Saudis pay it forward through online donations

In the internet age, it is easier than ever to donate to charity in the Kingdom, safe in the knowledge it will help those most in need. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 05 April 2023
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Saudis pay it forward through online donations

  • State-regulated online platforms have revolutionized the way public donations are collected and used
  • Regulation of online platforms has allowed for more accountability and cut off sources of funding for illicit organizations

JEDDAH: For many people around the world, the gift of giving is one of the most profound charitable acts one can perform to help those who are less privileged. It is an inbuilt desire to help others, and in today’s modern, high-tech and digitally driven world, many choose to “pay it forward” with a simple click of a button.

Since the launch of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation program in 2016, the government has been busy creating infrastructure to improve the services it provides for citizens and residents alike. From banking systems and court hearings to the issuance of business permits and health services, all this and more besides has been enhanced by creating a solid regulatory framework to ensure seamless experiences for beneficiaries based on their needs.

Generosity, giving and charitable values are noble characteristics significantly endorsed and deeply rooted in Saudi society through Islamic teachings. Many people are invested in aiding others who are less fortunate and having a positive impact on society. Thanks to advances in digital technology, several national charitable platforms have been established in the Kingdom that provide vital services both to donors and beneficiaries.

The process of turning donations digital is a challenging task but state-regulated online platforms have revolutionized the ways in which public contributions are collected and used.

For decades, charitable causes often worked to raise record amounts in record time but one downside was the inability to easily follow the money trail. Donation boxes were plentiful across the nation, at mosques, malls and supermarkets, and more often than not a volunteer would be on hand to explain the cause and persuade a donor to step up and give something back.

However, shadowy organizations such as terror networks depend on illicit funding, often hiding behind charitable organizations that are exploited by criminals who mobilize women, children the elderly and the disabled. In 2016, therefore, the Saudi Interior Ministry made it illegal for organizations to raise funds without first obtaining a permit from the authorities.

The Kingdom has also implemented robust policies across its financial and banking sectors with the aim of cutting the financial flows that contribute to money laundering and the financing of terrorist groups.




Legal steps have been taken to crack down on begging and other unofficial collections. (AFP)

It has reformed its banking laws to require that charitable organizations have single-disbursement bank accounts and an approved official with signatory authority, to maintain tighter control on funds. Special units monitor and investigate suspicious financial transactions, in coordination with the Saudi Central Bank and the nation’s other banks.

During Ramadan in years gone by, people were often seen begging for money at entrances to shopping centers, supermarkets and hospitals, and even at traffic lights. Their numbers have dwindled in recent years as a result of an anti-begging law adopted by the Kingdom in 2021.

The penalties for those who break it, including anyone who cooperates with a beggar or incites someone to beg, are up to a year in prison, a $26,000 fine, or both, according to the Saudi Public Prosecution. Non-Saudis convicted of the crime will be deported after serving their sentence and only allowed to reenter the country to perform Hajj or Umrah.

In early 2022, the Ministry of Interior arrested an Asian woman who had collected more than $31,000 from begging. A Yemeni man was arrested for obtaining about $30,000 from worshippers at a mosque.

Though many unsanctioned collections are believed to have been for legitimate causes, it is undeniable that they come with a higher risk of fraud or illicit transactions. As artificial intelligence is increasingly deployed throughout society, is making a profound difference in the financing and operation of the private and public sectors, including non-profit organizations.

To protect citizens from exploitation and fraud, digital transformation initiatives have been expanded in the charitable sector through the creation of a number of regulated services, including Ehsan, Shefaa, KSrelief, and the National Donations Platform, that are developed and supervised by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.

The most effective way to safeguard donations is to equip charitable platforms with a multilayered system of security and monitoring, to ensure donations reach beneficiaries quickly. They follow the highest standards of transparency in administrative and financial practices and apply the highest technical standards in information security.

In 2020, Jood Al-Eskan, a charitable housing platform that supports families in need of accommodation, was established as part of the National Developmental Housing Foundation (Sakan). It recently launched the charitable Food Eskan subscription campaign, the first charitable initiative of its kind in the housing sector. It aims to raise $266 million by issuing 100 million stocks at $2.67 per share, and is designed to raise awareness of the importance of investing in community-driven social initiatives.

