Institutional evolution of Saudi Arabia’s foreign aid: roles, responsibilities, and shifts in governmental entities

In the existing research on Saudi foreign aid motivations, the roles of specific aid agencies remain insufficiently addressed. This study identifies and clarifies the roles of key Saudi entities involved in foreign aid, highlighting the gradual evolution of their responsibilities. Key actors include the Saudi Fund for Development, Ministry of Education, and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief). This study further examines the shifting landscape of Saudi aid, including the transition of responsibilities between ministries, such as the transfer of charity aid duties from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Saudi aid is categorised into five types: general humanitarian aid, development assistance, charity aid, volunteer humanitarian aid, and aid for refugees. The analysis reveals patterns in funding allocation across sectors, with KSRelief emerging as the dominant provider. It also explores how Saudi aid adapts to the specific needs of recipient countries, including specialised initiatives, such as the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. The findings indicate that Saudi Arabia’s foreign aid entities are undergoing change, becoming more organised, and clearly defining the responsibilities of each entity.