Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips. (SPA)
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Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services.

The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.

Ehsan has also begun accepting Zakat Al-Fitr donations digitally to ensure prompt distribution to eligible recipients across the Kingdom.

This follows the approved charitable methods of Ehsan’s Shariah Committee, chaired by Royal Court Adviser Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

Donors can pay Zakat Al-Fitr via the Ehsan app or website, specifying the administrative region and the number of recipients. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities across all regions.

As part of the fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, Zakat Al-Fitr distribution aims to empower the community during this season of giving and fulfill religious obligations, according to the SPA.

Supporting charitable initiatives, King Salman donated SR40 million ($10.6 million), while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contributed SR30 million for the fifth campaign. So far, total donations have exceeded SR1 billion.

This achievement reflects Saudi society’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and compassion during Ramadan. Contributions have come from individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.

The 2024 campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion through 15 million transactions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.


King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

Updated 20 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

  • Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.

One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.

The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.

The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader. 

Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.