In 2021, Waqfy, a platform for charitable crowdfunding, was established to operate alongside the National Donations Platform. Waqfy operates under the supervision of the General Authority of Endowments, which aims to encourage community participation and support of projects through the provision of digital payment options. More than 230 campaigns have been launched so far and nearly 700,000 donors have contributed more than $86 million.




Saudi officials are working to ensure the charity better serves all those it can help. (Social media)

The National Donations Platform itself offers multiple options for donors, providing the ideal way for them to help people in need across the Kingdom through the provision of a safe and transparent donations process.

Through the platform, donors can select a project and information is provided to give them a better understanding of the work it carries out, the amount of funding it needs for this, the number of beneficiaries, the individuals that benefit (such as the elderly, families without support, people with special needs, widows and orphans, or mosques), and more besides.

After a donation is made the funds are sent directly to the beneficiaries, and Donors can follow up on the progress of the projects by using mobile applications or other online platforms.

Ehsan allows people to donate to initiatives in a number of fields, including social, educational, relief, environmental, and economic. It enables users to create fundraising causes and select projects to benefit, such as hospice care for patients at home, aid for widows and orphans, and care packages.

Approximately 60 million activities have been conducted so far, benefiting 4.8 million people.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority launched an online platform in 2021. Zakaty offers guidance to zakat (an Islamic charity tax) payers on the proper procedures under Shariah, helping to save them time and effort through a simple system of calculation and direct online payment.

After payment is made, the money is transferred to the Social Solidarity Fund at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, where more than $114 million of zakat has been paid by 171,000 people and distributed to beneficiaries.

Shefaa, an initiative of the Health Endowment Fund, targets residents who need financial assistance for specific health reasons, such as cancer treatment, cataract surgery, and congenital heart defects. Each case is presented with a brief, the city involved, and the funds needed, and users are able to share the case with their contacts to help boost the number of donations.

The crucial impacts made by non-profit organizations stem from their ability to promote social solidarity among all members of society by encouraging various forms of humanitarian, in areas such such as the environment and health.

The Kingdom’s Presidency of State Security has warned citizens and residents against donating to strangers. It advises people to donate only through authorized and official channels, and to report anyone involved in begging by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 in all other parts of the Kingdom.

 
 


Hail’s ancient legacy of life and language etched in stone

Updated 10 May 2025
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Hail’s ancient legacy of life and language etched in stone

  • Thamudic scripts, petroglyphs carved into rock in Hail offers a glimpse of Arabian Peninsula’s civilizations thousands of years ago

MAKKAH: Carved into the rocks of Hail, across its mountains and plateaus, Thamudic inscriptions stand as enduring testaments to a civilization that flourished over thousands of years ago.

More than mere markings, these inscriptions form a visual archive that offers rich insights into the lives, beliefs, customs and language of ancient Arabs, preserving their names, expressions, and everyday experiences.

Mamdouh Al-Fadel, a researcher into the history of Hail and ancient Thamudic Arabic inscriptions, told Arab News that Thamudic script was one of the most important early forms of Arabic writing.

“These inscriptions offer detailed insights into both religious and social life. They preserve a vivid record of names and ancient Arabic vocabulary.

“And portray animals that inhabited the region at the time, such as camels, ibex, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, and ostriches, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of the desert environment and way of life during that period.”

The Thamudic scripts had been found across many regions, particularly in the north, including Hail, Tayma, Tabuk and AlUla.  (Supplied)

Al-Fadel said that among the most significant sites preserving these rock arts and inscriptions are Jabal Umm Sinman in the city of Jubbah, as well as the sites of Yatab, Janine Mountain, Al-Tuwal Mountain, Al-Julf, Habran, Al-Musma, and Arnan.

He said the rich vocabulary and the diversity of names found at these sites reflect the depth and complexity of social and cultural life during that era.

He highlighted the significant global impact of these discoveries, which have turned the inscription sites in Hail into important destinations for researchers and visitors from around the world.

Several of these locations, such as Jubbah, Jabal Al-Manjor, and Jabal Raat at Shuwaymis are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, reflecting their profound archeological significance and cultural value on the global stage.

Al-Fadel said the Ministry of Culture is preserving these ancient petroglyphs by documenting archeological sites, conducting regular inspections, and fostering continuous research and academic studies.

