services, including vaccinations, lab tests, and prescription deliveries, throughout Ramadan.
Together, these organizations reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to structured and impactful philanthropy.