Riyadh | BETH

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Kingdom’s religious attachés at Saudi embassies worldwide, has begun implementing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ programs for the distribution of dates and the provision of Iftar meals to fasting people across the Islamic world, starting from the first day of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH.

The two programs aim to support fasting communities in dozens of countries by distributing dates and organizing communal Iftar meals, in line with the nutritional needs of the holy month, while promoting the values of solidarity and humanitarian compassion within Muslim societies.

These initiatives are implemented annually as part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to serve Islam and Muslims, and to strengthen bonds of brotherhood among peoples through direct humanitarian and community-based programs across multiple continents.

BETH Insight | Values-Based Diplomacy in a Time of Global Strain

Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan initiatives go beyond traditional charitable support, reflecting a broader humanitarian and civilizational approach:

1) A Global Ethical Presence
Sharing Iftar meals with Muslims around the world is not merely humanitarian aid; it represents a symbolic message that the Kingdom remains present in the spiritual and daily lives of Muslim communities—not only in major political matters.

2) Institutional Continuity, Not Seasonal Aid
These programs are neither ad hoc nor temporary. They are structured annual initiatives, enhancing their credibility and embedding them in the “Ramadan memory” of many countries.

3) Complementing Saudi Humanitarian Outreach
This track aligns with the broader humanitarian role of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in conflict zones and disaster-affected areas, forming an integrated Saudi model of:

relief + development + symbolic humanitarian presence.

4) Soft Power Through Values
In an era of intensifying competition for influence through economics, military power, and technology, Saudi Arabia maintains a parallel path of “quiet soft power” rooted in shared religious and humanitarian values—less visible, yet deeply influential in shaping long-term public perception.

BETH Takeaway

Saudi Arabia is not only a political and economic actor in the Islamic world, but also a moral and humanitarian presence during moments of worship and solidarity.
This form of engagement—often quiet—builds lasting symbolic capital that extends beyond headlines into the deeper layers of collective memory and perception across Muslim societies.