Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to Syria’s recovery, reconstruction and voluntary refugee returns through humanitarian assistance. The Syria Recovery Support initiative combines emergency relief with longer-term projects addressing essential services and vulnerable communities. Saudi Arabia’s representative to the United Nations, Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, outlined the Kingdom’s position during a recent UNHCR executive committee meeting. He emphasized international cooperation and the need to protect refugees’ dignity and rights.
Bin Khothaila highlighted cooperation between the Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the UN refugee agency. Their joint efforts include repairing homes and providing shelter assistance to families returning to Syria before winter. These measures aim to help returning households access safer accommodation during colder months. Moreover, the Saudi representative called for shared responsibility among countries supporting refugees and those hosting displaced populations.
Saudi Arabia has also connected humanitarian relief with development projects designed to support Syria’s longer-term stability. According to the Kingdom’s stated figures, it ranked second worldwide and first among Arab countries for humanitarian and relief assistance in 2025. The approach focuses on restoring services while addressing immediate needs across affected communities. Consequently, Saudi assistance extends beyond emergency supplies to include education, healthcare and family support.
One major initiative involves rebuilding damaged schools across several Syrian governorates. KSrelief recently completed rehabilitation work at 49 schools in Aleppo, Rif Dimashq, Homs and Idlib. The project benefits more than 50,000 students and forms part of a wider plan to restore 60 educational facilities. Improvements include classroom repairs, solar power installations, educational equipment and classroom units.
These upgrades aim to help schools resume their work and provide students with more suitable learning environments. Furthermore, solar installations may support electricity access where infrastructure remains unreliable. Education recovery represents an important component of broader reconstruction efforts, particularly for children whose schooling suffered during years of conflict.
KSrelief has also launched a program to assist orphans across several Syrian communities. On October 2, the agency signed a cooperation agreement providing monthly financial support for children’s essential needs. The assistance covers food, housing, healthcare and education, while the project also includes recreational activities. Organizers plan to distribute toys, school bags and stationery to participating children.
The initiative will directly benefit 1,000 orphans in Deir El-Zor, Homs and Hama. Through regular financial assistance, the program aims to help families and caregivers manage basic expenses. In addition, educational materials and recreational activities can support children’s learning and social development.
Healthcare support forms another part of the Kingdom’s assistance program. KSrelief delivered 10 fully equipped ambulances to Syria’s Health Ministry to strengthen services under pressure. The vehicles are intended to support medical response and patient transport in communities facing continuing humanitarian challenges. Meanwhile, the agency distributed 2,450 personal care kits to families in Homs governorate.
Together, these projects demonstrate the range of Syria Recovery Support, from emergency relief to the restoration of essential public services. Shelter assistance, school rehabilitation, ambulance deliveries and orphan programs address different needs across affected communities. However, Syria’s broader recovery will require sustained resources and coordination among humanitarian organizations and public institutions.
Saudi Arabia says its assistance will continue to combine relief with development-focused initiatives. Such efforts aim to support vulnerable families while helping communities rebuild vital infrastructure. At the same time, cooperation on voluntary refugee returns remains a central element of the Kingdom’s stated approach. The overall program reflects an effort to connect immediate humanitarian needs with longer-term recovery and reconstruction priorities.
