Saudi humanitarian efforts cannot be ignored 
History has a way of repeating itself, and when it does so, it proves over and over that Saudi Arabia has the biggest heart in providing relief and protecting the region.
The Kingdom proved, as if it needed to, its commitment to aiding its citizens and others by evacuating numerous Saudis and non-Saudis from Sudan after the recent outbreak of fighting in the North African state.
One need only look back to the Gulf war in 1990, when Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait, to notice the same Saudi attitude towards a neighbor in distress, this time during the late King Fahd’s reign.
The emir of Kuwait, his family and other government figures, as well as a large number of Kuwaiti citizens, made it to the safety of the Saudi border, where they were offered protection by the King, who declared: “Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are one. We live together and we die together.”
Can Saudi Arabia’s efforts during the Sudan crisis inspire countries, leaders and politicians worldwide? The international media were impressed by the Kingdom’s efforts, and shed light on the details for the rest of the world to examine.
According to a statement issued by the Saudi Foreign Ministry on May 8, a total of 8,498 individuals were evacuated from Sudan by the Kingdom, including 278 Saudis.
The overwhelming feeling, shared openly by foreign ambassadors in Riyadh regarding the evacuation, revealed that Saudi Arabia has a global commitment to saving people (not to mention preserving economies and culture) whenever required.
For most of Saudi history, the Kingdom has been at the forefront of efforts regarding humanitarian work. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, also known as KSrelief, is a role model project that serves in many countries.
During the Sudan crisis, three Saudi relief flights took off carrying supplies to Port Sudan; the third, which took off this Wednesday, was loaded with 10 tons of food, shelter, and medical supplies, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The operation was organized by KSrelief, in line with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Verifying Saudi efforts in the Sudan crisis confirms an accurate picture of the Kingdom’s values towards the international community. Saudi Arabia’s efforts deserve more media exposure, as each great deed of a country must be noted for posterity.
The Kingdom’s remarkable endeavours for fellow human beings, juxtaposed with the fake news spread by opponents of the country, is a conflict that can be resolved through deeds, and Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts in Sudan indicate that Riyadh’s commitment to humanitarianism is impossible to ignore.
We see an expanding definition of kindness, social conscience and public spirit in Saudi Arabia. I feel honoured to be a tiny part of this Kingdom.
- Noor A. Al-Naboud is a writer, marketing and external communication and insurance expert.