When asked about the most striking aspects of life portrayed in the inscriptions, Al-Fadel explained: “They reveal a wealth of information about religious rituals, diverse hunting techniques, and the tools used, such as bows and arrows, spears, and even boomerangs.

“The inscriptions also depict clever hunting strategies, festive occasions like wedding dances, methods of adapting to the desert environment, the domestication of animals, and scenes of horse and camel racing, all illustrated with remarkable realism and detail.”

The script encompasses thousands of inscriptions written in various ancient Arabic languages and dialects. (SUpplied

The Thamudic inscriptions in Hail stand as timeless historical treasures that transport us to the far reaches of antiquity, placing the Kingdom among the earliest cradles of human civilization.

Saad Al-Sharif, a researcher in ancient Arabic inscriptions, notes that the Thamudic script is among the oldest and most significant writing systems used in the Arabian Peninsula.

It has been found across many regions, particularly in the north, including Hail, Tayma, Tabuk and AlUla.

He said that the script is not directly attributed to the Thamud tribe, but scholars had adopted the term “Thamudic” as a convenient label to categorize it.

The script encompasses thousands of inscriptions written in various ancient Arabic languages and dialects.

Al-Sharif said Thamudic inscriptions are a vital source for understanding the linguistic evolution of Arabic, acting as a transitional link between ancient scripts such as Lihyanite and Nabataean and the modern Arabic script.

He underscored the importance of continued research and exploration in this field to deepen understanding of the Arabian Peninsula’s history.
 

 

 


How new car manufacturers and startups are turning Saudi Arabia into an electric mobility hub

Updated 10 May 2025
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How new car manufacturers and startups are turning Saudi Arabia into an electric mobility hub

  • As global automakers like Tesla and Lucid expand, Saudi Arabia fast-tracks its EV transition under Vision 2030
  • Public-private partnerships power Saudi EV growth, with firms like ESSCO rolling out climate-resilient charging solutions nationwide

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle sector is gaining traction, marked by Tesla’s first dealership in Riyadh and a growing network of charging stations, signaling increased foreign investment and a drive toward sustainability.

The momentum aligns with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s reform plan that prioritizes sustainability and clean energy. As the government sets the stage for widespread electric vehicle adoption, companies are rapidly expanding infrastructure to meet rising local demand.

Industry leaders say the Kingdom’s approach resonates beyond its borders.

“We see Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainability not merely as a national initiative, but as a global inspiration,” Abdulmajeed Al-Ghamdi, general manager of sustainable solutions company ESSCO, told Arab News.

“With the development of mega-projects and smart cities powered by clean energy and intelligent mobility, we believe the future holds unprecedented potential and we are ready to be a part of it.”

ESSCO is among the companies helping to build Saudi Arabia’s EV charging network, balancing environmental priorities with user convenience. Through partnerships with leading EV charger manufacturers in Europe and China, the company has trained its workforce in installation and operational procedures.

People check out a car on display during Tesla's official launch ceremony in Riyadh on April 10, 2025. The Tesla electric vehicle company owned by billionaire Elon Musk on April 10 opened its first showrooms in oil-rich Saudi Arabia, where hybrid cars are still not a common sight. (AFP)

Al-Ghamdi believes ESSCO’s nationwide maintenance expertise gives the company a competitive edge.

“The nature of our company, which also specializes in maintenance, gives us a significant advantage, as we already have high caliber maintenance teams distributed across various regions in the Kingdom,” he said.

“This widespread presence allows us to deploy resources quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring timely project execution.” 

To align with regulatory standards, ESSCO collaborates with the Saudi Electricity Company and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. ESSCO is also addressing the unique challenges posed by the Kingdom’s vast terrain and extreme climate.

“These standards are based on rigorous data and research provided by SASO, which plays a crucial — though sometimes under-recognized — role in advancing sustainability efforts in the Kingdom,” Al-Ghamdi said.

DID YOU KNOW?

• EVs don’t emit exhaust gases, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• The global EV market is expected to reach $1.57 trillion by 2032.

• China leads the global EV market, accounting for some 58 percent of global EV production in 2023, driven by its top automaker, BYD.

Rather than viewing the harsh climate as a hurdle, ESSCO sees it as a chance for innovation.

“Drawing from our extensive experience with solar energy systems in both public and private sector projects, we are actively working on integrating solar power and energy storage solutions into our EV charging infrastructure,” Al-Ghamdi explained.

