Saudi Arabia launches Ramadan programs in Ethiopia: Dates and Iftar meals for thousands of fasting people
As part of its ongoing efforts to serve Islam and Muslims worldwide, and in keeping with the values of social solidarity that characterize the holy month of Ramadan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, launched the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Gift" program to distribute dates and provide iftar meals for fasting individuals in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The official launch ceremony was held in the capital, Addis Ababa, in the presence of prominent diplomatic and Islamic figures.
Strengthening fraternal and historical ties
This annual event underscores the deep historical ties and strong fraternal bonds that unite the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Ethiopia, Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Zahrani, and the Religious Attaché at the Embassy, Saud bin Mutlaq Al-Ghuwairi. The ceremony also witnessed a high-level presence from the Ethiopian side, including the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Tufa, Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Arusi, and the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Oromia Region, Sheikh Gali Mukhtar, reflecting the official and popular appreciation for Saudi Arabia's leading role.
Details of aid and beneficiary numbers
The Religious Attaché at the Saudi Embassy revealed details of this year's program, which includes the distribution of 20 tons of premium dates, benefiting approximately 80,000 people. In parallel, the program for providing iftar meals to those fasting during Ramadan has been expanded to include around 30,000 beneficiaries, geographically distributed to ensure access for the most vulnerable groups in the capital, Addis Ababa, the Afar and Amhara regions, and other areas.
In his speech during the ceremony, Ambassador Al-Zahrani stressed that these programs come in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership - may God support them - and are being implemented for the tenth consecutive year, noting that they represent a gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to his Muslim brothers in Ethiopia, with the aim of addressing their needs and bringing joy to their hearts in this holy month.
Humanitarian impact and support for families in need
For his part, Dr. Ibrahim Tufa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ethiopia, praised this generous gesture, emphasizing that the program directly contributes to supporting thousands of needy families and providing for their food needs during the month of Ramadan. He noted that the continuation of these initiatives reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting Muslims and serving their humanitarian causes, thus strengthening the bonds of love and brotherhood between the two nations.
Global context of the Kingdom's efforts
It is worth noting that this initiative in Ethiopia is part of a massive global campaign led by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, which is implementing a date distribution program in 120 countries and a program to provide iftar meals for fasting Muslims in 70 countries around the world during the current month of Ramadan. These figures underscore the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the heart of the Islamic world and its tireless efforts to strengthen Islamic solidarity and extend a helping hand to those in need across different continents.
