In a move reflecting growing community awareness and the deep-rooted values of giving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Makkah region released its annual statistics for 2025, revealing record numbers in the volunteer work sector. The Authority announced that more than half a million volunteer hours were recorded, highlighting the vital role volunteers play in supporting the emergency and humanitarian system in the holiest place on earth.
Figures reflect the scale of the donation
Official statistics revealed that the total number of volunteer hours reached 500,559 , contributed through 10,358 diverse volunteer opportunities. These opportunities witnessed a significant turnout from Saudi men and women, with the total number of volunteers reaching 57,982 . This number comprised 41,837 male and 16,145 female volunteers, underscoring the inclusive nature of volunteer work across all segments of society and the active participation of Saudi women in this vital sector.
National context and ambitious vision
These figures cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader national context. This achievement aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which has established volunteer work as a cornerstone, aiming to reach one million volunteers annually. The success of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Makkah in attracting such a large number is a strong indicator of the success of strategic plans aimed at promoting a culture of volunteerism and transforming it from individual initiatives into organized, impactful institutional work.
Geographical distribution and vital areas
In terms of geographical distribution within the region, Jeddah the list with 3,557 volunteer opportunities, followed by Mecca with 2,713, due to its high population density and constant movement. Taif came in third with 1,458 opportunities. The remaining opportunities were distributed among the various governorates and centers of the region based on actual need.
Volunteering has diversified to include multiple paths that directly serve the community, most notably:
- The emergency field: This is the main nerve center of the organization's work, where volunteers participate in providing first aid and handling emergency cases.
- The humanitarian field: This includes supporting needy groups and participating in community initiatives.
- The administrative, media, environmental and educational fields: which aim to raise awareness and facilitate operational processes.
Strategic importance of serving the guests of God
Volunteer work in the Makkah region holds special and exceptional importance compared to other regions, given its role as the home of the Grand Mosque and the holy sites. These volunteer hours directly contribute to supporting the Hajj and Umrah seasons, as volunteers form a vital support for official ambulance teams in managing crowds and providing urgent medical care to pilgrims. This enhances the quality of services provided and reflects the Kingdom's positive image in serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
A call for participation and sustainability
In closing, the Authority affirmed its ongoing commitment to empowering institutional volunteer work and enhancing the skills of volunteers through continuous training and development. It reiterated its invitation to all members of the community who wish to have the honor of serving and contributing to this noble humanitarian endeavor to register through the “Volunteer With Us” platform to learn about available opportunities and participate in making a positive impact.
