KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Syria
Updated 29 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian aid agency KSrelief continues to deliver much-needed support in crisis-hit nations and help alleviate the suffering of their affected populations.
In Lebanon’s Western Beqaa region, the aid agency handed out 469 packages for 2,345 individuals as part of a food aid distribution project for the most vulnerable families there, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In Syria’s Damascus governorate, KSrelief distributed 314 boxes of food aid to families affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In Afghanistan, SPA reported that KSrelief had provided 5,500 boxes of food supplies under a program that supported Afghan refugees returning to their country.
About 33,000 individuals from the provinces of Kabul, Kandahar and Nangarhar have benefited from the distribution.
KSrelief also distributed shelter aid, including 4,882 tents and other household supplies, to more than 34,000 displaced individuals across 13 provinces, SPA added.
In July, KSrelief launched a food-security support and emergency response project in Afghanistan, which provided 5,000 food boxes in Nangarhar province for the benefit of 30,000 individuals who have returned from Pakistan.
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future
Updated 08 February 2026
Arab News
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces.
The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Makkah’s Hira Cultural District has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity. (SPA photo)
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
City’s transformation recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. (SPA photo)
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