“By capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s abundant natural sunlight, we are helping pave the way for a more self-sustaining and resilient charging network.”

The company’s work highlights the growing cooperation between the public and private sectors in building a sustainable EV infrastructure.

“We closely follow the significant role played by the Public Investment Fund in driving large-scale investments in the EV sector,” Al-Ghamdi explained.

PIF has played a central role in advancing the Kingdom’s EV industry, most notably through its backing of Lucid, a US-based electric vehicle manufacturer.

Lucid established the Kingdom’s first EV production facility and became the first global automaker to join the “Made in Saudi” program — a milestone in localizing high-tech manufacturing and promoting national industrial growth.

The firm’s assembly plant in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Economic City, which opened in September 2023, is already operational, with a full-scale manufacturing facility expected by 2026.

“I’m very proud of the team, what we’ve been able to accomplish in Saudi Arabia — the first-ever international automotive manufacturing plant in the Kingdom,” Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director of Lucid Middle East, told Arab News earlier this year.

Lucid is not the only player driving Saudi Arabia’s EV ambitions.

Ceer, the Kingdom’s first homegrown electric vehicle brand, is also preparing to launch its debut model in 2026. The company’s production facility is designed for an annual output of 240,000 units, CEO Jim DeLuca told Arab News earlier this year.

Despite global headwinds, DeLuca remains optimistic — but realistic — about the pace of EV adoption.

In the same interview, he acknowledged that global market growth has been slower than expected, noting that product quality, affordability, infrastructure and government incentives will determine how quickly Saudi Arabia transitions to EVs.

“The Ministry of Investment is working on ecosystem incentives to accelerate EV adoption,” DeLuca said. “We see steady growth in the early days, but incentives will be key to making EVs the catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s automotive transformation.”

Backed by the PIF, both Lucid and Ceer benefit from an expanding web of financial support, industrial licensing and regulatory frameworks. These tools have created fertile ground for a local EV ecosystem — one that attracts international players while empowering domestic champions.

The Kingdom’s ambitions stretch beyond manufacturing.

In 2023, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co. inaugurated a research and development center in Riyadh, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s push toward becoming a regional innovation hub. That same year, the Kingdom launched its first EV fast-charging station in the capital, marking a critical milestone in public infrastructure readiness.

Saudi Arabia’s bold push into the EV market signals more than just an economic pivot; it positions the Kingdom as a leader in environmental transformation across the Middle East.

With Vision 2030 in full swing, the country has committed billions to electrifying its transport sector. Its dual-track strategy — nurturing local brands like Ceer while partnering with global manufacturers like Lucid — underscores a long-term commitment to sustainability.

Adding momentum to this shift, Tesla opened its first dealership and service center in Saudi Arabia in April 2025, marking a key milestone in its Middle East expansion. The flagship Riyadh location offers the Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck. Tesla also plans pop-up stores in Jeddah and Dammam, along with new Supercharger stations and service centers.

The effort comes as the region, long dependent on oil exports, faces growing international pressure to decarbonize. By advancing EV adoption, Saudi Arabia is setting a new tone — one focused on reducing transport-related carbon emissions and improving urban air quality in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.

EV adoption is only part of the equation. With parallel investments in renewable energy — including solar and green hydrogen — the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a carbon-neutral power grid. This transition could eventually allow EVs to operate with net-zero emissions, amplifying their environmental impact.

Regionally, Saudi Arabia’s leadership is likely to influence policy beyond its borders.

As the largest economy in the Arab world, the Kingdom’s bold approach to sustainable mobility may push neighboring Gulf states to follow suit — whether through regulatory reform, infrastructure development or public-private collaboration. 
 

 


Saudi and Moroccan Islamic affairs ministers meet to discuss bilateral cooperation

Updated 6 sec ago
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Saudi and Moroccan Islamic affairs ministers meet to discuss bilateral cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh received Moroccan Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Al-Tawfiq at his residence on Thursday. 

The two discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation in serving Islam and enhancing joint efforts on issues of concern to the Islamic world. Several senior officials were also present at the meeting.
 

 

 


EU delegation to Riyadh celebrates Europe Day 2025

EU Ambassador Christophe Farnaud cutting cake with Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji at Europe Day 2025
Updated 09 May 2025
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EU delegation to Riyadh celebrates Europe Day 2025

  • We are privileged to be Saudi Arabia’s strategic partner says EU envoy
  • Occasion celebrates day in 1950 when the Schuman Declaration was adopted

RIYADH: The Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia hosted a reception on Thursday night at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter to celebrate Europe Day.

Europe Day officially falls on May 9 to mark the adoption of the Schuman Declaration, which in 1950 laid the foundations of what would later become the European Union. The occasion holds special significance this year as it marks 75 years of the signing of the declaration.

Guest of honor was Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji.

Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, said May 9, 1950 paved the way for the birth of the EU as a project of peace for the European continent.

What became known as the Schuman Declaration sought to make war “not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible.”

In recognition of this extraordinary achievement, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012, he added.

The Schuman Declaration is a powerful reminder that peace is not a given. It must be nurtured, defended, and promoted, he said, adding that after being the battleground for two world wars, Europe learned the hard way that it is only through cooperation and creating interconnected societies that countries can achieve lasting peace, prosperity and progress.

While the world is changing rapidly and becoming more fragmented, the EU continues to promote dialogue, stability, prosperity and mutual understanding.

Against this backdrop, Farnaud said: “We are privileged to be Saudi Arabia’s strategic partner as the Kingdom opens up to the world, having embarked on a spectacular social and economic transformation under the Vision 2030 program.

This partnership grows stronger every day — solid, productive and expanding. We have found common ground across many sectors, including security, economic cooperation, energy, green transition, tourism, education, the arts and sports.”

Over the past year, he said, bilateral relations have achieved significant milestones and an exceptional number of high-level visits and exchanges between the EU and Saudi Arabia further strengthened ties.

In October last year, the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit was held in Brussels, a historic moment, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attending.

“We have common geopolitical interests. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing major crisis in Palestine and Israel frame the challenges of our shared future. The EU welcomed the Saudi role to facilitate a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Farnaud said.

“On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we have joined efforts to reinvigorate the political process toward a two-state solution and established the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-sponsored by Saudi Arabia, Norway and the EU,” he said.

On the economic front the EU is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner and its first direct foreign investor.

“But we want to go further, whether through free trade agreements, sectoral collaborations or expanded dialogue,” the ambassador said.

“Last year we launched the European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region.

“Another area is security cooperation. Through naval operations Atalanta and Aspides, the EU contributes to freedom of navigation, safeguarding maritime security in this region, from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.”

The EU on Feb. 19 last year launched the EU Naval Force Operation Aspides, in response to escalating Houthi attacks on warships and merchant vessels in the Red Sea and northwest Indian Ocean.


Saudi Arabia takes part in Doha International Book Fair 2025

Updated 09 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia takes part in Doha International Book Fair 2025

  • Saudi delegation is led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, is participating in the 34th Doha International Book Fair 2025, being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center May 8-17.

The Saudi delegation, headed by the commission, includes prominent literary and cultural figures including representatives from the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, the King Abdulaziz Public Library, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, the King Fahd National Library, Nasher Publishing and Distribution Co., and the Publishing Association.

The Saudi pavilion features a rich and diverse array of cultural and literary content that reflects the vibrant creative landscape of the Kingdom.

Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasel, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, emphasized that the Kingdom’s participation in the Doha International Book Fair stems from the strong cultural ties between the Kingdom and Qatar.

He explained that the commission seeks, through this participation, to enhance joint cooperation in the fields of literature, publishing, and translation, given the flourishing cultural movement and intellectual advancement witnessed in the Kingdom and Qatar.

He noted that the exhibition represents a supportive opportunity for the publishing market, allowing Saudi publishers to connect with their counterparts from around the world.

The book fair serves as an important platform to boost the Kingdom’s presence on the international stage, opening doors for knowledge exchange and fostering engagement with intellectuals and publishing houses from around the world, embodying cultural integration that enriches both parties and enhances intercultural dialogue.

Through its participation in the fair, Saudi Arabia aims to provide visitors from various countries with the opportunity to see the extent of the cultural progress and transformation taking place in the Kingdom under Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the literature, publishing, and translation sectors. 

The Doha International Book Fair launched in 1972, and organized by the Ministry of Information and Culture, was transformed into an international exhibition in 1982.